Kansas State debuted at No. 9 in the College Football Playoff Rankings. They have a chance to boost their résumé at home on Saturday against Oklahoma State, a team that's dropped from No. 15 to unranked in the polls after back-to-back losses.
Brandon Chatmon and Max Olson break down the key Big 12 matchup in Manhattan:
How Oklahoma State can earn the upset: Get back to its defensive roots. The Cowboys' defense has been better than anticipated, especially considering the youth on that side of the football. Yet forced turnovers, OSU’s bread-and-butter, have been missing. After averaging 2.5 forced turnovers per game during the past four seasons, OSU is averaging one per game in 2014. If the Cowboys force two or three turnovers, which won’t be easy, against Kansas State, then the Pokes will have a chance of leaving Manhattan with a W. -- Chatmon
How Kansas State can control the game: The Wildcats have won 44 straight games when leading at halftime, and they're scoring more far points in the second quarter than in any other quarter this season. They've become adept at setting the tone in all three phases and making teams play games their way. With a healthier Jake Waters, that should be even easier this week. The way K-State manhandled Texas up front last week made a huge difference, too. -- Olson
Oklahoma State’s X factor: Receiver James Washington has the talent to be a game-changer if the Cowboys can find a way to get him the ball. His competitiveness and ball skills could make him the next great receiver but inexperience at quarterback and along the offensive line have combined to limit his impact. But it only takes a few plays to change the game and Washington has the talent to make it happen. -- Chatmon
Kansas State's X factor: Turnovers! The great equalizer and game-changer in any close ballgame. Kansas State has been superb on this front in Big 12 play: Four games, one turnover, eight takeaways. One of the best turnover margins in conference play in FBS. Keep that trend going and KSU is going to be awfully tough to beat. -- Olson
What a win would mean for Oklahoma State: The Cowboys would become bowl eligible with games against Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma remaining. It would be a clear sign Mike Gundy’s inexperienced squad is maturing and, most importantly, learning from the setbacks that have shaped the past two weeks. -- Chatmon
What a win would mean for Kansas State: TCU and Baylor get all the attention, but don't forget that K-State sits alone atop the Big 12 standings. The Wildcats would improve to 5-0 in Big 12 play with three ranked teams still left on their slate. And all three of those games are on the road. The Wildcats must get good home wins and momentum however they can. -- Olson