Oklahoma State Cowboys at No. 3 Kansas State Wildcats: Preview, prediction, TV info

Oklahoma State (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) at No. 3 Kansas State (8-0, 5-0 Big 12)

Kickoff: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ABC)

Spread: Kansas State by 9.5

Watchability: Kansas State has only one game left after this one against a team with a winning record in the Big 12, and that's a visit from the underachieving Texas Longhorns. Oklahoma State is quietly tied for second place in the Big 12. The Cowboys lead the conference in total offense, their defense has improved throughout the year and they are coming off an impressive 22-point win against TCU. The pressure of an undefeated season has not reared its head yet, but at some point K-State is going to have a tester. This might be the game, and that potential alone makes this a must-watch game.

Shining stars: Kansas State -- QB Collin Klein. In the last two weeks, Klein has completed 38 of 47 passes for 556 yards and five touchdowns. He also has four rushing TDs, and K-State's offense has scored 55 points in both games. Klein's ability to pass makes K-State's offense almost impossible to defend. He'll be going up against a defense that he had one of his best games against last year when he ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 231 yards and a touchdown in a 52-45 loss at Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State -- RB Joseph Randle. Like Klein, Randle is starting to play some of his best football. He has run for 277 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games. His value has gone up in the Cowboys' offense now that Wes Lunt has taken over for J.W. Walsh. Walsh was a dual-threat QB, but Lunt is simply a pocket passer, so OSU's running game is now strictly reliant on the running backs. Running against K-State is not easy, as the Wildcats have had the best rushing defense in the Big 12 during conference play.

Who could steal the show: Kansas State -- LB Arthur Brown. Brown is in the top 10 in the Big 12 in only one statistical category (he's tied for 10th in tackles for loss), but he may impact games more than any other Big 12 defender. He had an interception for a touchdown last week against Texas Tech, and his presence alone makes K-State one of the top defenses in the country. If the game is close, expect Brown to make a timely play. Oklahoma State -- Lunt. After sitting out for more than a month, Lunt threw for 324 yards against TCU last Saturday. Brandon Weeden threw for 502 yards and four touchdowns against K-State last season, but this defense is playing way better than a season ago. If Oklahoma State is able to pull off the upset, Lunt will have to have a similar magical performance.

You going? Ranking the roadtrip: This is one of only two opportunities that K-State fans have left to witness a magical season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats' chances at a national title game are real. If you have a chance to witness one of the final two games in Manhattan this year, don't pass it up.

Magic number for Kansas State: 1. The Wildcats have one giveaway in five Big 12 games. The reason they are so tough to stay with is that they just don't make any mistakes. So long as that's true on Saturday, they should keep their undefeated season alive.

Magic number for Oklahoma State: 24. Oklahoma State has given up 24 points or less in all five of its wins. The last three weeks, the Cowboys have allowed 38 points total. The next five games are against the Big 12's five best offenses. To knock off K-State, the Cowboys might be able to allow more than 24 points, but not much more.

This game comes down to: Pass defense. So long as Kansas State is able to keep Lunt from going nuts, the Wildcats should be able to control the game. If Klein continues to pass the way he has the last two weeks, K-State should roll. If Oklahoma State can pass the ball and slow K-State's passing attack, this could be a game.

Prediction: K-State 38, Oklahoma State 27

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big 12 bloggers C.J. Moore and Patrick Southern, follow @CBSSportsBig12 on Twitter. You can also follow C.J. (@cjmoore4) and Patrick (@patricksouthern).