Coming off a thrilling Week 3, one can’t help but look forward to an exciting Week 4 in the NCAAF as a clash of unbeaten teams is on the to-do list as the Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) take on the BYU Cougars (3-0). The game will occur on Saturday at the LaVell Edwards Stadium and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Both national football teams take this game with a fight and have not lost any of their previous matchups, which ensures an interesting tussle that will determine how their seasons will progress. As you hunt for the best NCAAF picks for free, this game stands out as a critical matchup with significant implications for college football.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. BYU Cougars 9/21/24 Game Info |
|
| When: | Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | LaVell Edwards Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) vs. BYU Cougars (3-0)
The Kansas State Wildcats have had great offensive approaches this season, especially in how they play on the ground. Backing Player One would be DJ Giddens, who has carried the ball 49 times to pick up acquired rushing yards. The impressive average per rush stands at approximately 6.6. This solid rushing performance has been an important factor in Kansas State’s wins against Arizona and Tulane, winning the games 31-7 and 34-27, respectively. The Wildcats have done an excellent job utilizing their ground game to eat out the clock and create opportunities to put their opponents’ defenses under siege.
The BYU Cougars, on the other hand, have shown some measure of balance in their offense but have had some limitations with regard to their running game. So far, running back Hinckley Ropati has chewa-ma 89 yards on 21 attempts, averaging 4.2 yards. It might be meager against Kansas State’s tougher defense. Nonetheless, wideout Chase Roberts has been of great help to BYU, registering 263 yards on 15 receptions. Roberts’s skill for breaking free for big gainers was exhibited in their most recent two wins over Wyoming and SMU, where BYU outplayed them 34-14 and 18-15 in that order.
Avery Johnson QB vs. Jake Retzlaff QB
The quarterback for Kansas State, Avery Johnson, has proved a tremendous leader on the field. He had 490 yards passing with 64.2 percent completing six touchdowns and one interception in the season. Johnson’s game management skills and his ability to limit errors have also been important to the success of Kansas State’s offense. His longest completion of 48 yards illustrates that Johnson is also able to throw the deep ball, which can help the Wildcats’ offense become more multifaceted.
In contrast, BYU’s Jake Retzlaff has accumulated 841 passing yards, completing 60.6 percent of his passes. Retzlaff is not only efficient, as evidenced by his seven touchdown passes against three interceptions, but he is also a player with the ability to make plays. BYU’s Retzlaff has a passer rating of 154 even when pressured in high-pressure situations, but he must be careful against the Kansas State defensive backs. What is outstanding about him though, has to be the fact that he is capable of making game-altering passes, like his 57-yard pass which is his longest.
The anticipation surrounding this encounter is fully founded as the duel between the two quarterbacks is bound to be a tactical one. Johnson’s high percentage but safe plays will force the BYU defense to work hard while Retzlaff’s fast and reckless style will force the Wildcats to cover up more.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Kansas State Wildcats -7.5 (-122), Total Odds: 50.5
The current betting lines favor the Kansas State Wildcats as -7.5 point favorites, reflecting their strong start to the season and robust defensive play. The total over/under set at 50.5 points suggests expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair, aligning with both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
Kansas State has covered the spread in 9 of their last 12 games against Big 12 opponents, indicating a strong performance against familiar foes. However, they are 2-4 ATS in their last six games overall, suggesting some recent struggles to cover larger spreads.
BYU Cougars Betting Trends
BYU has been exceptional against the spread, going 5-0 ATS in their last five games. This streak highlights their ability to outperform expectations, particularly in closely contested matchups. Yet, their 0-5 SU record in recent games against Big 12 teams could be a concern when facing a high-caliber team like Kansas State.
Kansas State Wildcats vs. BYU Cougars 9/21/24 Betting Picks
Based on the evaluations of both teams, it can be expected that Kansas State — who effectively utilizes their defense and running attack — will be able to finally achieve a win. Still, BYU’s good against the spread and home ground advantage may help in not making the game a one-sided affair.
As per the betting experts, it would be wise to back Kansas State to win and BYU to not lose by more than 7.5 points. When it comes to the total points we take the under on 50.5 if both teams play as good defensively as they might. As regards the premium top picks, prop bets on Avery Johnson for all total touchdowns are interesting wagers.