1. At least neutral in the trenches. We’ve had Big12 teams, both on the road and at home, absolutely abuse us on both sides of the line. An outright win by either front may be too much to ask, but we HAVE to hold our own.

2. Retzlaff has to have his best game. May as well own it—he’ll have to get play better than he has. Now the glass half-fuller approach: he doesn’t have to make plays beyond his demonstrated capabilities. He absolutely must handle the ball well and play effectively for 4 quarters.

3. Retzlaff must run effectively without coughing it up. I see it being difficult on the ground vs. these guys. JR must deliver the X factor, whether scrambling to set up big pass plays or flat out picking up rushing yardage.

4. Win the battle of the explosives. Whether on O or via special teams, we need some big plays that result in or lead directly to points.

5. Neutral or better in turnover battle. If we make it easy on K-state by failing to take care of the ball, we’re toast. We could take care of the ball and lose. We won’t give it up repeatedly and win.

If that sounds like an unreasonable combo, it probably is. Kansas State is good. A whole lot needs to go right for us to beat them.