Collin Klein hung 71 points on Nicholls in his Kansas State debut, which ought to buy a new coach a reasonably pleasant Monday. Kirby Moore lost his Washington State debut 24-10 to Washington on Sunday, then had to get the Cougars ready for Manhattan. They’ll kick off at nine in the morning by their own clocks. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Washington State Cougars.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Kansas State vs. Washington State prediction, preview
Moore could start with the running backs, who managed 39 yards between them against Washington. Caden Pinnick ran for another 61, and I’d rather he spend Saturday choosing when to scramble than bailing out an underperforming ground game with his arm. After throwing 32 touchdowns for UC Davis last season, he threw two interceptions in the Apple Cup and averaged 5.68 yards per attempt. Wazzu missed all 11 third-down conversions last week. Moore has enough to fix on offense. He shouldn’t be asking his young quarterback to fix it all himself.
Avery Johnson had considerably more skill-position help against Nicholls, throwing three touchdowns and running for another as Kansas State gained 559 yards. The Wildcats scored nine offensive touchdowns and added one on a punt return. I’m reluctant to carry too-too much of that forward against Wazzu. Last year’s Wildcats averaged just 5.9 yards per play and converted only 37.2% of third downs, even while allowing only 13 sacks. Klein has definitely classed the place up, but I’m not ready to call Kansas State’s an offense I want to bet on just yet.
I liked how the Cougars defense handled Washington’s backs last week (roughly 3.3 yards per carry), although the Huskies did plenty to help them off the field. Washington committed 12 penalties for 130 yards, and failed twice on fourth down. They somehow still averaged 6.28 yards per play. This sets up such that Johnson should be able to drive Kansas State effectively, especially when he keeps the ball himself. Wazzu’s front can contest the handoffs and create pressure whenever they can’t land a solid TFL.
Washington State vs. Kansas State pick, best bet
Wazzu needs Pinnick to protect whatever rest his defense can get. Should he another pair of interceptions, Kansas State might need little time and less effort bagging its next touchdowns. I’m expecting Pinnick to convert a few third downs this week, but his running game have to leave him something manageable. Kansas State ran for 5.1 yards per carry last season; Johnson can lean on that ground game. Pinnick will still be searching for help.
I’m taking under 48.5. Kansas State should win. Johnson will keep them moving through longer and tougher possessions than Nicholls demanded last week, and Wazzu will make occasional progress without hanging too big a number. The Cougars missed two field goals Sunday, so I’ve allowed for some improvement on their 10 points. Moore still has to assemble a running game on a short week. I have Kansas State winning 31-13.
Best bet: Under 48.5 (-106)
Projected score: Kansas State 31, Washington State 13
Best Bet: Kansas State vs. Washington State u48.5 total points (-105)
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