Big 12’s newest in only Saturday game matching Top 25 teams

Some things to watch in the Big 12 Conference during Week 6:

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 23 West Virginia (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) at No. 8 TCU (4-0, 1-0). They came into the Big 12 together in 2012, had identical records the first two years and their first three games against each other as conference foes were decided on the final play (two in overtime). Now West Virginia and TCU, both coming off open dates, meet in the only game nationally Saturday matching two Top 25 teams. The Mountaineers have scored at least 56 points in each of their three games since an opening loss to 16th-ranked Virginia Tech. The Horned Frogs have scored 119 points in their two home games and their two impressive road wins include at then-No. 6 Oklahoma State in their last game.

BEST MATCHUP

The defenses when Kansas State plays at Texas. Don't expect a typical high-scoring Big 12 game in Austin. While the Longhorns have struggled offensively even when winning, their defense is coming off an impressive performance in a 17-7 victory at Iowa State, which was held to 256 total yards after averaging more than 41 points in their first three games. While quarterback Jesse Ertz is also the top rusher for K-State, the Wildcats can rely on a defense that leads the Big 12, allowing only 15 points and 309 total yards per game.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Texas Tech is 9-0 when playing at Kansas. ... The last two open dates for the Big 12 are this week, with 15th-ranked Oklahoma State and winless Baylor not playing. ... Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley is trying to become only the second head coach in school history to win his first five games. The other was V.L. Parrington, who started 6-0 from 1897- 99. ... Texas has allowed only 34 points in the last three games after giving up 51 in the season-opening home loss to Maryland.

LONG SHOT

Iowa State got closer last year against third-ranked Oklahoma, losing by only 10 points at home after being outscored by an average margin of 41-9 the previous 11 meetings. But the rested third-ranked Sooners, averaging a nation-leading 606 total yards, are four-touchdown favorites in trying to extend their 14-game winning streak that is the longest in the country.

PLAYER TO WATCH

TCU sophomore running back Darius Anderson, getting plenty of chances with top returning rusher and pass catcher Kyle Hicks banged up, is averaging 106 yards rushing per game. Anderson had a career-high 26 carries for 160 yards and three touchdowns at Oklahoma State.