OSU HOSTS KANSAS STATE. HOW TO WATCH AND A SCOUTING REPORT

Oklahoma State vs. No. 25 Kansas State

❚ When: 6 p.m. Saturday

❚ Where: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK

❚ TV: ESPN+ (online only)

❚ Radio: KXXY-FM 96.1

❚ Line: OSU by 8.

❚ Over/under: 45.5

Scouting No. 25 Kansas State

Record: 3-0, 0-0 Big 12

Best player: Running back Deuce Vaughn is the top running back in a run-first offense with quarterback Skylar Thompson injured. Vaughn, a 5-foot-6 sophomore, carried the football 23 times for 128 yards and a touchdown during Saturday’s 38-17 win over Nevada. Last season, he led the Wildcats in rushing yards, receiving yards and all-purpose yards. Vaughn is already up to 371 rushing yards and five touchdowns while averaging 6 yards per carry. Get him in space and it could be trouble for OSU.

The case for Kansas State: The Wildcats are hot and building confidence. They have two solid wins over Stanford and Nevada. And their defense has been stout. Opponents have averaged just 280 yards per game, with only 54.7 yards coming on the ground. The Wildcats also just limited NFL prospect Carson Strong to 262 yards and a touchdown. Against an OSU offense that just discovered its run-game mojo but still lacked a consistent passing attack, the Wildcats defense can take advantage of its strengths.

The case for OSU: Much like the Wildcats, OSU relies heavily on its defense. Kansas State’s passing attack without Thompson didn’t exactly click Saturday, which gives OSU’s veteran secondary an advantage. OSU has also been strong against the run, limiting opponents to just 95.3 yards per game. Even if the offense struggles, this could come down to the Cowboys’ defense once again, and they have to like their chances.