Kansas State has played very well this season, rising to eighth in the BCS poll on the strength of a 7-0 record. Oklahoma was seen as a national title contender before a stunning loss to Texas Tech dropped them to ninth. Today at 3:30 p.m., the Sooners and Wildcats meet in a key game for both teams as the winner will be the Big 12 driver's seat, while the loser will tumble in the rankings.
After being an understudy to Sam Bradford, Landry Jones has taken control of the Oklahoma offense and become one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The junior has completed 65 percent of his passes, with 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. As soon as Jones decides to declare himself eligible for the NFL Draft, he will become a projected high pick for any team looking for a quarterback. For now, Jones will have to stay focused on beating Kansas State.
Jones has Football Bowl Subdivision career receptions leader Ryan Broyles to throw to when he is pressured. Broyles has accumulated eye-popping numbers for the Sooners, with 333 career catches for 4,328 yards and 44 touchdowns. Broyles is always a threat to have a big game and should see plenty of balls thrown his way.
On the ground, the Sooners depend on junior walk-on running back Dominique Whaley to shoulder the load. Whaley is on pace to pass 1,000 yards this year, while also being a threat to catch passes out of the backfield. Whaley slashed the Kansas defense two weeks ago for 165 yards on 30 carries.
For Kansas State, dual-threat junior quarterback Collin Klein holds the reins. Klein leads the team in passing, as well as rushing. Klein has a combined 22 touchdowns and is a threat to scramble when the pocket collapses and in designed quarterback runs. Klein has amassed over 600 rushing yards and 934 passing yards this season.
Head Coach Bill Snyder has turned around the Wildcats program immensely in his second stint in Manhattan. After two seasons around .500, the Wildcats have become one of the best teams in the country.
Oklahoma is a perennial contender under Bob Stoops and always bring a talented squad into any game.
These offenses will battle back and forth, making for compelling action with a high ranking at stake. It will be tight throughout the game, but Oklahoma should win with Jones and Broyles leading the way.
Prediction: Oklahoma 35, Kansas State 28
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