Kansas State vs NC State Prediction Football Picks 12-28-23

The NC State Wolfpack are riding a 5-game winning streak and have a chance at double-digit wins for the first time since 2002. The Kansas State Wildcats have won 5 of their last 7 games and are in their third straight bowl game. Let’s preview the Pop-Tarts Bowl and give out a NC State Wolfpack vs Kansas State Wildcats prediction.

NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview 

The NC State Wolfpack beat Clemson, Miami, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and North Carolina during this streak. Brennan Armstrong is completing 62.4 percent of his passes for 1,621 yards, 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Kevin Concepcion and Keyon Lesane have combined for 1,014 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while Bradley Rozner has 18 receptions. The NC State Wolfpack ground game is averaging 149.9 yards per contest, and Armstrong leads the way with 544 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, NC State is allowing 20.2 points and 323.6 yards per game. Payton Wilson leads the NC State Wolfpack with 138 tackles, Red Hibbler has 6.5 sacks and Devan Boykin has 3 interceptions.

NC State Wolfpack Team Facts

• NC State has won each of its last four games as an underdog.
• NC State has covered the spread in each of its last six games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• NC State has lost the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
• Nine of NC State’s last 12 games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview 

The Kansas State Wildcats are coming off wins over Baylor and Kansas, but most recently lost to Iowa State. Will Howard is completing 61.3 percent of his passes for 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Ben Sinnott and Phillip Brooks have combined for 1,265 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, while Jayce Brown has 22 receptions. The Kansas State Wildcats ground game is averaging 199.9 yards per contest, and DJ Giddens leads the way with 1,075 yards and 9 touchdowns. Defensively, Kansas State is allowing 21.2 points and 370.3 yards per game. Marques Sigle leads the Kansas State Wildcats with 60 tackles, Khalid Duke has 6 sacks and Jacob Parrish has 3 interceptions.

Kansas State Wildcats Team Facts

• Kansas State has lost four of its last five games as a favorite against AP-ranked teams.
• The favorite has covered the spread in each of Kansas State’s last four Bowl games.
• Kansas State has won the first half in seven of its last nine games against non-conference opponents.
• Kansas State has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
• Three of Kansas State’s last four games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.

NC State Wolfpack vs Kansas State Wildcats prediction

I’m not running to the window to bet this game given the amount of players on the transfer portal and the way the line has moved drastically. Kansas State is still favored, but they’re throwing out a freshman quarterback in Avery Johnson, who has just 35 career pass attempts. The NC State Wolfpack are still solid defensively to muck this game up, and there’s motivation on their side as they chase their first double-digit winning season in two decades. Strange game with a lot of roster turnover. Give me the points with NC State.