Kansas (3-7) at Oklahoma (7-3) Nov. 22, 12:00, FOX Sports 1

Here’s The Deal: Is Kansas really that good? Is Bob Stoops going to Florida? Can the Jayhawks come up its first win over Oklahoma since 1997? Can Oklahoma pick itself up off the mat after going from being considered the top team in the country in September to a Big 12 also-ran? There’s still time for a ten-win season, needing to win this week and take the Bedlam game against Oklahoma State in two weeks, but overall, this has been a disappointing year for a program used to being in the conference championship chase. The offense bounced back from the Baylor clunker to beat Texas Tech 42-30, but there hasn’t been enough consistency – mostly because of Trevor Knight’s injury problems – and it’s been a fight to get through the season. 

Kansas might be 3-7, but it’s playing well, pushing TCU in the heartbreaking 34-30 loss a week after cranking Iowa State in a 20-point victory. The offense is starting to work, the defense hasn’t been miserable, and this is looking like a real, live football team in the post-Charlie Weis era. Now it’s all about closing strong, looking to screw up Oklahoma and Kansas State on the road, but this is still a program in transition. 

Why Kansas Might Win: All of a sudden, the passing game is rocking and rolling. Michael Cummings has started to bomb away, and it’s working for a Jayhawk attack with 200 passing yards or more in each of the last five games with 342 yards and two scores in the close call to TCU. Oklahoma’s pass defense has been a disaster, getting lit up all year long and allowing close to 400 yards to Baylor and 393 to Texas Tech. Cummings is going to get throwing and keep bombing. 

Why Oklahoma Might Win: Oklahoma has to offset the concerns under center by running and running some more. Samaje Perine was able to get things going against Texas Tech with 213 yards as part of a 314-yard Sooner rushing day, and there weren’t any problems against Iowa State with 510 yards and five touchdowns. OU might be struggling overall, and the Kansas run defense hasn’t been a massive problem, but with QB Cody Thomas running for 103 yards and a score against Texas Tech, there will be production from several spots. 

Who To Watch Out For: It’s time to start giving more of a spotlight to Kansas senior Jimmay Mundine, one of the nation’s best and most underutilized tight ends. The 6-2, 240-pound senior is a solid target and can blast away as a blocker, used like an H-back/fullback at times for the ground game. A field-stretcher a few years ago, he has turned into a more dangerous target catching seven passes for 137 yards and a touchdown against TCU and leading the team with 40 grabs for 537 yards and three scores. With 24 catches over the last four games, he’s been the key target in the offensive resurgence. 

What’s Going To Happen: Kansas has been plucky and Oklahoma has been struggling, but the Sooner defense will come up with a gem at home. The OU O will run and run some more, cranking out close to 300 yards and controlling the game throughout. 

Prediction: Oklahoma 38 … Kansas 20 
Line: Oklahoma -25.5 o/u: 53.5 
Must Watch Factor: 5: HBO’s State of Play – 1: Euros of Hollywood … 2.5