Kansas State (7-2) at West Virginia (6-4) Nov. 20, 7:00, FOX Sports 1 

Here’s The Deal: West Virginia was flying high with a win over Baylor as part of a hot Big 12 run, and then came the heartbreaking loss to TCU and the clunker against Kansas State, and now it’s just about jockeying for bowl position. With Iowa State to close things out, there’s still a shot at an impressive eight-win regular season highlighted by a strong passing game and a good overall offense that needs to pick up the pieces after failing to go anywhere against the Longhorns. 

Kansas State is also coming off an ugly loss, getting blown out two weeks ago in a statement moment from TCU, but there’s still time to make a whole bunch of noise. If the Wildcats can win this week and get by Kansas, all of a sudden, the Baylor game is for a piece of the Big 12 championship. If Kansas State wins out, it’s the outright Big 12 champion if TCU loses to Texas or Iowa State. First, it has to get by a dangerous West Virginia team that’s better than it showed vs. Texas. 

This is just the fifth time the two teams have met, with Kansas State winning 35-12 last year and 55-14 in 2012. West Virginia won the first ever meeting in 1930, 23-7, but lost 19-0 in 1931. 

Why Kansas State Might Win: It might not seem like it, but Kansas State has the passing offense that can keep up the pace. While the goal will be to grind out drives and control the clock – play Kansas State football – there’s enough explosion to answer scores in a hurry. The biggest key in what might be a tight game is turnover margin. West Virginia is awful, at -13 on the year and winning the turnover battle just twice all year, while Kansas State has lost the margin just three times. The Wildcats are 6-0 when it doesn’t lose the turnover battle, and have won their last 18 games since 2011 when winning it. 

Why West Virginia Might Win: It’s been lost in all the positives from the offense, but the Mountaineers can play a little defense, too. West Virginia’s pass defense has held up shockingly well against the high-flying Big 12 offenses, allowing just 166 yards against TCU and allowing Trevone Boykin completing just 40%. Bryce Petty and the Baylor passing game also struggled, completing 43% for 223 yards and two scores. Kansas State doesn’t have to live through the air, and it would rather run, but the key big plays down the field might not be there.

Who To Watch Out For: There are plenty of options for All-Big 12 receiver honors, but it’s hard to find two better than West Virginia’s Kevin White and Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett. White struggled for a little bit, catching just six passes for 55 yards against Oklahoma State and TCU with a score, but he came back roaring against Texas with 16 grabs for 132 yards. Last year he only caught two passes for 56 yards in the loss, while Lockett went nuts with 111 yards and three touchdowns on eight catches. Like White in the loss to Texas, Lockett rocked in a loss catching 11 balls for 196 yards and a score against TCU. 

What’s Going To Happen: West Virginia isn’t going to get the offense rolling against Kansas State, but the defense isn’t going to falter. The Mountaineers are great at controlling the game and the clock – Kansas State’s specialty – and will come back from the Texas loss sharp in a good home win. 

Prediction: West Virginia 34 … Kansas State 30 
Line: West Virginia -2 o/u: 57.5 
Must Watch Factor: 5: HBO’s State of Play – 1: Euros of Hollywood … 3.5