CRFF Opponent Preview: Kansas State University Wildcats

When: November 5^th, Game Time TBD

Where: Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium

Watch/Listen: Cowboy Radio Network, (TV Broadcast TBD)

In week nine of the season, The Cowboys head to Manhattan, Kansas to face the Wildcats. This is the 63^rd meeting between the two schools with OSU leading the series 38-24. Here’s what you need to know about this season’s matchup.

Last Year:

The Wildcats went 7-6 (3-6 in conference), ending the season with a 45-23 loss to Arkansas in The Liberty Bowl. Kansas State had a six game losing streak in the middle of the season, but won their final three to reach bowl eligibility. That included a comeback victory over West Virginia in their final game.

The Wildcats enter their 25^th season with Bill Snyder at the helm. The 7^th season of his second run as head coach.

Last Meeting:

OSU found themselves in a situation they had seen before, facing a real test from a quarterback no one had ever heard from. This time it was Kody Cook, a wide receiver. He took over for Joe Hubener who got knocked out after a hit just moments into the game. OSU trailed 28-20 at halftime. Late in the fourth they finally got a 33-28 lead on a Mason Rudolph pass to Brandon Shepard. Kansas responded with a touchdown of their own. The Cowboys needed a Ben Grogan field goal and a Michael Hunter interception in the closing seconds to seal the comeback victory.

Who To Watch For:

The Wildcats get back Quarterback Jesse Ertz, who missed the season after a torn ACL in the first game of the 2015 season. He’s expected to be named the starter this year and will get the chance to show why he won the job last year.

It’s the Kansas State defense though that is going to win some games, with All-Big 12 picks Defensive Tackle Will Geary and Linebacker Elijah Lee leading the way. Lee led the team with 80 tackles last season. A weak secondary should be improved this season with the return of all-conference safety Dante Barnett.

What We Will Learn From Our Matchup:

Since 1988, we’ve only won in Manhattan twice, with the most recent victory coming in 2010. This was a close game last season in Stillwater and I expect OSU to be facing an improved Wildcats team. I can see this game getting close especially if the Cowboy o-line hasn’t improved as much as we hope. I also have a weird feeling it’s going to be another defensive battle like last year. If Snyder has his team figured out, which he usually does at this point in the season, It’s going to be a long night in Manhattan.

Prediction: OSU 31 - KSU 30