The Associated Press
No. 22 WEST VIRGINIA (5-2, 3-1 Big 12) at OKLAHOMA STATE (5-2, 3-1), 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Line: Oklahoma State by 1.
Series Record: West Virginia leads 3-2.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The winner remains within a game of Big 12 leader Kansas State, and both teams have yet to play the Wildcats. Oklahoma State is coming off a blowout loss to TCU, and another loss would further stall the excitement generated by its unexpected hot start. West Virginia is coming off a big win over Baylor, and another win would give the Mountaineers momentum heading into a showdown with TCU.
KEY MATCHUP
West Virginia QB Clint Trickett against Oklahoma State’s secondary. West Virginia’s attack is relentless under former Oklahoma State assistant Dana Holgorsen. Trickett ranks third nationally with 360.7 yards passing per game. Oklahoma State has the worst pass defense in the Big 12, allowing 288.4 yards per contest.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
West Virginia: WR Kevin White leads the nation with 145.7 yards receiving per game. He ripped Maryland for 216 yards, Oklahoma for 173 and Baylor for 132 and two touchdowns. He has 10 or more catches in four of his seven games.
Oklahoma State: RB Desmond Roland. He’s the No. 4 rusher in the Big 12, averaging 79.2 yards per game. The Cowboys need him to chip away at West Virginia’s defense so QB Daxx Garman has a chance to hit the deep ball.
FACTS & FIGURES: West Virginia ranks sixth nationally in total offense. … Both teams allow 27.1 points per game. … Oklahoma State scores 93 percent of the time in the red zone. … West Virginia’s Mario Alford is third in the conference with 34.8 yards per kickoff return. Oklahoma State’s Tyreek Hill is fourth at 27.3 per runback. … West Virginia won last year’s game 30-21.
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