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Kansas and Iowa State meet in a matchup that carries significant postseason implications as both programs return from a bye. The Jayhawks enter at 5-5 and sit one win away from bowl eligibility, while the Cyclones arrive at 6-4 and already secured their postseason berth. Saturday afternoon in Ames provides an opportunity for Kansas to extend its season and for Iowa State to strengthen its conference standing. Kansas seeks to correct red-zone and third-down struggles that defined its narrow 24-20 loss at Arizona. Jalon Daniels remains the focal point of the Jayhawks offense, pairing steady rushing production with an efficient passing profile. Daniels’ dual-threat skill set mirrors many of the modern principles illustrated in breakdowns such as the guide to

No. 12 Utah returns to Rice-Eccles Stadium looking to maintain its late-season momentum and remain in the Big 12 title picture. The Utes host Kansas State with ongoing uncertainty at quarterback, but they have shown a capacity to adapt regardless of who lines up under center. Junior QB Devon Dampier, limited for weeks with an ankle injury, remains day-to-day. His mobility—a defining part of Utah’s option-based run structure—has been restricted, and his availability will be closely monitored heading into Saturday. Fortunately for Utah, their running game has emerged as one of the most dominant units in college football. Freshman Byrd Ficklin has stepped in seamlessly when Dampier cannot go, and last week’s 55-28 win over Baylor showcased his explosive potential.

The matchup between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Penn State Nittany Lions brings two programs facing similar challenges with drastically different postseason outlooks. Nebraska enters at 7–3 with a late-season surge powered by a new starting quarterback and one of the Big Ten’s most dynamic rushing attacks. Penn State stands at 4–6 after a six-game losing streak was halted last week under interim head coach Terry Smith. Both teams now operate with backup quarterbacks, creating an additional layer of unpredictability. Nebraska freshman TJ Lateef delivered a strong debut, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns in a 28–21 win over UCLA. Penn State redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer has steadily improved across his four starts, including two

The matchup between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Northwestern Wildcats carries meaningful postseason implications for both programs. Minnesota enters at 6–4 after securing bowl eligibility but remains in pursuit of improved placement. Northwestern enters at 5–5, needing one more win to qualify for a second bowl appearance in the last three seasons. The setting adds intrigue. With Northwestern’s new stadium under construction, the Wildcats return to Wrigley Field for a second straight week. Last weekend, Northwestern delivered a strong performance against No. 18 Michigan before falling 24–22 on a last-second field goal. Coach David Braun emphasized resilience and renewed focus, aligning with mindset strategies discussed in the moneyline fundamentals guide. Minnesota arrives following a 42–13 loss at No. 8