First, lets take a look at some numbers:
Total Offense Per Game: KSU - 345.3 (90th) Baylor - 594 (2nd)
Passing Yards: KSU - 143.3 (115th) Baylor - 355.3 (7th)
Rushing Yards: KSU - 219.7 (24th) Baylor - 240.7 (15th)
Points Scored per game: KSU - 25.0 (80th) Baylor - 51.3 (3rd)
Total Offense Overall: KSU - 88th Baylor - 2nd
TEAM DEFENSE
Rushing Defense: KSU - 89.0 (20th) Baylor - 152.0 (63rd)
Passing Defense: KSU - 157.3 (10th) Baylor - 211.0 (54th)
Opponent Points Per Game: KSU - 10.3 (7th) Baylor - 26.3 (71st)
Total Defense overall: KSU - 10th Baylor - 59th
Kansas State (3-0) comes into the game against #15 Baylor (3-0) hoping to build off of a real eye opener down in Miami. Flashing back to that game, if you missed it, Miami was within 2-3 yards of the endzone with little time left on the clock and 3 downs to attempt to score and win the game. In a tremendous effort, Kansas States defense, which had shut down Miami for most of the first half, stepped up with a spectacular goal line stand, with Tre Walker stopping Jacory Harris inches from the end zone on the final play of regulation, ending with KSU's 28-24 victory over Miami.
KSU has a tough game to open up Big 12 Play with Baylor coming to town. RG3 looks to be unstoppable at this point thus far into the season, as we all know the spectacular statistic of him throwing MORE touchdowns (13) then Incompletions (12). Baylor's offense is on a roll, and looks like the best offense in college football. Baylor hasn't started a season 4-0 since 1991, and hasn't opened up conference play with a road win since 1995. Kansas State, however, has lost their last 8 meetings with a nationally ranked team.
Looking at the game, it looks like its going to be a battle, a much closer game then people who just "glance" at the schedule would think. People who are fans of these teams, or follow college football to a more detailed degree then just looking at ranks, know that this is going to be a slug fest. Kansas States defense, one of the worst last year, has grown dramatically into a speedy, hungry beast of an animal, being led by junior transfer linebacker Arthur Brown (formerly of Miami). They have some key players in some skill positions who's matchups will be important to watch on defense. These players include Junior Cornerback Nigel Malone who leads the team in interceptions, and Senior Cornerback David Garrett. Garrett is a shutdown type cornerback, one of the best in the nation, while Malone is a ballhawk, constantly searching for picks and looking to make a big play. Look for Robert Griffin to take advantage of Malone's eagerness, i expect to see the ball thrown Malones way quite often as Nigel Malone hasn't played against a elite level quarterback yet. I believe David Garrett, however, will hold his own and limit whoever he covers to only a few receptions.
Also keep an eye on the speed of Kansas States linebackers, and defensive ends. Jordan Voelker of KSU is the Wildcats sack leader. It will be hard to stretch the field on the KSU defense as every linebacker and even some of the defensive linemen have the speed to chase you laterally and force you to the sideline, not allowing any large runs to the outside. It is a tough team to run against, and the defense is a very potent young group of players. Baylor should have a tougher time then they have had all year to get their offense running.
Now looking at Baylors Defense, this is a defense that just doesn't seem to play well at all. I dont know if they feel like they dont have to play well because they feel the offense will just score repeatedly, or if they are just that bad. Each team baylor has played against has had a tremendous showing on offense, and teams like Rice just shouldn't be able to put so many points on the board against a team like Baylor. Kansas States offense should have a good chance of putting yards on the stat sheet and points on the board. Collin Klein is a tremendous athlete, a danger in the passing game and the running game. No, he's not on RG3's level, but if he can't find the open man he is gonna tuck and run and he will gash you. The emergence of John Hubert is also a key part of this game. If KSU can get the running game going early, the passing game will open up even more for Collin Klein, who CAN throw the ball, even if he doesn't do it often. (for reference, look for the first game of the season, the last touchdown of the game, klein throws a beauty over the shoulder of reciever Chris Harper in the back of the endzone to seal the victory)
MY PREDICTION
I might get alot of grief for this, but the game is in Manhattan, and LHC Bill Snyder has lit a fire under this team. Kansas State wins in a game that ends alot closer then people thought it would.
