GAME OF THE NIGHT: #20 Arizona vs. #14 Kansas State

FOX - 8 PM EST

What better way to test a team's mettle than to throw them in at the deep end of the pool? And if it's deep ends you're talking about, look no further than Kansas State, as the Wildcats square off against Arizona in a clash that promises to be more thrilling than a roller coaster ride.

Showdown: Arizona vs. Kansas State

Arizona will kick off its Big 12 journey in Week 5 against Utah. But prior to that, they will dive into the nonconference waters with a tilt against Kansas State. The desert Wildcats will be wearing their new "Red Cats" uniforms, which we can only pray make them appear both intimidating and intimidatingly stylish.

The recent contest against Northern Arizona didn't do much to engender confidence in Arizona. A third-down conversion rate that would make a rock seem like a far better option is not exactly what the Wildcats were looking for. Zero-for-ten; they're looking to rebound and show off that high-octane passing game.

Kansas State Recent Scramble

Kansas State was finding Tulane to be a tough cookie, almost the nightmare on Manhattan. Tulane led at the half, and it required a second-half surge of 24 points to barely sneak out the victory. Though Tulane had fireworks in the first half of their play, Kansas State adjusted, tightened up, and kept them at bay.

Head coach Chris Klieman will attack the Arizona defense with a combination of curiosity and a shade of trepidation. The Wildcats have made a living on causing headaches, with Klieman doing some strategic tweaking as he formulates this week's game plan.

Arizona Wildcats: From Boom to Bust

It has been up and down for the Arizona offense since Week 1. The team scored an astonishing 61 points during their season-opening performance, making every drive count. Quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan were virtually unstoppable. Fifita threw for 422 yards and four touchdowns, with McMillan snatching 304 of those yards.

But it lost its luster in game two as the Wildcats won 22-10, but their offensive line really struggled, and they had to sideline quite a few due to injury. Josh Baker, center, was sorely missed.

The defensive side did hold and looked encouraging considering how it performed in the opener. However, once an opponent crosses the 40-yard line, they have tended to yield a score, a tendency Kansas State will no doubt attempt to capitalize on.

Kansas State: Ground and Pound with a Twist

Kansas State has been running the show in the ground game, ensuring that Avery Johnson and DJ Giddens get the yards rolling. Some of the staples of the offense come with their rushing success rates and line yards being among some of the best in the nation. However, they've struggled some on third downs this season, converting just 6 of 20 so far.

On defense, Kansas State is a bit of a mixed bag. They are sure wreaking some havoc, leading in tackles for loss, but their pass defense is really struggling, ranking 128th in Defensive Passing Success Rate. Safeties Jordan Riley, Marques Sigle, and VJ Payne haven't been as tight as they'd like in coverage.

The Big Question: Which team will reign supreme: Arizona or Kansas State?

Friday night's game should be a barnburner. With Kansas State favored by seven, along with the high total of 59.5, there should be plenty of action. Baker's return to form should improve Arizona's line a ton, and Fifita will need to take advantage of a suspect Kansas State secondary.

Both teams have strong points: Arizona's passing attack against the rushing prowess of Kansas State. But the game may turn on whether Arizona's defense holds up or if Kansas State's pass defense rises to the occasion.

Pick: A High-Scoring Affair

All things considered, a shootout should fairly easily be forecast with both team's strengths on offense and their defensive vulnerabilities. With both teams ranking in the top half of the league in explosive plays, and that Arizona is coming off a bad loss, the over on 59 points would seem like a decent bet. So, get ready for a night of football that promises to be as unpredictable as it is exciting.

Conclusion

This is going to be one of those games, like at all points in time where Arizona faces off against Kansas State, that will etch itself into the lore of the game. Given the high stakes and even higher potential for fireworks, this should be a treat for those coming through the gates. Expect a game full of explosive plays, strategic adjustments, and lots of action from the opening tip.

What's the over/under for the game?

Set at 59.5 points, it would appear this one could be a shootout.