Kansas State Turns to Plan B at Quarterback for Pop-Tarts Bowl
Pop-Tarts Bowl Odds: Kansas State Down to -3
The Pop-Tarts Bowl kicks off this upcoming December, 28th. We’ve got the latest updates on lines, injuries, departures and weather right here:
Kansas State opened as a 4.5-point favorite, but that line was quickly bet down to -3.5 when quarterback Will Howard announced plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Dec. 4. It’s held relatively steady since then, swaying between 2.5 and 3 points for a majority of December. As of Wednesday morning, Kansas State was priced -2.5. The Wildcats were also -125 on the moneyline, with NC State coming in at +105 to win outright.
Howard’s absence has created some apprehension, but not enough for a majority of bettors to flip the odds and back NC State. Perhaps it’s because the Wildcats have a suitable backup in freshman Avery Johnson, who ran for five touchdowns in a victory over Texas Tech earlier this season.
The projected total hasn’t moved much either, inching down to 47 after opening at 48.5. Notably, there’s a slight lean to the Over at -112 (now -110). Kansas State was proficient offensively, averaging 446.1 yards and 37.8 points per game. However, much of that production came with Howard under center. Now they face a much tougher defense in NC State.
Now, check out the rest of the Pop-Tarts Bowl preview, originally published on December 8.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing matchups of college bowl season, with No. 18 NC State facing Kansas State. Kickoff is slated for Dec. 28 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
Kansas State opened as a 4.5-point favorite but is now down to -3. The Wildcats are also -155 on the moneyline, while NC State is +3 on the spread and +130 to win outright. The projected total is 47, down slightly from 48.5.
This Florida-based bowl has gone through several different name changes through the years, with sponsors including Champs Sports, Russell Athletic and Camping World.
Most recently it was called the Cheez-It Bowl, featuring schools from the ACC and Big 12. Last season’s edition saw Florida State beat Oklahoma 35-32.
What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down the Pop-Tarts Bowl odds.
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Wolfpack vs Wildcats 
Day/Time:
Location: Camping World Stadium; Orlando, Fla.
Streaming: ESPN, ESPN+
Wolfpack Surging at Right Time
NC State rolls into the postseason on a five-game winning streak. The Wolfpack went 9-3 overall and finished third in the ACC (6-2). They notched some impressive wins along the way, beating the likes of Clemson and North Carolina.
If not for a 13-10 loss to Louisville in late September, the Wolfpack easily could’ve found themselves playing for an ACC title against Florida State.
The Wolfpack have climbed to No. 18 in the AP poll, one of three ranked teams from the ACC. This is their second straight college bowl appearance under Dave Doeren and the seventh in his 11 seasons as head coach. Last season, they went 8-5 and lost 16-12 to Maryland in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
After an 0-4 start ATS, NC State has covered in seven of its last eight games. It’s 5-2 ATS and 4-3 SU as an underdog, with victories the last two weeks over Virginia Tech and the Tar Heels.
The Wolfpack also went Over the projected total in those two games but are just 4-8 against the Over/Under this season.
The Wolfpack have lost three straight bowl games under Doeren, but bettors shouldn’t fret. They should have most of their key NCAA football players available, including quarterback Brennan Armstrong.
The Virginia transfer passed for a season-high 334 yards and three touchdowns against North Carolina. On top of throwing for 1,621 yards and 11 NCAAF scores, the sixth-year senior is also the Wolfpack’s leading rusher (544 yards, 6 TD).
Departures & Injuries
Armstrong has turned around his performance since a midseason benching and seems primed to finish his storied college career on a high note. With backup MJ Morris planning to transfer, Armstrong will be the guy against Kansas State, for bettor (pun intended) or worse.
His experience should only help.
KSU Forced to Adjust on the Fly
Kansas State split its last four games, with one-score losses to Big 12 Champion Texas (33-30 OT) and Iowa State (42-35). The Wildcats finished in a tie for fourth in the conference at 6-3 (8-4).
The Wildcats will have a new quarterback for the bowl in freshman Avery Johnson. Johnson appeared in seven games this NCAAF season as a backup but was elevated to No. 1 on the depth chart after senior Will Howard decided last week to enter the transfer portal.
Howard was one of the Big 12’s most productive quarterbacks, passing for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. His absence will surely be felt, but the Wildcats have no choice but to turn forward.
Two other quarterbacks, sophomore Jake Rubley and freshman Adryan Lara, also plan to transfer, leaving Johnson as the only scholarship quarterback on the roster. On top of that, offensive coordinator Collin Klein is leaving his alma mater for the same role at Texas A&M.
Johnson has played well in limited action, completing 23 of 35 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also run for six scores. But he’s about to face his biggest challenge as Wildcat.
Kansas State is also 7-5 ATS, including 6-4 ATS (7-3 OU) as a favorite. It went Over the projected total in three of its last four games and seven times overall. That’s important to remember when assessing the Pop-Tarts Bowl odds.
Departures & Injuries
Howard’s departure leaves Kansas State extremely thin at quarterback. Johnson’s looked the part in limited doses this season, but most of that came in garbage time. He has a few weeks to prepare for his first collegiate start, but without his offensive coordinator, the challenge only becomes more difficult.
It’ll be up to head coach Chris Klieman, who’s taken Kansas State to CFB bowl games in four of his first five seasons, to see how his NCAAF team responds.
Yet Another Eye-Catching, Creative Headline About The Actual Game
Kansas State has one of the most proficient offenses in FBS. It’s averaging 446.1 yards and 37.8 points per game. But a majority of that production came with Howard under center. Now the Wildcats face NC State, which is holding opponents to an average of 20.2 points. Something has to give in this college football matchup.
Kansas State is still favored, but it’s no surprise to see the Pop-Tarts Bowl odds shrink a bit.
For NCAA bowl odds predictions, college football betting lines and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
