Kansas State vs. Kansas: TV Schedule, Radio, Game Time and More

Kansas State and Kansas enter this rivalry game with completely opposite intentions.

The visiting Wildcats, who come ranked surprisingly high at No. 11, have everything to lose. The Jayhawks, on the other hand, cannot do much worse than what they've already done this year.

The teams aren't separated by much offensively, but it the defensive side of the ball that changes everything.

Kansas comes into this game riding a four-game losing streak and faces their third straight ranked opponent.

The Wildcats, meanwhile, are 6-0 and know that after this game they run a similar gauntlet to what Kansas is going through right now.

Make no mistake about it, Kansas State knows they have to win this game.

Where: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas

When: Saturday, Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. EST

Watch: FSN

Listen: Kansas State Radio Affiliates / Kansas Radio Affiliates

Betting Line: Kansas State -11

The Jayhawks give up a ton of points and the Wildcats should have no problem slowing down their offense. Eleven isn't nearly enough for the Jayhawks to cover.

Key Storyline: Defense

Is there any way the Jayhawks can stop a team from scoring? They score 31.7 points per game, but they can't stop anyone else from lighting them up.

This game at least features at team that likes to run rather than throw, and that is more the Jayhawks' speed.

But the Wildcats happen to have a stingy defense themselves.

They give up only 19.5 points per game, and whichever team can control the line of scrimmage and stop the run will this game.

Who Might Not Play for Kansas State

Broderick Smith, WR - Listed as questionable for undisclosed reason.

Sheldon Smith, WR - Listed as questionable for undisclosed reason.

Who Might Not Play for Kansas

Brandon Bourbon, RB - Listed as questionable for undisclosed reason.

Keeston Terry, DB - Listed as questionable for undisclosed reason.

BCS/Top-25 Implications

Not many. Should the Wildcats actually be upset, it will drop them out of the rankings completely. Should Kansas win it would be a huge surprise, but will do nothing for them in the polls.

The Wildcats are about to embark on a four-game stretch against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Texas.

There is a good chance they go 1-3 or possibly even 0-4 through those games.

This team cannot afford a loss right now.

What They're Saying

The Lawrence Journal World quotes Kansas State coach Bill Snyder talking about how the Jayhawks are not nearly as bad as their numbers suggest:

"

While the offensive strength of KU’s opponents serves as a good excuse for its defensive struggles thus far, that reason won’t work this week against Kansas State. The Wildcats, though unbeaten, rank 94th in total offense and average just 336 yards per game. KSU ranks 114th (of 120) in passing offense and 25th in rushing offense.

Although those numbers indicate the KU defense may be in for a better performance, Snyder was quick to point out that his team has won its last three games despite being outgained on offense.

"

And that is whole point. Kansas State continues to find ways to win despite not being an offensive juggernaut. This is one of those games where they should be able to put up more yards and score more points.

Kansas State Player to Watch: Collin Klein, QB

The Wildcats don't throw the football too much, but that is because Klein is dual-threat quarterback averaging over four yards per carry on the season.

Alongside running back John Hubert, the backfield duo helps the Wildcats rush for 206 yards per game on the ground.

Klein accounts for 17 total touchdowns on the season (10 rushing, seven passing) and is engine for this offense.

Kansas Player to Watch: Steven Johnson, LB

The senior Jayhawk is the team's leading tackler two years running. This year he has 23 more tackles than anyone else on the roster including 35 solo hits.

Johnson will be the key player opposite Klein.

When the quarterback takes off to run, he has to know where he is going or danger will quickly.

Look for him to be involved in a lot of plays.

Key Matchup: Kansas' defensive front vs. Kansas State rushing attack

If the Jayhawks can control the line of scrimmage at all, and limit Klein's running lanes, they'll force Klein to drop back or at least give the ball off to Hubert.

Neutralizing Klein is the key to the entire game.

Kansas should be able to score some points on offense, but they have to be able to limit what Kansas State does with the football.

The Jayhawks have been giving up an average of 226 yards per game on the ground this season. If they allow that to happen they stand no chance at winning this game.

Prediction: Kansas State 40, Kansas 21