Our weekly look ahead at six Big 12 players who are poised to surprise or might be due for a big performance.

Kansas State RB DeMarcus Robinson: Think the Wildcats talked about their run game during their bye? If not for two late runs by a backup QB, K-State would've finished with 22 yards on the ground against TCU. Robinson and Charles Jones need to step up this week against a West Virginia defense that shut down Baylor's run game but has given up 200-plus on the ground in its last two losses.

West Virginia S Karl Joseph: He's in contention to make some All-Big 12 teams but needs to finish strong to rack up the honors he deserves. At one point against Texas, he knocked both running backs Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray out of the game on the same drive. There might not be a harder hitter in the league, so you know he can change the makeup of this K-State game in an instant.

Oklahoma WR Michiah Quick: This freshman is electric and fun to watch when he gets the ball and a little space, but it wasn't thrown his way much last week at Texas Tech. Whether or not Sterling Shepard plays -- seems like he'll be a game-time decision -- Oklahoma coaches should find more ways to utilize Quick against Kansas. He can make Cody Thomas' job much easier.

Texas Tech LB Pete Robertson: Is he the best Big 12 defender you haven't heard of? Maybe so. Robertson is up to nine sacks on the season and will get a shot to rack up a few more on the road at Iowa State. Eight of his nine sacks have come since Mike Smith took over as the Red Raiders' interim defensive coordinator.

Iowa State QB Sam B. Richardson: It's been a tough month for Richardson, but after missing one game and getting a bye week to let his shoulder heal, he makes his return this week against Texas Tech. Having to watch Iowa State's loss to Kansas from the sideline should have him plenty motivated this week. If the Richardson who nearly beat Texas can show up on Saturday, the Red Raiders had better look out.

Oklahoma State offensive line: A group that ranks in the bottom 10 nationally in sacks allowed desperately needs to protect its quarterback(s) this week. Whether the quarterback is true freshman Mason Rudolph playing in (and starting) his first career game or a recently concussed Daxx Garman, they need to be kept out of harm's way as much as possible. And that's easier said than done with Shawn Oakman, Andrew Billings and Beau Blackshear coming after you.