Arizona Wildcats vs
Kansas St. WildcatsPredictions & Preview

Arizona Wildcats set to battle Kansas State Wildcats in a highly anticipated BIG12 showdown

On Friday night, the #20 Arizona Wildcats will face off against the #14 Kansas State Wildcats in a highly anticipated BIG12 matchup. Both teams are undefeated so far this season and will be meeting for the first time in over four decades. This game is one of two marquee matchups on Friday night, with the other being Kansas playing against UNLV. The game will take place at Bill Snyder Family Stadium at 6 PM CST on September 7. Kansas State is currently favored to win, with the betting line opening at -8 and now sitting at -7.5.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wildcats +250 | Wildcats -300
• Spread: Wildcats +7.5 (-110) | Wildcats -7.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 59 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Kansas St. will win straight-up is 75%.

Arizona vs Kansas St. Stats

Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats had an outstanding 2023 season, finishing with a 10-3 record and a notable win against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Alamo Bowl. Despite the departure of their Head Coach and several players to the Washington Huskies, sophomore QB Noah Fifita has been leading the team to success with a 9-game win streak. Junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has also been a standout player, setting records and gaining recognition on the Heisman Watch list. The Wildcats have started the 2024 season with victories over the New Mexico Lobos and the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, but have struggled to cover the spread. The offense has shown strength in both passing and rushing yards but needs to improve their efficiency on 3rd downs and reduce turnovers. The defense has had mixed performances, with some struggles against the run. With a power ranking of 9, Arizona is excelling offensively but facing challenges defensively, currently holding a 2-0 record for the season.

Kansas St. Wildcats Analysis

The Kansas State Wildcats are off to a strong 2-0 start, with a recent victory over the Tulane Green Wave. Despite falling behind in the first half, the Wildcats came back to secure a 34-27 road victory. Quarterback Avery Johnson and running back DJ Giddens have been standout players, with Johnson completing 66% of his passes and Giddens averaging 119 yards per game. The team's offense has been impressive, with strong rushing and passing yards, but they will need to improve their third down conversion rate. Defensively, the Wildcats are allowing an average of 16.5 points per game. With a power ranking of 16, the Wildcats are currently ranked #38 for offense and #54 for defense. Next, they will face Arizona, who has struggled in previous matchups against Kansas State.

Anticipated Friday Night Showdown: Arizona vs. Kansas State Promises an Exciting Finish

This upcoming Friday Night game is anticipated to be an exciting competition that could potentially be decided by the final possession. Both teams boast talented playmakers who have the ability to sway the momentum of the game, promising an offensive showcase. A key focus for Kansas State will be how they plan to defend against the imposing 6-5 Heisman candidate wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan. While K State does possess defensive backs, such as the 6-3 VJ Payne, who can match up in terms of height, McMillan still presents a significant challenge. Kansas State's strong suit lies in their rushing attack, which may prove advantageous against Arizona's defense that surrendered over 200 rushing yards in their previous game. However, Kansas State's struggles on third downs could hinder their ability to keep pace, making it a challenging task to cover a touchdown margin. Ultimately, it may be wise to consider favoring Arizona with the points, with the game likely to culminate in an exhilarating finish under the Friday Night Lights. Therefore, Arizona +7 appears to be a favorable selection.

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