NC State Wolfpack (9-3) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (8-4)
As the NCAAF season progresses towards its climax, the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl presents an exciting matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Kansas State Wildcats. Set to take place on Thursday, at the Camping World Stadium, this game is a focal point for NCAAF bowl daily picks. The Wolfpack, with a 9-3 record, and the Wildcats, standing at 8-4, both bring impressive performances into this bowl game, promising a thrilling encounter for fans and bettors alike.
NC State has been propelled forward this season by the exceptional play of running back Kevin Concepcion and wide receiver Kevin Concepcion, with each contributing significantly. Concepcion’s running game boasts 297 rushing yards at 7.8 yards per carry while Concepcion excelled on both ends of the field with 767 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions, making him a true dual threat on the field.
Kansas State, on the other hand, boasts its own set of key players. Running back DJ Giddens has been an indispensable contributor for Kansas State this season accumulating 1075 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns; wide receiver Phillip Brooks (589 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns) provides Kansas State with reliable targets in passing game that complement Giddens’ running prowess.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Kansas State Wildcats Game Info
| When: | Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 5:45 PM ET |
| Where: | Camping World Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Brennan Armstrong QB vs. Avery Johnson QB
Brennan Armstrong of NC State’s Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong has turned in an outstanding 2023 campaign, completing 62.24% of his passes for 1,621 yards, 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions – an average of nearly 7 yards per attempt! Armstrong has consistently shown off his arm talent while mastering NC State’s offense; sometimes trying too much and leading to turnover issues but overall providing an efficient offensive attack for NC State.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has flourished in his debut as a starter this season, completing more than 65% of his throws while using mobility and quick decision-making to find open targets. Johnson also limited turnovers this year with no interceptions recorded against his Wildcats offense; even though his stats don’t stand out yet, Johnson provides balance and reliability to their attack while looking forward to continuing his efficient passing against an NC State defense that is susceptible.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Kansas State Wildcats -135, Total Odds: 47
The current betting odds slightly favor Kansas State, indicated by their -135 moneyline compared to NC State’s +115. The total odds set at 47 points suggest expectations of a moderately high-scoring game.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends
The Wolfpack enter this bowl game on an impressive 5-game winning streak both straight up and against the spread (ATS). NC State is 5-1 ATS over their last 6 contests against Big 12 opponents. So while Kansas State has played well recently, the Wolfpack have dominated teams from this conference. Additionally, the over has hit in 7 of NC State’s previous 10 December games. So the offensive firepower is likely to show up on both sides.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
On the other side, Kansas State has gone an underwhelming 5-2 straight up and ATS over their last 7 outings. So they’ve beaten lesser opponents but struggled to prevail in their biggest matchups. Additionally, the under has hit in 7 of the Wildcats’ last 10 December contests. So winter weather and strong defenses have slowed their offense in bowl games. With two stingy defenses, expect a lower-scoring affair between these evenly-matched teams.
NC State Wolfpack vs. Kansas State Wildcats 12/28/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and trends, this matchup presents a tight contest. Kansas State, playing as the favorite and with strong recent performance, seems to have a slight edge. However, NC State’s resilience and ability to beat the spread cannot be overlooked. For those looking at the best sportsbooks, exploring prop bets on individual player performances, especially Kevin Concepcion and DJ Giddens, could be worthwhile.
Ultimately, the game may come down to the quarterbacks’ performances. Armstrong’s experience and Johnson’s efficiency set the stage for an intriguing quarterback duel. The over/under at 47 points offers an interesting bet, considering both teams’ recent trends toward UNDER in total points.
This prediction reflects the close nature of the game and the slight edge Kansas State holds. However, in the world of college football, surprises are always around the corner, making the Pop-Tarts Bowl a must-watch and bet event.
