Take away Tulane and KSU is averaging 40pts against Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech. Not world-beaters on defense this year. Likewise, KSU's defense is middle-of-the-road nationally so will give up some points.
KSU struggles with passing at 139 YPG (122nd in the nation) but has a potent rushing attack at 267 YPG (3rd in the nation). I think we can handle that, but the lack of speed in our backfield is going to be tested at every angle.
When it comes to scoring, ISU is 155th in the country (******* ouch) at 26 PPG and 111th in rushing at 112 YPG. That will not equate to success going forward.
It's all going to come down to if our Offense can score once across mid-field. Last week was a huge failure in that regard. They could get some traction on plays early in drives but couldn't do much when it mattered. I think we got across mid-field something like 7 times and we know how that ended. Whatever the reason(s), that can't happen against better teams.
I really struggle with this game because I could see us winning by 10 or losing by 10. Going to need another night to sleep on it.