Arizona vs. Kansas State: Picks, Predictions and Odds

Friday the 13th in Week 3 of the college football season presents a thrilling matchup of two ranked teams as the Arizona Wildcats take on the Kansas State Wildcats.

Arizona enters the contest undefeated at 2-0, ranked #20, while Kansas State also holds a 2-0 record and a #14 ranking.

Both teams are looking to make a significant statement in this matchup, which despite being a non-conference game due to Big 12 realignment, carries massive playoff implications.

Kansas State will rely heavily on its powerful rushing attack, while Arizona boasts a high-powered passing game led by quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Let’s dive into the picks, predictions and betting odds for this crucial Friday night game.

Arizona vs. Kansas State betting picks and predictions

Arizona +7.0 (-105)

Arizona comes into this matchup as a 7-point underdog, which is a new spot for the 2024 Wildcats.

Arizona has excelled as a sizable underdog in the past, going 5-0 straight up in its last five games when getting 7+ points.

With Fifita leading the offense and McMillan dominating at wide receiver, Arizona is capable of putting up big numbers against a Kansas State defense that has struggled in its secondary this season.

Kansas State’s defense, under head coach Chris Klineman, has shown uncharacteristic vulnerabilities, particularly in pass coverage.

In their Week 2 game against Tulane, they allowed 342 passing yards and there were several busted assignments in their zone and man coverages.

This should provide Arizona’s dynamic duo of Fifita and McMillan the opportunity to feast. McMillan has already posted 12 catches for 315 yards and four touchdowns this season and he’s likely to be a key factor in this game.

Kansas State must figure out how to slow him down, or Arizona’s offense could have a big night.

On the flip side, Arizona’s defense has its own issues, particularly against the run. The Wildcats gave up over 200 rushing yards to New Mexico in Week 1 and they’ve shown a vulnerability to mobile quarterbacks like Kansas State’s Avery Johnson.

Johnson has rushed 11 times for 77 yards this season, but Kansas State has been conservative with his rushing attempts in non-conference play. Expect him to be unleashed in this game, alongside standout running back DJ Giddens and Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards.

However, Arizona has shown the ability to hang in close games and has a knack for covering spreads in underdog situations. This game should be highly competitive, and Arizona +7.0 offers value in a game that could be closer than many expect.

Over 58.0 (-110)

With two explosive offenses facing off, the over on the total points line at 58.0 is an enticing option.

Arizona’s offense, led by Fifita, is capable of putting up points in bunches. Although the Wildcats scored only 22 points against Northern Arizona in Week 2, they appeared to take a conservative approach, likely saving their best plays and energy for this game against Kansas State.

Kansas State’s defense has been sloppy in its first two games and Arizona’s elite passing attack will challenge them from the outset.

Fifita has thrown for 595 yards and five touchdowns this season and his connection with McMillan is one of the best QB-WR tandems in the country.

They will look to exploit Kansas State’s secondary, which struggled mightily against Tulane, allowing over 10 yards per drop-back and ranking in the 93rd percentile for explosive plays allowed.

On the other side, Kansas State’s offense is built around a dominant rushing attack. Giddens has already accumulated 238 yards on 32 carries, while Edwards has three touchdowns on just 12 touches.

Add in Avery Johnson’s dual-threat capabilities and Kansas State’s ground game will be tough for Arizona to stop.

Arizona gave up 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns to New Mexico’s Devon Dampier and 39 yards to NAU’s Ty Pennington, raising concerns about their ability to contain Kansas State’s running backs.

With both teams capable of scoring, the total of 58.0 points feels a bit low. Expect a back-and-forth game with plenty of explosive plays on both sides, making the over a solid pick.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site

Arizona vs. Kansas State odds

Arizona	+230 ML
Kansas State	-280 ML
Spread	Kansas State -7
Total Points	O/U 58.0

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.