Game To Watch: #25 Kansas State vs Oklahoma State: September 25, 2021

Kansas State and Oklahoma State start their in-conference slate against one another in Stillwater on Saturday at 7:00 EST. The Cowboys gutted out a tough win at Boise State last week to remain undefeated. The Wildcats also remained unbeaten by beating Nevada despite playing without injured starting quarterback, Skylar Thompson. Both teams went undefeated out of conference and will look to start the conference schedule on the right foot.

Recent History

Oklahoma State holds a 41 – 26 edge in the all time series between the two teams. The Cowboys have won 8 of the last 12 meetings and two in a row, including last year’s 20 – 18 win in Manhattan. Kansas State’s last win came at home in 2018 when they beat Oklahoma State 31 – 12. The two teams have played each other tough with six of the last ten games decided by a touchdown or less.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Can Deuce Vaughn Carry the Offense?

Kansas State’s Deuce Vaughn is a dynamic running back. He has big play ability and has rushed for over 120 yards and at least one touchdown in all three of the Wildcat’s games this year. Vaughn is also a difficult cover out of the backfield and has the skill set to impact the passing game as well. He has been Kansas State’s best weapon and continues to prove he is one of the best running backs in college football. However, when Skylar Thompson got hurt in 2020 defenses were able to key in on Vaughn and make it difficult for him to find open space. Thompson is out again, so it will be up to Vaughn to prove he can carry the offense in 2021. Oklahoma State’s defense did a good job containing Vaughn in 2020. They held him to 40 yards on 17 carries and limited him to 1 catch for 5 yards as a receiver. The game-plan will be similar this year, but the Cowboys will have to execute again to contain the explosive running back.

Does Jaylen Warren Have a Repeat Performance?

Oklahoma State had a big game against Boise State last week but only passed for 74 yards in the game. The lack of an effective passing game did not hurt them because Jaylen Warren was unstoppable running the ball. The transfer from Utah State had the best game of his career, rushing for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns on 32 carries. Warren carried the load for the offense which did just enough to secure a 21 – 20 win on the road. Oklahoma State struggled running the ball in their first two games so the question remains, is Warren the solution or was this a one game aberration? Kansas State’s run defense has been suffocating this year. They held Stanford to 39 yards on 22 carries and Nevada to 25 yards on 23 carries. Southern Illinois ran for 100 yards against them but needed 40 carries to do so. The Wildcats are holding opponents to 1.9 yards per carry and will make Warren earn his yardage. The Cowboys need Warren to have another big game, but that will be tough to do against Kansas State.

Who Can Better Protect the Quarterback?

Oklahoma State and Kansas State have both done an excellent job of getting to the opposing quarterback. Through three games, the Cowboys have sacked the opposing quarterback 11 times and the Wildcats have recorded 12 sacks this season. Keeping the quarterback protected and giving him time to get the ball downfield will be critical for both teams. Spencer Sanders has not been sharp in the passing game so far this year and the Wildcats would like to put pressure on him, making it difficult for him to find his rhythm. For Kansas State, Will Howard is a second year quarterback and has had limited success as a passer over the course of his career. If the Cowboys can get to him they will be able to put the offense off schedule and force turnovers that could swing the momentum of the game in their favor. Kansas State has only allowed 4 sacks this year and Oklahoma State has given up just 5, but both offensive lines will be tested this week as both defenses are proficient getting after the quarterback.

Prediction

Kansas State appears to be better prepared to handle Thompson’s injury this season and will be able to mix up the offense enough to get Vaughn some space and score some points early. Spencer Sanders will finally begin to get on track and match the early momentum of the Wildcats. The Wildcats will keep Oklahoma State from running the ball effectively and win the game by making the Cowboys one dimensional. Kansas State 26 Oklahoma State 20.

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