PLAYERS TO WATCH
–CB Duke Shelley is a defender opposing passers try to exploit, in part because he stands just 5-foot-9. In the Oct. 13 win against Oklahoma State, Shelley was targeted 11 times. Five passes resulted in receptions for 16 yards, while Shelley snagged two interceptions among the other throws. Shelley ranks second in the Big 12 with 12 breakups and he has three picks.
–QB Skylar Thompson is considered the best passer among the Kansas State quarterbacks but he is developing a keen sense for finding the first down marker with his feet. His 19-yard rush for a first down keyed a third-quarter drive against Oklahoma State with the Wildcats clinging to a 10-6 lead. Thompson rushed for 80 yards while completing 11-of-22 passes for 130 yards with no TDs or interceptions.
–RB Dalvin Warmack also assisted in the run game against Oklahoma State, gaining 32 yards on a season-high eight carries. Warmack also grabbed an 18-yard completion. A shifty junior, Warmack offers a nice change of pace when starting RB Alex Barnes needs a rest.
–LB Justin Hughes led the Wildcats with eight tackles against Oklahoma State, including one tackle for loss. Hughes has had occasional problems being out of position and also with missed tackles, something that had been a big issue prior to the Oklahoma State game, when the Wildcats tackled better.
SERIES HISTORY: Oklahoma leads Kansas State 75-19-4. The Sooners have won three in a row in the series, which leveled out somewhat after the arrival of Kansas State coach Bill Snyder. A 32-game win streak in the series for the Sooners was halted under Snyder, though Oklahoma has remained in charge. Kansas State led 21-10 at halftime and forged a tie with 2:25 remaining before the Sooners won 42-35 last year.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We got the ball and kept mushing it down the field (against Oklahoma State). They were very similar plays all the way down the field, almost to a point where the defense knew exactly what was coming. That just proves what we were willing to do and how physical we were willing to play.” — Kansas State OT Dalton Risner.