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(AP) -- One of the only games that No. 16 Kansas State was expected to win during the Big 12 portion of its schedule was against Iowa State.

That was back in August, when the Wildcats were picked to finishnear the bottom of the Big 12, and the Cyclones even worse.

That was back before Kansas State strung together nine wins through its first 11 games, and put itself in position to win a share of the Big 12 championship.

That was back before Iowa State stunned then-No. 2 Oklahoma State.

Suddenly, a late-season meeting between also-rans has generated some national interest. Kansas State can win a share of the conference title by beating the Cyclones and getting some help from Oklahoma, which plays the Cowboys later Saturday night.

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