Kansas-Oklahoma college football preview

When/where: 11 a.m. Saturday at Gaylord Family-Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla.

TV/radio: Fox Sports 1; KCSP (610 AM)

The series: Oklahoma leads 71-27-6

The line: Oklahoma by 25

KANSAS (3-7, 1-6 Big 12)

OKLAHOMA (7-3, 4-3 Big 12)

*at Dallas

What’s at stake

For Kansas interim coach Clint Bowen, here lies another opportunity to bolster his candidacy for the full-time job. Two weeks ago, the Jayhawks leveled Iowa State 34-14. Last week they nearly picked off No. 5 TCU at home. Expectations will be low heading into Saturday. The Jayhawks haven’t defeated Oklahoma since 1997, and they haven’t won in Norman since 1996. But Oklahoma, 7-3, will start its backup quarterback Cody Thomas, and the Sooners have displayed some flaws this season. If Kansas can stay within striking distance for four quarters, it will be another impressive performance.

Cheers if …

Junior receiver Nigel King continues to play like a No. 1 wideout. King, a 6-foot-3 transfer from Maryland, has 14 catches for 297 yards in Kansas’ last three games. He’s also given junior quarterback Michael Cummings a true deep threat. Can he put up the numbers on the road?

Jeers if …

Oklahoma’s passing game scorches KU. Oklahoma starting quarterback Trevor Knight will miss his second straight game. Last week, backup Cody Thomas threw three interceptions. The Jayhawks’ secondary should be able to neutralize the Sooners’ passing attack — at least to a degree.

Three things about Oklahoma

1 Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has spent the latter half of the season dismissing rumors about his future — including speculation about the soon-to-be vacant Florida job. The Sooners, who were expected to compete for a national title, have lost three games for the third time in four years.

2 The Sooners rank 21st in the country in rushing offense, averaging 240 yards per game on the ground. Oklahoma freshman running back Samaje Perine is the only back in the Big 12 averaging more than 100 yards per game.

3 The Sooners appear mortal at home. Bob Stoops is 89-7 at home during his long and successful tenure at Oklahoma, but the Sooners have lost twice at home this season, including a 48-14 beatdown against Baylor.

Key matchup

Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine vs. the Kansas defense: Perine, a freshman, has 14 rushing touchdowns this season. The Jayhawks have just 11 total rushing TDs as a team. To stay in the game on Saturday, the Jayhawks’ defensive front must hold up against Oklahoma’s physical offensive line.

KANSAS OFFENSE

KANSAS DEFENSE

OKLAHOMA OFFENSE

OKLAHOMA DEFENSE

Rustin Dodd’s pick: Oklahoma 34-21

Kansas’ 34-30 loss to TCU last week was perhaps the program’s most encouraging and compelling performance in five years. If the Jayhawks can muster that kind of emotion on the road, they can stay competitive with Oklahoma for a half or three quarters. But winning in Norman? That’s a lot to ask.

Rustin Dodd, rdodd@kcstar.com

This story was originally published November 20, 2014 at 2:27 PM with the headline "Kansas-Oklahoma college football preview."