GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: The Kansas State pass rush generated four sacks in the Oct. 6 loss at Baylor, but quick slants and curl routes proved to be problematic when the Bears made a point of delivering the ball quickly. Oklahoma State is adept at such plays, even with a first-year starter, Taylor Cornelius, at quarterback. It is possible to apply pressure. Oklahoma State has allowed 18 sacks in three games. The balance the Cowboys can establish with last year’s Big 12 rushing leader, RB Justice Hill, poses another problem. Poor tackling has been an issue for Kansas State too and cannot be corrected with physicality in practice because of depleted depth.
DRAFT SLANT
–S Eli Walker has emerged as the best defender for Kansas State, capable of making colossal sticks. Walker led the Wildcats by getting in on 12 tackles in the loss at Baylor, including nine that were unassisted. Problems with wrapping up are epidemic among the Kansas State tacklers and Walker is not immune from that weakness, but his ability to sniff out plays and cover the field could attract NFL scouts. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he has the frame, though additional bulk will be essential at the pro level. Walker has established a career-high in tackles in each of the last three games.
ROSTER REPORT
–QB Alex Delton, who started the Sept. 29 game against Texas but was removed after playing an ineffective first half, watched from the sideline in the Oct. 6 loss at Baylor after suffering an undisclosed injury. QB Skylar Thompson, the Wildcats’ only other scholarship quarterback, went the distance.
–DE Reggie Walker was ejected from the Baylor game after being called for targeting on a late hit he administered to Bears QB Charlie Brewer. Walker must be withheld from the first half of the Oct. 13 game against Oklahoma State.
–LB Elijah Sullivan, who has battled injuries since fall camp, did not play against Baylor. Several Kansas State defenders were dinged in the Baylor game, but the extent of any serious injuries is unknown. Kansas State does not disclose injuries.
–PK Blake Lynch, a walk-on who won the job in the preseason, missed his second straight game with an injury. His replacement, PK Nick McLellan, missed a 38-yard field goal in the third quarter and also had a PAT blocked. PK Andrew Hicks then took over and made both of his fourth-quarter conversions.
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