Arizona vs. Kansas State Predictions | College Football Picks, Best Bets

While we’re still a week away from diving head-first into conference schedules, that hasn’t stopped some programs from dipping their toes into familiar waters. That’s the case on Friday, as the 20th-ranked Arizona Wildcats embark on their inaugural Big 12 schedule, traveling to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for a showdown versus the 14th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats. 

We’ve got you covered with our favorite plays from the upcoming Big 12 clash.

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Where to Watch Arizona vs. Kansas State

• Location: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (Manhattan, Kansas)
• Time: Friday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: FOX
• Spread: Kansas State -7.5 | Moneyline: Kansas State -280 | Total: 58.5

Arizona vs. Kansas State Best Bet ATS: Arizona +7.5

Arizona’s foray into Big 12 starts with a marquee Top 25 showdown against K-State, which will also be its first true test of the 2024 season. Zona kicked off the campaign with a decisive 61-39 win over the lowly New Mexico Lobos, following that up with a less convincing 22-10 victory over FCS foes, the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Still, Arizona put in 988 yards of total offense across those two games while limiting their opponents to a combined 669. Kansas State can’t boast about the same accomplishments. They were nearly tripped up in Week 2 against a Group of Five team, the Tulane Green Wave. K-State gave up almost 500 yards on defense, getting out-gained by a 491-396 margin. Those defensive concerns will be exposed by a potent Arizona side that should be able to keep this Big 12 contest within a touchdown.

Check out SportsGrid’s models CFB Best Bets here.

Arizona vs. Kansas State Best Bet Total: Over 58.5

Neither team has looked like an exemplary defensive squad. Two lesser-than opponents have taken advantage of Arizona’s defensive miscues, while K-State was trounced by freshman quarterback Darian Mensah in last week’s tilt. As such, Noah Fifita should have no problem moving the chains on Friday night, building on the 595 passing yards he’s put up in the first two contests of the season. However, Kansas State can fight fire with fire, turning to standout junior DJ Giddens. The Kansas State running back has churned out 238 yards on 32 carries for a beefy 7.4 yards per carry. That underscores one of Arizona’s most notable defensive concerns, as they allowed the Lobos to run all over them. Zona gave up 211 rushing yards on 38 carries, resulting in one of the highest-scoring games in Week 1. A similar outcome is expected in this one. 

Arizona vs. Kansas State Best Player Props

Kansas State Wildcats Running Back Dylan Edwards Any Time Touchdown Scorer +120

As we’ve seen, both offenses feature a bevy of elite playmakers who can find the end zone at any time, and they are priced as such. However, backup running back Dylan Edwards presents value as the top plus-money anytime touchdown scorer. Edwards has found pay dirt in each of the first two games of the season. He broke the plane on a one-yard run in Week 1, following that up with a 13-yard touchdown run in Week 2. Moreover, he’s been featured in the passing game, hauling in two of three targets and adding another score. His goalline presence and Arizona’s weak rush defense make him a prime candidate to extend his touchdown streak to three games. We’re making that our preferred player prop heading into this pivotal Big 12 battle.

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