No. 9 Oklahoma heads to Kansas State

No. 9 Oklahoma (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) at Kansas State (3-3, 1-2), Saturday, 4 p.m. ET (FOX)

Line: Oklahoma by 12 ½.

Series 5ecord: Oklahoma leads 74-19-4

WHAT’S AT STAKE

The Sooners are trying to climb back into national title contention after their loss to Iowa State a couple weeks ago. Kansas State is desperate to turn its season around after getting trounced by TCU last weekend, its third loss in four games.

KEY MATCHUP

Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield against the Kansas State defense. Mayfield has thrown 17 touchdown passes and just one interception, averaging 322.8 yards per game. He’ll be going against a Wildcats defense that was gutted by the Horned Frogs last week, allowing 297 yards through the air.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oklahoma: RB Trey Sermon ran for 96 yards in his Red River Rivalry debut last week, and will be going against a defensive front that was pushed around by TCU.

Kansas State: QB Alex Delton is expected to get another shot with Jesse Ertz sidelined by injury. Delton was dreadful in his first start against TCU, going 11 of 29 for 146 yards and gaining 39 yards on 19 carries.

FACTS & FIGURES

The Sooners are 6-0 in Manhattan since 2000, winning each game by double digits. Kansas State has not beaten Oklahoma at home since 1996. … Oklahoma’s 13-game true road win streak is tied with Alabama for longest in the nation. It is third-longest in school history. … Mayfield leads the nation with a 207.3 passer rating. … Oklahoma leads the Big 12 in sacks. … Kansas State has not beaten a top-10 opponent at home since 2006. … Wildcats RB Justin Silmon needs 106 yards to reach 1,000 for his career. … Kansas State WR Byron Pringle ranks third nationally with 25.4 yards per reception. … The Wildcats allow 21 points per game, second-best in the Big 12. … Kansas State K Matt McCrane has four 50-yard-plus field goals, tied for most in school history.

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