Kansas State will rely on Blake Barnett to lead its offense against Oklahoma State on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium as the Wildcats look to snap a two-game losing streak. Barnett will be the fourth different starting quarterback for Kansas State this season after regular starter Avery Johnson suffered an injury that could sideline him for the rest of the year.
The Wildcats enter the game with a 4-4 overall record and 1-4 in Big 12 play. Their opponents, Oklahoma State, sit at 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference but have lost two of their last three games, including a 51-49 defeat at Iowa State last week. Despite the recent setbacks, Oklahoma State consistently scores at least 32 points each week, a streak that started after their opening loss to Tulsa.
Oklahoma State’s offense centers on quarterback Drew Mestemaker, regarded as one of the top draft prospects in college football. Mestemaker ranks among the nation’s leaders in passing statistics and is supported by running back Caleb Hawkins, who averages nearly 191 rushing yards per game and is the 11th-leading rusher nationally. The Cowboys’ ability to put up points through the air and on the ground presents a major test for Kansas State’s defense, which has struggled to contain opponents.
Kansas State’s defense has notable weaknesses, particularly against the pass and the run. Oklahoma State ranks near the bottom among Power Five programs in pass defense and allows significant rushing yards, which could benefit Kansas State if they find offensive rhythm. However, the Wildcats’ offense remains uncertain with Barnett at quarterback, considering how frequently they have changed starters. Barnett showed promise in last week’s loss to Colorado but faces the challenge of maintaining consistency against a high-scoring opponent.
Both teams have vulnerabilities in forcing turnovers. Kansas State has not been able to capitalize on forcing turnovers this season, while Oklahoma State’s defense is susceptible to mistakes. Special teams could also influence the outcome; Oklahoma State’s special teams have underperformed, yet Kansas State’s were particularly poor in their most recent loss.
The Wildcats may draw some confidence from Oklahoma State’s recent performances. Iowa State, though stronger than expected this season, managed to outscore the Cowboys last week. Oklahoma State also showed signs of inconsistency, trailing by one at halftime against Colorado before scoring 34 unanswered points in the second half, yet still losing to Tulsa earlier in the season. This inconsistency raises questions about how Oklahoma State might perform against Kansas State.
Betting odds from BetMGM as of November 4 give Oklahoma State a 5 1/2 point spread advantage, with a total points line set at 62 1/2. The money line favors Oklahoma State at -210, while Kansas State is an underdog at +175.
Despite the challenging matchup, Kansas State is determined to use its home field advantage and slow down Oklahoma State’s prolific offense. The Wildcats’ defense will need to limit Mestemaker and contain Hawkins to prevent another high-scoring shootout. Kansas State’s offense must find stability with Barnett under center to keep pace in what promises to be a fast-paced game.
The kickoff is scheduled for noon Central Time on Saturday, November 7, and will be broadcast on TNT.
According to Yahoo Sports.
