Game location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT

Game time/channel: 7:30pm PT/10:30pm ET (ESPN)

Spread: -7 (KSU)

Matchup History: Tied 4-4

For two teams who have spent nearly their entire existence in difference conferences and basically different levels of competition, they have a decent history. Of course, it is headlined by the Cotton Bowl following the 1996 season. BYU came into the game at 13-1, ranked No. 5. The Wildcats entered the big bowl game at 9-2 and 14th in the country.

The Cougars trailed 15-5 going into the fourth quarter. BYU QB Steve Sarkisian found James Dye for a 32-yard touchdown to cut it to 15-12. The Cougars defense held strong and gave BYU another possession. Sarkisian took advance with the game-winning touchdown pass, hauled in by K.O. Kealaluhi. BYU won the Cotton Bowl and finished with 14 wins.

Saturday night will be Kansas State’s first visit to Provo since 1977, when BYU won 39-0.

Head coach: Chris Klieman (6th year)

2024 Season Thus Far

After starting the season with a blowout win over FCS Tennessee-Martin, the Wildcats found themselves in a mighty struggle on the road at Tulane. With the game tied 27-27 in the fourth quarter, Kansas State defender Jack Fabris returned a fumble for the game-winning touchdown.

Kansas State then faced No. 20 Arizona at home in what many thought would be a stiff test for the KSU defense. They embarrassed Arizona 31-7. Kansas State enters Provo ranked No. 13 in the country with one of the better resumes in the young season.

When Kansas State Has the Ball

The offense goes through speedy quarterback Avery Johnson. He is averaging 6.7 yards per carry, totaling 187 yards rushing through three games. Running back DJ Giddens can run well in his own right, at 6.6 yards per carry. In fact, they rank 16th in rushing among all FBS teams. This will be the toughest test on defense for BYU so far this season.

Tasked with stopping the run will be BYU’s front seven. BYU’s trio of linebackers in Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker, and Harrison Taggart will need to be on their “A” games. Kelly leads the team with 12 pressures and is tied with the team lead with 3 tackles for loss. If BYU’s front seven can hold strong, the Cougars have a chance.

When BYU Has the Ball

The deciding factor in this game will be BYU’s offense. They face a Kansas State defense that currently ranks 31st in scoring and 24th in rush defense. Defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi is as disruptive as they come in the Big 12.

BYU QB Jake Retzlaff needs to be sharp. He cannot afford to put the ball in harm’s way against a KSU defense that aims to take the ball away. Retzlaff has been reckless with the ball at times. If he can limit mistakes and use his legs to make plays, BYU will be in good shape. He has high-quality receivers at his disposal with Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion, and Darius Lassiter. The biggest question mark is running back, where LJ Martin may be out again. Youngster Pokaiaua Haunga showed some promise. They need to run the ball effectively.

How BYU Can Win

Retzlaff cannot turn the ball over. Kansas State will feast if BYU is careless with the ball. The Cougars also much be able to run the ball and control the clock. That will avoid BYU’s defense getting fatigued while trying to keep up with KSU’s fierce running attack. The defense cannot allow Avery Johnson to run wild and get explosive plays. Most of all, BYU needs to be smart and avoid costly penalties. They likely need to have more takeaways and less penalties than KSU to win.

Prediction: Kansas State 28, BYU 23