Arizona vs Kansas State (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch
Arizona vs Kansas State (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch
The Kansas State Wildcats welcome the Arizona Wildcats for a thrilling Friday night Big 12-Pac-12 showdown. Set for 8:00 PM Eastern on Fox, this game promises to bring excitement as both teams look to make a statement early in the season. Kansas State is favored by 7 points in this Week 3 matchup, and they’ll aim to rebound after a tough non-conference game in Week 2. Arizona, on the other hand, is eager to prove itself on the road.
Let’s dive into the odds, predictions, and how you can watch this exciting matchup.
How to Watch Arizona vs Kansas State
- Game Date: Friday, Week 3
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time
- TV Channel: Fox
- Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline
- Point Spread: Kansas State -7
Kansas State is favored by 7 points. They need to win by more than 7 to cover the spread, while Arizona covers if they lose by 6 or fewer points or win outright. - Total (Over/Under): 58.5
The over/under is set at 58.5 points. A bet on the over wins if the combined score reaches 59 or more points, while the under wins if the total score is 58 or fewer points. - Moneyline:
- Arizona +235 (Bet $100 to win $235 if Arizona wins outright)
- Kansas State -290 (Bet $290 to win $100 if Kansas State wins outright)
The implied score from these betting odds is Kansas State 33, Arizona 26.
Betting Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained
- Betting Spread: With Kansas State favored by 7 points, they must win by 8 or more points to cover the spread. Arizona covers if they lose by 6 or fewer or win the game outright.
- Total (Over/Under): A total of 58.5 suggests a moderately high-scoring game. Bettors taking the over are betting on a shootout, while those favoring the under are expecting a lower-scoring contest.
- Moneyline: Betting the moneyline simply means betting on which team will win outright. Kansas State, as the favorite, offers a lower payout, while Arizona has a higher payout for an outright win.
Implied Score and Injury Report
The implied score, based on the betting line, is Kansas State 33, Arizona 26. Both teams are relatively healthy entering this matchup, though Kansas State’s secondary has underperformed, which could open the door for Arizona’s potent passing attack.
Game Analysis: Kansas State Wildcats
The Kansas State Wildcats have high expectations this season under head coach Chris Klieman. After a disappointing performance last week, they’ll look to bounce back at home against Arizona.
Offense: Kansas State’s offense, led by quarterback Avery Johnson, has been inconsistent. Through two games, the Wildcats are ranked just 126th in passing success rate, which is surprising given the talent at wide receiver. However, they rank first nationally in PPA per rush and third in offensive line yards, meaning their ground game, led by DJ Giddens, is among the nation’s elite.
Defense: Defensively, Kansas State has struggled, particularly in the secondary. They rank 114th in opponent quarterback rating and have allowed five passing plays of 30 yards or more in just two games. This could be a concern against Arizona’s explosive passing attack.
Key to Watch: Kansas State’s ability to contain Arizona’s wide receivers, particularly Tetairoa McMillan, will be crucial. If Kansas State’s pass rush can disrupt Arizona’s quarterback and force mistakes, they’ll be in good shape.
Game Analysis: Arizona Wildcats
Arizona is an underdog on the road, but they have the tools to make this a competitive game. The Wildcats are 2-0 against the spread in their last two games as road underdogs, and they’ll look to continue that streak in Manhattan.
Offense: Led by quarterback Jayden de Laura, Arizona has been explosive. They rank second in the nation in offensive explosiveness, and their passing attack is one of the most dangerous in the country. However, they’ve slowed their pace under new leadership, ranking 120th in the nation in tempo.
Defense: Arizona’s defense has been suspect, especially in stopping the run. Through two games, they’ve allowed 4.1 yards per carry against lesser competition in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. Kansas State’s ground game will be a tough test for Arizona’s front seven.
Key to Watch: Can Arizona’s defense slow down Kansas State’s powerful rushing attack? If they can, they’ll force Kansas State into passing situations, which has not been the Wildcats’ strength this season.
Recent Trends and Head-to-Head Matchup
- Kansas State: Kansas State had covered nine straight games as a home favorite before dropping two straight against Iowa State and UT Martin. However, they have been solid at home under Klieman and will look to get back on track.
- Arizona: The Wildcats have covered five of their last six games as road underdogs, including three straight last season. Arizona is building momentum under Jedd Fisch, and they’ll look to continue that trend against Kansas State.
Kansas State will look to impose their will on Arizona by controlling the ground game and keeping the Wildcats’ explosive offense off the field. Meanwhile, Arizona will try to test Kansas State’s secondary and take advantage of any breakdowns in coverage.
In-Depth Matchup Breakdown
Kansas State’s Game Plan:
Kansas State will lean heavily on their rushing attack, which has been one of the best in the nation. Running backs DJ Giddens and Treshaun Ward will look to exploit Arizona’s vulnerable run defense. If Kansas State can control the clock and keep Arizona’s offense off the field, they’ll have a great chance to cover the spread.
Arizona’s Strategy:
Arizona will look to strike through the air. Quarterback Jayden de Laura will target wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan early and often, hoping to test Kansas State’s struggling secondary. Arizona needs to create big plays and stay ahead of the chains to avoid Kansas State’s powerful pass rush.
Prediction: Arizona vs Kansas State
This game could come down to which team better executes its strengths. Kansas State has a clear advantage on the ground, but Arizona’s explosive passing attack will keep them in the game. In the end, Kansas State’s home-field advantage and ability to control the pace should be enough to secure the win.
Final Score Prediction: Kansas State 34, Arizona 24
Pick: Kansas State -7
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