<hr class="infobox-hr-separator" /> <div class="infobox"> In late September, nobody could have foreseen that today&rsquo;s Kansas-Kansas State game would be as evenly matched as it appears to be on paper. Three in a row have gone KU&rsquo;s way, and the Wildcats look ready to stop the trend. You never know what will happen in a rivalry game, but here&rsquo;s our best guess: If the game is played in the trenches, K-State has the advantage. If it&rsquo;s played on the perimeter, KU has the edge. </p><p><strong><span class="subhead">When Kansas runs</span></strong></p><p>The Wildcats have been able to stop the run all season, allowing just seven rushing touchdowns in nine games &mdash; and that is unlikely to change against a KU team that has only eclipsed 100 yards rushing as a team once in Big 12 play (109 in a win over Iowa State) and finished with negative yards in a loss at Colorado.</p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> K-State</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">When K-State runs</span></strong></p><p>Daniel Thomas, Keithen Valentine and Grant Gregory combined for 149 yards and three touchdowns against Oklahoma. Those numbers should increase against Kansas. The Jayhawks&rsquo; rushing defense has actually improved over its four Big 12 games, allowing 219 against Iowa State, 147 against Colorado, 85 against Oklahoma and 105 against Texas Tech. But only one of those opponents was in the top three in the Big 12 in rushing &mdash; Iowa State leads with 200.3 yards per game. The Wildcats are third at 182.3.</p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> K-State</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">When KU passes</span></strong></p><p>OK, let&rsquo;s get this out of the way: <strong>Todd Reesing</strong>, despite his lackluster past three games, deserves the benefit of the doubt. Only five passers in the country have thrown for more yards per game, and Reesing will be facing a defense that just gave up 294 yards passing and four touchdowns to Oklahoma&rsquo;s Landry Jones. Reesing will play with his usual fire but limit himself from lighting forest fires that burn the Jayhawks.</p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> KU</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">When K-State passes</span></strong></p><p>The Wildcats simply don&rsquo;t beat opponents with the pass. They try to keep you honest, which has been easier with the mobile <strong>Gregory</strong> under center. Gregory can make plays with his feet, but he still has a relatively untested arm. The Jayhawks are tied for 11th nationally in sacks, averaging three per game, and should be able to keep Gregory under duress in clear passing situations. </p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> KU</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Special teams</span></strong></p><p>Brandon Banks is one kickoff return touchdown away from tying a single-season NCAA record with five. He will draw large applause if he can do that at home.</p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> K-State</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Coaching</span></strong></p><p><strong>Mark Mangino (left)</strong> came into the season with an experienced, core group of players who helped Kansas win the Orange Bowl two seasons ago. <strong>Bill Snyder (right)</strong> inherited a team that few expected to contend for a bowl. But it is K-State that is on top of the Big 12 North right now. Coaching has played a major role.</p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> K-State</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Intangibles</span></strong></p><p>The Jayhawks came into this season expecting to win the Big 12 North crown, and despite three losses in a row, are still in a position to do so &mdash; as long as they knock off their remaining North opponents. With that carrot still out there, KU will not lack for motivation. The Jayhawks have played in more pressure-packed games than the Wildcats of late and will be better able to handle the stage of the Sunflower Showdown.</p><p><strong>Edge:</strong> KU</p><p></div>