Why Kansas State vs. West Virginia Will Be Big 12 Showdown of the Year

The No. 4 Kansas State Wildcats travel to Morgantown Saturday to face the No. 13 West Virginia Mountaineers in what is setting up to be the Big 12 showdown of the year. 

Both teams are in the BCS Top 15. West Virginia was on a national title run until No. 17 Texas Tech trounced the Mountaineers, and the unbeaten Wildcats are still very much in the running for a national championship.

This game matches two of the country’s most explosive offenses.

Here's what to look for in this key matchup.

Offense Will Be Abundant

West Virginia has the nation's No. 3 passing, No. 6 total and No. 7 scoring offense. Kansas State counters with the nation's No. 11 rushing and No. 15 scoring offense. 

Kansas State is No. 74 against the pass. West Virginia is No. 43 against the run. Strengths meet weaknesses in this game. Kansas State will look to control the clock; West Virginia just wants to score. 

Two top offenses will produce plenty of points in this premier matchup of the weekend. 

Heisman Candidates Face Off

Collin Klein carries an offense on his back. Geno Smith spreads responsibility. Both strategies are working for these players and their respective teams. 

Klein is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The guy is tough, can throw and run with the football. He takes his team on his back and has inspired the Wildcats to two great seasons under head coach Bill Snyder. 

Kansas State has become a feel-good story in college football. Klein has helped this team rise. 

Geno Smith has been just as impressive, leading his team to a 5-1 record. West Virginia was expecting big things, but sitting with only one loss in its first year in the Big 12 is impressive. 

Smith has made that happen. 

This is a team with great supporting players like Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin and the lesser-known J.D. Woods. Using his three key receivers, Smith has turned this team into a Big 12 contender in Year 1.

This game is for the Big 12 lead. These Heisman candidates will make their case in this contest.

Key Stats

KSU—Collin Klein: 79-of-118 for 1,074 yards, 66.9 completion percentage, 7 TDs, 2 INTs; 98 carries for 510 yards, 10 TDs.

WVU—Geno Smith: 195-of-259 for 2,271 yards, 75.3 completion percentage, 25 TDs, 0 INTs; 28 carries for 71 yards, 1 TD.

Kansas State Holds BCS Title Aspirations

Kansas State is ranked No. 4 in the BCS and is the highest ranked team in the Big 12. The Wildcats appear to be the Big 12 team with the best chance to play in the BCS title game this year. 

The Wildcats have been strong offensively and are playing stingy defense against the run, but they have not fared well against the pass. They give up 238.50 yards per game through the air. 

This game will put national focus on Kansas State. West Virginia could climb back into the title picture with a win, but so many teams are undefeated that a one-loss team doesn’t seem to have much of a chance.

If the Wildcats win, they have a very winnable slate of games remaining on their schedule.

Battle for the Big 12 Lead

The Big 12 leader is Kansas State, and with a win, the Wildcats keep it that way. If West Virginia can mount a big offensive charge and win the game, it would lead the conference. 

The Wildcats are the more seasoned group, but the Mountaineers are very talented at the skill positions. Both teams figure to win all their remaining games, so this is a pivotal matchup.

If Kansas State is going to make it to the BCS title game, it needs to do it this season. Their schedule is set up for the Wildcats to take it, but West Virginia is standing firmly in their way.  

Turnovers Will Favor Winner

Both Kansas State and West Virginia are stingy with turnovers. The Wildcats are No. 7 in turnover margin, the Mountaineers No. 14. 

Both teams have very efficient passers, with Geno Smith No. 1 in passing efficiency. Collin Klein is No. 17

So turnovers figure to be hard to come by. Whichever team forces the most figures to win.

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