GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Although many factors swing pregame projections in Oklahoma’s favor, including a home crowd, for the matchup against Kansas State, one potential equalizer the Wildcats have usually reserved looks as if it can be thrown out too. Oklahoma ranks first in the Big 12 with a 26.1-yard average on kickoff returns, while Kansas State ranks last (17.4). Typically, the Wildcats excel on special teams but with injuries to kickers and the ineffectiveness of KR/PR Isaiah Zuber since the start of Big 12 play, returns are no longer a Kansas State strength.
DRAFT SLANT
–OT Dalton Risner figures to get drafted and could go in one of the earlier rounds. He plays right tackle and is capable of adding wrinkles to run schemes with his ability to pull as a blocker. Risner’s senior leadership is also key. He called a players-only meeting following a Oct. 6 loss at Baylor in an effort to unite the Wildcats after they started 0-3 in the Big 12. Dalton led the offensive line’s contribution to a 291-yard rushing output against Oklahoma State.
ROSTER REPORT
–QB Alex Delton missed his second straight game with an undisclosed injury as Skylar Thompson went the distance again in the Oklahoma State win on Oct. 13. WR Dalton Schoen, S Kendall Adams and LB Elijah Sullivan were other regulars who did not play.
–OG Abdul Beecham was helped to the sideline with 9:41 remaining in the Oklahoma State win and did not return. The injury to his left leg appeared to be serious.
–PK Blake Lynch was out again in the Oklahoma State game. PK Andrew Hicks, who had shared the job in an Oct. 6 loss at Baylor, was perfect on PATs and added a 31-yard field goal.
–P Devin Anctil made his debut and averaged 43 yards on three attempts against Oklahoma State.
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