Game Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT

Playtime/channel: 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Distribution: -7 (KSU)

Matchup History: Draw 4-4

For two teams that have spent most of their existence in different conferences and essentially different levels of competition, they have quite the history. Of course, the Cotton Bowl is the headliner after the 1996 season. BYU entered the game 13-1 and ranked No. 5. The Wildcats entered the big bowl game 9-2 and 14th in the country.

The Cougars trailed 15-5 in the fourth quarter. BYU QB Steve Sarkisian found James Dye for a 32-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 15-12. The Cougars’ defense held firm and gave BYU another possession. Sarkisian took the lead with the game-winning touchdown pass, hauled in by KO Kealaluhi. BYU won the Cotton Bowl and finished with 14 victories.

Saturday night marks the first time Kansas State has visited Provo since 1977, when BYU won 39-0.

Head coach: Chris Klieman (6th year)

Season 2024 so far

After opening the season with a blowout win over FCS Tennessee-Martin, the Wildcats found themselves in a huge battle on the road to Tulane. With the score tied at 27-27 in the fourth quarter, Kansas State defensive back Jack Fabris returned a fumble for the winning touchdown.

Kansas State then played at home against No. 20 Arizona in what many expected to be a tough test for KSU’s defense. They crushed Arizona 31-7. Kansas State heads into Provo as the No. 13 seed in the country with one of the better resumes coming into the young season.

When Kansas State has the ball

The offense is powered by speedy quarterback Avery Johnson. He’s averaging 6.7 yards per carry, which translates to 187 yards rushing in three games. Running back DJ Giddens is a solid run guard of his own, with 6.6 yards per carry. They actually rank 16th in rushing among all FBS teams. This will be BYU’s toughest test on defense so far this season.

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

When BYU has the ball

The deciding factor in this game is BYU’s offense. They’re up against 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 can’t afford to put the ball in jeopardy against a KSU defense that wants to take the ball away. Retzlaff can be reckless with the ball at times. If he can limit mistakes and use his legs to make plays, BYU will be in good shape. They have quality receivers in Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion and Darius Lassiter. The biggest question mark is at running back, where LJ Martin might be out again. Youngster Pokaiaua Haunga showed some promise. They need to run the ball effectively.

How BYU Can Win

Retzlaff can’t give the ball away. Kansas State will feast if BYU is sloppy with the ball. The Cougars also need to be able to run the ball and control the clock. That will keep BYU’s defense from getting tired as they try to keep up with KSU’s fierce offense. The defense can’t let Avery Johnson run wild and make explosive plays. Above all, BYU needs to be smart and avoid costly penalties. They’ll likely need more takeaways and fewer penalties than KSU to win.

Prediction: Kansas State 28, BYU 23