It's time to start Big 12 play! Kansas State will be opening conference play on the road against the 6th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. In this installment of Up Next, Jeff Burkhart (@jeff_burkhart) caught up Payton Guthrie @PaytonGlen of the Through the Keyhole Podcast (@KeyholePod). While the Sooners have looked sharp in their 3-0 start, Payton contended that there is ample room for growth while addressing the following questions:

- What are the early returns on first-year head coach Brent Venables?

- Did thrashing former Big 12 foe Nebraska hold any additional weight with the Oklahoma fanbase?

- Has offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby formally alleviated any concerns surrounding a drop-off on his side of the ball?

- in what areas has UCF transfer QB Dillon Gabriel struggled?

- Is WR Marvin Mims poised for a breakout season?

- Have any wide receivers emerged as complements to Mims?

- Is Tennessee transfer RB Eric Gray a true homerun hitter?

- How has the offensive line adopted the zone blocking scheme?

- How comfortable does Venables feeling in relinquishing control of the defense to Ted Roof?

- How are fans feeling about the performance of freshman linebacker and former K-State recruiting target Jaren Kanak?

- What's allowed LB Danny Stutsman to elevate his game?

- Are there major concerns surrounding the kicking game and redshirt freshman PK Zach Schmit?

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