2024 NCAAF Cheat Sheet: Kansas State Wildcats Stats & Odds

2024 Kansas State Wildcats Odds Project 9.5 Wins

A Big 12 title? A College Football Playoff appearance? Big things may be in store for the Kansas State Wildcats in 2024.

Expectations are high coming off a 9-4 season that culminated with a victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Much of the enthusiasm centers on sophomore phenom Avery Johnson, who takes over as starting quarterback.

What can bettors expect? Here’s the projected 2024 Kansas State Wildcats stats.

Wildcats logo At A Glance

Odds to WinOpening OddsCurrent Odds
Championship+7000+7000
Conference+350+380
Regular Season Win Total9.5 (o+114, u-140)9.5 (o+125, u-150)
To Make PlayoffsYes +250Yes +250
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Another Big 12 Title in Reach

The new-look Big 12 Conference is competitive at the top, with Kansas State among its most formidable teams. The Wildcats lose quarterback Will Howard, who transferred to Ohio State, but return Avery Johnson, a dual-threat who starred in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in the 28-19 victory over NC State, resembling everything the Wildcats hoped he would be.

The Wildcats finished 9-4 (6-3 Big 12) and were ranked 18th in the final AP poll, building on a momentous run to the Sugar Bowl in 2022 under Chris Klieman.

Expectations are quite lofty, with the oddsmakers forecasting the Wildcats for 9.5 regular-season victories. They’re also among the favorites to win another Big 12 title and should challenge for a berth in the expanded College Football Playoff. Anything short of that would be a disappointment.

Klieman’s biggest concern is likely turnover on the offensive line. Johnson’s mobility should help in that regard, but it bears watching as the season progresses. Fortunately, there’s far less uncertainty on the other side of the ball, with seven starters returning from a defense that allowed just 21 points per game.

Let’s take a closer look at the projected 2024 Kansas State Wildcats stats.

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Championship Odds: Something Catchy About Team’s Title Chances

The Wildcats are legitimate CFP contenders, which means they also should be in the mix for a national title. Whether or not they come through will largely depend on Johnson’s development as a passer. He flashed his playmaking abilities as a runner last season, averaging 5.7 yards per rush to go with seven touchdowns. At the same time, his completion rate was only 56.1%.

If he becomes a complete product, the Wildcats will be very difficult to beat. In fact, they might even overtake Utah as favorites to win the Big 12. But the jury’s still out on that development.

Conference Odds: Near the Top of the Class

Utah or Kansas State? Kansas State or Utah? With perennial powers Texas and Oklahoma off to the SEC, those two look like the teams to beat in the Big 12. Four others are priced between 7/1 and 9/1.

The schedule could be tricky, as three of the Wildcats’ first five conference games are on the road. But they also get Oklahoma State and Kansas at home and miss Utah.

In that sense, there’s a lot to like about their chances. Another Big 12 title looms as a very strong possibility. That’s worth considering when sizing up the 2024 Kansas State Wildcats stats.

Regular Season Wins: High Bar to Clear

Kansas State has scored double-digit wins just once in the last 11 seasons. As such, this seems like a very high bar to clear. Then again, the schedule’s set up for them to have a very strong season. The Wildcats should, at worst, be 3-1 heading into their Sept. 28 date with Oklahoma State. It helps that most of their big games are at home.

There’s a scenario in which the Wildcats underwhelm and fall short of contending for a Big 12 title, but likely only if Johnson disappoints. The dangerous one-two punch at running back in DJ Giddens and Dylan Edwards should take off some pressure.

The Wildcats are still pegged for 9.5 wins, though the odds of them covering have dipped slightly from +114 to +125. Bettors would be wise to take that into account when making their college football picks, as there’s potentially strong value at plus odds.

To Make Playoffs: Viable Path Awaits

Again, if the Wildcats are good enough to compete for a conference title, they’re good enough to make the CFP. It helps that the field is tripling in size from four to 12 schools. Oddsmakers have priced their chances of qualifying at +250.

The clearest way for the Wildcats to cash in is to win their conference. They could also possibly grab an at-large bid, and beating Tulane on Sept. 7 would be a good start.

Johnson on Periphery of Heisman Chase

Hear us out. What if Johnson picks up from where he left off in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in which he threw for 178 yards, ran for 71 yards, accounted for three touchdowns, and has a big season? There’s a good chance he may generate some headlines for the Heisman Trophy.

  • Voters tend to favor quarterbacks, and Johnson’s run-pass abilities are fascinating. He’s +2500 to win the Heisman, but NCAAF scores and odds often swing wildly from week to week.

For the best college football bets, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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