The No. 14 Kansas State Wildcats are set to face a significant challenge as they host the No. 20 Arizona Wildcats on Friday night. Both teams are part of the Big 12 Conference, but the game will not impact the standings due to its long-standing scheduling. Kansas State enters the match with a 2-0 record, following a dramatic 34-27 comeback victory against Tulane last Saturday. Meanwhile, Arizona is also unbeaten at 2-0, having secured a 22-10 win over FCS outfit Northern Arizona in Week 2. The two squads have not faced each other since 1978 when Arizona claimed a 31-0 victory in Tucson.
Kickoff at Bill Snyder Family Stadium is set for 8 p.m. ET, with Kansas State listed as a 6.5-point favorite according to the latest betting odds. The total points over/under is currently at 60.5, rising from its opening line of 54.5. Before making any predictions for the Kansas State vs. Arizona matchup, bettors are encouraged to check the college football insights and advice provided by the SportsLine Projection Model.
The model runs simulations for every FBS college football game 10,000 times and has successfully generated a profit of over $2,000 for bettors wagering $100 on its top-rated picks against the spread. It concluded last season with a profitable 13-9 record on its top spread selections and has started strong with a 4-0 record on over/under picks this season. Followers of the model have reaped significant rewards.
The model has now focused its attention on the Arizona vs. Kansas State game and has made its predictions. Here are the game odds:
Kansas State vs. Arizona spread: Kansas State -6.5
Kansas State vs. Arizona over/under: 60.5 points
Kansas State vs. Arizona money line: Kansas State -250, Arizona +203
Kansas State vs. Arizona picks: Available at SportsLine
Reasons Arizona may cover the spread:
The initial two games under coach Brent Brennan have yielded wins, though not without challenges. In the season opener against New Mexico, Arizona’s offense exploded for 627 yards and 61 points but allowed over 400 yards and 39 points. In the subsequent week, the defense excelled, holding Northern Arizona to just 198 yards, but the offense struggled, managing only two touchdowns. The Wildcats aim to deliver a complete performance in what will be their first away game of the season.
Key players on Arizona’s offense include quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, high school teammates. McMillan, an All-American, made a remarkable impact in Week 1 with 10 catches for 305 yards and four touchdowns, falling short of a fifth touchdown by mere inches. However, in the following game, he recorded only two catches for 11 yards. For Arizona to extend its current nine-game winning streak, the longest in the nation, both players must step up against Kansas State’s defense.
Reasons Kansas State may cover the spread:
The Kansas State Wildcats feature an explosive duo in quarterback Avery Johnson and running back DJ Giddens, posing a significant challenge for the Wildcats’ defense. Last week, Kansas State overcame a halftime deficit of 20-10, scoring 24 points in the second half, including a 45-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Giddens. The decisive play was a 60-yard fumble return for a touchdown by safety Jack Fabris in the fourth quarter.
Throughout the season, Johnson has thrown for 334 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 77 yards. Giddens has 32 carries for 238 yards and has caught seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Kansas State aims to establish a solid ground game to keep the ball away from Arizona’s strong offense, potentially complicating Arizona’s efforts to keep pace on the scoreboard.
How to make Kansas State vs. Arizona picks:
The SportsLine model is favoring the Over on the total points, projecting 72 combined points. It also indicates that one side of the spread has a success rate of over 60%. Only at SportsLine can bettors find the model’s definitive pick.
For insights on who will win the Arizona vs. Kansas State game and which side of the spread is favored in over 60% of simulations, visit SportsLine for recommendations based on the advanced computer model that’s yielded over $2,000 in profits on college football picks since its inception.