Playing the highest ranked non-conference opponent since 1969 sounds like a tall task.

Doing it at home on a Thursday night sounds like an even taller task. But that’s what Bill Snyder, Jake Walters and the Kansas State Wildcats are charged with Thursday as the No. 5 Auburn Tigers visit Manhattan.

It’s a top-20 matchup, and with the No. 5 Tigers – the reigning SEC champs – touting the SEC’s size and athleticism, Kansas State says it won’t shy away.

“We definitely respect them, but we also know that they are trying to come in here and smack us around and beat us. We have to have that same attitude and that confidence that we can play with anyone in the country,” Wildcats quarterback Jake Waters said according to AL.com. “We respect them, but we are not scared of them.”

The Wildcats have played just one other ranked non-conference opponent at home during Snyder’s tenure in Manhattan, a 2002 win over No. 11 USC.

But this game is on Thursday night, against a top-five team, a team that won the best conference in America last season and made it to the BCS national championship game.

“I think someone told me that we are the only game on that day, so it is definitely all eyes on us,” K-State receiver Deante Burton said. “It is a game you dream about.”

But make no mistake, it won’t be an easy task for the Wildcats. Half of Kansas State’s roster vs. Auburn – 58 players – will be former or current walk-ons, according to CBS’ Dennis Dodd.

The buzz and anticipation has reached a fever pitch in the Little Apple, but Snyder says his team is focused.

“Our guys are seemingly focused on the task at hand,” Snyder said. “If you were to ask them, I think they would tell you that they are anxious to play. I like to think the anxiousness is really excitement to play.”