The Kansas State Wildcats aim to rebound as they host the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Arizona State +8.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Arizona State vs. Kansas State
Saturday, November 16, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Bill Snyder Family Stadium
Arizona State’s Narrow Victory Over UCF
Sam Leavitt showcased his skill with three touchdown passes, two of which went to Jordyn Tyson, leading Arizona State to a 35-31 victory over UCF on Saturday. The game saw five lead changes, highlighting the close contest.
The decisive moment came with just under five minutes left when Leavitt connected with Tyson for a 13-yard score. Tyson’s standout performance included 99 yards on seven catches. Leavitt completed 16 of 25 passes for 161 yards and added 22 rushing yards on 11 attempts.
Without star running back Cam Skattebo, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury, Arizona State leaned on Kyson Brown. Brown stepped up with 73 rushing yards on 18 carries. Despite being outgained 406-260 in total yardage, Arizona State capitalized on UCF’s critical mistakes, including five false starts and a missed 46-yard field goal late in the game.
Kansas State’s Defeat to Houston
Kansas State fell to Houston 24-19 on November 2 after a late comeback attempt fell short. With 40 seconds remaining, the Wildcats advanced to the Cougars’ 39-yard line but were unable to complete the final play as Avery Johnson’s throw was deflected in the end zone.
Head coach Chris Klieman pointed to poor fundamentals and technique as key reasons for the defeat, coupled with struggles in the run game, which produced only 89 yards.
“We weren’t running the ball a lick,” Klieman explained. “Our inability to rush the football makes it harder to throw.”
Johnson completed 23 of 39 passes for 238 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He connected with Keagan Johnson on a seven-yard touchdown pass just before halftime to give Kansas State a 16-10 lead. Johnson recorded 76 receiving yards, while DJ Giddens added 50 rushing yards and a touchdown. Despite outgaining Houston 327-232, Kansas State’s mistakes proved costly.
Keys to the Game
Leavitt’s performance against UCF highlighted his ability to stay composed under pressure and connect with Tyson, his go-to receiver. Tyson’s 99-yard, seven-catch outing demonstrated his ability to make pivotal plays. Kansas State’s secondary must limit these connections and step up in high-pressure scenarios to disrupt Arizona State’s aerial attack.
With Skattebo sidelined, Brown takes center stage in the backfield. His 73-yard effort against UCF showed promise, but he will need to find running lanes against the Kansas State defense. The Wildcats will aim to bottle up Arizona State’s ground game and force Leavitt into passing downs.
Johnson demonstrated he could lead the Wildcats’ offense effectively, throwing for 238 yards against Houston. However, his two interceptions and the team’s limited ground production reveal areas of concern. Arizona State’s defense will look to pressure Johnson, capitalize on his mistakes, and stifle Kansas State’s run game to throw them off balance.
Mistakes have been pivotal for both teams. Arizona State capitalized on UCF’s errors, while Kansas State’s turnovers and missed opportunities were costly against Houston. The team that can manage turnovers and avoid penalties will likely gain the upper hand.
NCAAF Pick
Expect a back-and-forth contest with flashes of offensive brilliance from both sides. Arizona State’s recent momentum and the chemistry between Leavitt and Tyson may prove decisive and help them stay in the game.
Kansas State’s defense will look to disrupt that connection and create turnovers, but offensive inconsistencies could hold them back.
NCAAF Pick: Arizona State +8.5 (-110) at Bet365
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