KANSAS AT KANSAS STATE is not a major game on the national scene, but it will go a long way toward determining the Big 12 North Division champion.

Someone has to emerge from the North to get a shot at Texas in the Big 12 championship game.

"Nothing really surprises me anymore, being around the game as long as I have," said Kansas State coach Bill Snyder.

The Big 12 North does not have a team that would appear good enough to finish in the top five of the Big 12 South.

Still, someone is going to win it. So far, only Kansas State and Nebraska have two losses. The other four teams have three losses.

It is not out of the question that all six teams in the North will have three losses by Sunday.

"It wasn't projected the way the Big 12 North was (supposed) to be," said Snyder.

Colorado and Iowa State tied for the division title with 4-4 records in 2004. A year later, Colorado won the division with a 5-3 record.

Obviously, it is not out of the question that the division winner will have at least three losses.

It is also possible that the North could have a division winner with a .500 record.

"Stranger things have happened," said Snyder.

So, winning any game, especially against your state rival, would be huge this week for the Jayhawks or Wildcats.

"We've been in this position before," said Kansas coach Mark Mangino. "We need to get back on track. We just need to do a better job offensively.

"They'll know that (how important the game is in Big 12 North) by reading and listening to you guys in the media. But, they won't hear that from me. This is another game on the schedule that is very important. Our kids get excited and so do all of the fans in Kansas."

Kansas State has been the biggest surprise in the Big 12 North, especially after its slow start.

Much of the credit is going to Snyder, who came out of retirement to revive KSU's program.

"When we play well, it is enjoyable," said Snyder. "When we don't, it isn't."

He's been through plenty of KSU-KU games and knows it is important to folks in the Sunflower State.

Of course, this year there is the added incentive of the Big 12 North race.

"You can't deny when two in-state schools meet that there isn't any more emphasis," said Snyder. "This is the most important one we've played to this point in the season."

Kansas has had issues in recent weeks. Todd Reesing, who was being touted for the Heisman as recently as two weeks ago, was benched in the loss to Texas Tech last week.

"He was not getting good protection," said Mangino. "He was not in sync. Todd Reesing is not the problem. He was part of the problem. Our defense is playing very well. Our offense is not."

The Jayhawks got off to a great start this season and their nonconference opponenents have proven to be decent. KU opened by beating Duke, Southern Miss and UTEP.

"I've followed those teams," said Mangino. "They've done very well.

"Does it get tougher? Yes. This is the Big 12. It gets tougher every week."

Now, it is time for the Jayhawks to start winning again, after losing three straight, or forget its chances in the Big 12 North.

"Kansas State is a much improved team," said Mangino. "They are getting better every week. They are a lot better than last year.

"Right now we have some issues with our offensive line. We are analyzing that and trying to fix that."