The Kansas State Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks meet Saturday in college football action from KU Memorial Stadium. Kansas State just finished up a game versus Baylor. In that one the Wildcats moved to 7-3 overall with a blowout win. As for Kansas, they played Texas Tech in their most recent outing. The 7-3 Jayhawks ended up falling in an upset defeat. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats kicked off the season with a nice scoring run through their first nine games, averaging 38.6 points per game with 47 total touchdowns. Kansas State had a nicely-balanced mix along the way with 204.2 yards per game and 23 TDs on the ground alongside 248.4 yards per game, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the passing game.
In their matchup versus Baylor over the weekend, Kansas State jumped out to a 35-13 lead by halftime, scoring in every quarter on the way to a nice win 59-25. Wildcats QB Will Howard led the way on 235 yards and three scores, while DJ Giddens rushed for 115 yards. Ben Sinnott caught three balls for 68 yards and a TD as well.
Kansas State Wildcats Team Facts
- Kansas State has won 17 of its last 18 November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Kansas State has covered the spread in each of its last six November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Kansas State has won the first half in 15 of its last 18 games against conference opponents.
- Kansas State has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
- Each of Kansas State’s last four November games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Kansas Jayhawks
Over on the Jayhawks’ side, they won seven of their first nine games this year thanks to a pretty consistent offense that produced 35.3 points per game on average. Kansas leaned on the rush a little more with 198.1 yards per game and 22 total touchdowns as opposed to 235.9 yards per game and 15 scores (with five picks) via the pass.
Matched up against Texas Tech on Saturday, the Jayhawks were down 13-0 going into the fourth quarter. Kansas got better in the final frame but ended up losing a tough one 16-13. Cole Ballard posted 124 yards and a pick on just nine completions. Devin Neal did most of the offensive work on the ground with 137 yards and a TD from 19 carries.
Kansas Jayhawks Team Facts
- Kansas has lost each of its last 10 November games as a home underdog.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Kansas’ last five games.
- Kansas has won the first quarter in three of its last four home games against conference opponents.
- Kansas has lost the first half in 26 of its last 30 home games against conference opponents.
- Eight of Kansas’ last 10 games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Kansas rank T32nd among FBS teams for points per game this season (32.7).
- Kansas State rank 12th among FBS teams for points per game this season (38.8).
- Kansas State rank 22nd among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (18.5).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stay with Kansas State. You could make a case either way, though. The Wildcats are coming off a great performance versus Baylor, bagging 451 total yards (268 passing) and 22 first downs. The third-down conversions weren’t great (4-of-12) but defensively Kansas State posted four takeaways and held the Bears to just 4-of-17 on third-down tries. Kansas State has now scored 30 or more points in five straight outings.
As for Kansas, they’re coming off a frustrating and humbling loss to Texas Tech. The Jayhawks only managed 137 pass yards and 18 first downs, but the defense wasn’t terrible despite giving up 21 first downs and 31:23 in time of possession. I suspect Kansas will bounce back well for this one, however I think Kansas State is good enough to hang around and cover/win if they play well. Should be a fun one.