The Army Black Knights take on the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan, Kan. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Kansas State is favored by -17.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -800. Army, meanwhile, enters as a +550 to pull off the upset. The total is set at 46.5 points.
Here’s my Army vs Kansas State prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 6.
Army vs Kansas State Prediction
- Army vs Kansas State Pick: Kansas State -17
My Kansas State vs Army best bet is on the Wildcats to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Army vs Kansas State Odds
| Army Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+17.5 -112 | 46.5 -115o / -105u | +550 |
| Kansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-17.5 -108 | 46.5 -115o / -105u | -800 |
- Army vs Kansas State Spread: Kansas State -17.5, Army +17.5
- Army vs Kansas State Over/Under: 46.5
- Army vs Kansas State Moneyline: Army +550, Kansas State -800
Army vs Kansas State College Football Betting Preview
Army Black Knights Betting Preview: Early Struggles
Army comes into this one off a stunning loss to FCS Tarleton State at home last week in double overtime.
Army seemed to have this one under wraps, leading 24-10 in the third quarter. But the Black Knights couldn't get stops, and the offensive attack stalled with critical turnovers and failed drives.
It's very evident that Army doesn't have the same offensive fortitude that we saw last season, and in key moments, it struggled to make plays.
Army incorporated much more passing than we're used to seeing. That could be because the Knights had only two explosive rushes.
Third- and fourth-down situations were handled differently for Army, and we also saw uncharacteristic turnovers in this one.
I would suspect that we continue to see the offense struggle, especially in a game where Army will be significantly overmatched in talent against Kansas State’s defensive front.
Defensively, Army provided resistance against Tarleton's passing attack and did well to limit explosives on the ground. However, it wore down a bit in the second half.
This was surprising, as I fully expected Tarleton State to be the team wearing out due to the disadvantageous travel spot it found itself in after playing in Portland in Week 0 and having to double back on short rest.
I really think Army is up against it trying to defend this K-State offense.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview: Time to Bounce Back
Kansas State threw up a second consecutive stinker after coming back from Ireland with a loss to Iowa State and now barely escaping FCS North Dakota.
The Wildcats were down late and needed a touchdown to avoid an 0-2 start. Now, they're tasked with rallying the troops the rest of the way before league play starts.
The offense fared well against North Dakota, as Avery Johnson threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns. The ground game found a way to get critical first downs but is still lacking the explosiveness we've come to expect from K-State in prior seasons.
I'm expecting we see a different level of urgency and trench dominance, as the Kansas State offensive line will have a massive size and talent edge against Army.
Defensively, Kansas State was lit up for the second consecutive game. UND put together five long scoring drives, each over 70 yards.
I'll be watching closely to see if Kansas State can string together stops and be in position to make tackles short of the sticks. Through two games thus far, Kansas State has done well to create negative plays, racking up 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
The opponent yards per play number comes in at a respectable 4.6. The Wildcats are allowing only 28% of third-down attempts to be converted, and only five of the nine red-zone attempts have ended with a touchdown.
Army vs Kansas State Pick, Betting Analysis
I think this is the week Kansas State puts it all together and really has a strong showing at home. I'm laying it with the Wildcats here.
Army lost key pieces from its veteran offensive line after last season, as its left tackle, right tackle and center all departed. These positions are especially critical in a triple option attack.
Kansas State has major talent along the defensive line with Chiddi Obiazor and Tobi Osunsanmi, along with three talented defensive tackles. Gabe Powers transferred in at linebacker from Ohio State, and the entire room is talented.
I expect this front seven to completely shut down the Army ground game inside, which will create option plays that are strung out laterally toward the sideline.
The key here will be for Kansas State's secondary players to stay disciplined and not lose sight of Army receivers in passing situations. Army has thrown the ball more, so the element of surprise when passing may not be as prominent as it used to be.
Offensively, Kansas State will have major trench advantages, and I think we'll see it run the ball efficiently and with attitude here.
Far too much has been made of the slow start for Kansas State, but its preseason goals are all still in front of it. Plus, Chris Klieman is a coach I trust to make solid in-season adjustments.
Something tells me this K-State team will look a lot different this week against an overmatched, descending Army team.
Pick: Kansas State -17
