​CINCINNATI — The challenges keep getting tougher for Kansas State, and this week marks its first road trip of the year and the start of its Big 12 schedule.Kansas State (3-0) and Cincinnati (3-0) will meet at Nippert Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. CT. The game will air on ESPN2.Both teams played weaker non-conference schedules, but each faced different challenges. The Wildcats responded well in wins over Washington State and Tulane, while the Bearcats needed to rally from down three scores in the second half to beat Miami (Ohio) last week.Here’s our scouting report and prediction heading into this Week 4 game.Kansas State vs Cincinnati scouting reportWhy Kansas State has an advantage: What the Wildcats have done so far has been more impressive than what the Bearcats have shown. K-State has a clear advantage at quarterback, defensively and at various skill positions, making them a near-touchdown favorite on the road. Avery Johnson showed in his career-best rushing game against Tulane that he remains a difference-maker at quarterback and can carry the Wildcats’ offense when needed. As long as he avoids the big mistakes, Johnson separates the Wildcats from their opponent. We’ll see if K-State can get Rodney Fields and Joe Jackson going again in this one.Defensively, the Wildcats have shown they can play at a high level, though Cincinnati will bring different challenges up front. K-State has some things to tighten up after the Tulane game, but we’ve already seen this young coaching staff help the Wildcats improve week-over-week early in the season.Why Cincinnati has an advantage: The Bearcats’ offensive line is legit. Led by All-American guard Evan Tengesdahl, the Bearcats are averaging about 270 yards on the ground and are mauling opponents up front. This is the best group the Wildcats will have seen so far, and maybe for the rest of the season.K-State’s defensive line has helped the Wildcats post the nation’s No. 1 pass defense. Quarterbacks haven’t been comfortable, leading to inaccurate throws downfield and off timing. If that group is quieter than usual because of Cincy’s offensive line, the Bearcats will scare the Wildcats, as long as quarterback JC French is on target. French has been solid to start the year, completing 76.5% of his passes for 629 yards, five touchdowns and no picks. Defensively, the Bearcats have also been opportunistic, creating five turnovers through three games. They’ve been good against the run, holding opponents to an average of 105 yards, to go along with a redzone defense that ranks 15th in the country. And if the Bearcats get behind? It’s not over. Their three-score rally, including a game-winning touchdown in the final minutes against Miami (Ohio), shows they know what it takes when they’re counted out. Kansas State hasn’t been put in that position this year.Kansas State vs Cincinnati odds, money line, over/underOdds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, Sept. 23Spread: Kansas State by 6Total: 55 1/2Money l