West Virginia Looks To Close Out Season On High Note At Kansas State

Who

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Kansas State Wildcats

When?

Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Where?

Manhattan, Kansas at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium

How?

Saturday's game will be televised nationally on FS1.

Motivation

Despite their 5-6 record Kansas State has been a play or two away from winning huge games even against the conferences elites. The games against Baylor, Oklahoma State, and TCU were decided by 7 points or less. For this Kansas State team they get another chance at a quality opponent and a chance to become (legitimate) bowl eligible in front of a Senior Day crowd.

The Wildcats have never been beaten by West Virginia in Big-12 play and hold a 3-0 record. They are however rebuilding an offense that lost arguably their best duo of a quarterback and wide receiver in Jake Waters and Tyler Lockett. Their present quarterback Joe Hubener has not passed for over 2,000 and their top option at wide receiver Deante Burton has not gone over 30 catches. They are a spirited team but don't have the fire power for the upset in Manhattan. West Virginia has a secondary that has came together and improved dramatically with a sure to be All-Conference cornerback in Daryl Worley and should have their way with the Wildcats come Saturday.

The Mountaineers are looking for an 8th win at 7-4 and they also hope that win will get them a quality bowl game against competition to give the world notice even after their October slump. An 8-4 record would also send the seniors off with the best regular season record since joining the Big-12.

Kansas State's defense and typically smart linebackers will play to keep everything in front of them which seems to be the Mountaineer's downfall with the Wildcats but look for an explosive day from West Virginia wide receiver Shelton Gibson. The Wildcats passing defense ranks near the bottom of many statistical categories. After a heavy supply of the run the Mountaineers will dial up the long ball. Gibson averages 22.9 yards a catch. This combination of a hard nose run game along with an air raid passing option will wear the Wildcats out.

The Wildcats cannot be counted completely out. West Virginia has not been the best against elusive quarterbacks in the past and Joe Hubener has shown in plenty games that he can be just that. This includes two over 100 yard rushing performances against TCU and Baylor.

This one should be close.

WVU 38
KSU 28