Tonight features two undefeated Big 12 teams opening their conference schedules as the BYU Cougars host the Kansas State Wildcats.
The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 31-7 win over Arizona, and my Kansas State vs. BYU predictions expect the near-touchdown favorites to roll when they enter LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Find out more in my college football picks for Saturday, September 21.
Kansas State vs BYU prediction
My best bet
Kansas State -6.5 (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
While both Kansas State and BYU are undefeated heading into this contest, the two teams got here in very different ways.
The Wildcats came in as one of the favorites for the Big 12 title, and have established themselves with their 24-point win over Arizona. Meanwhile, BYU was expected to be near the cellar of the conference but has overperformed so far, particularly in an upset victory over the SMU Mustangs.
That makes this an interesting game, as we should at the very least get a measuring stick for where BYU stands in the conference. So far, the Cougars are allowing just 14 points per game, and junior quarterback Jake Retzlaff has powered the offense, throwing seven touchdown passes already this season.
However, these results have come against lesser opponents than Kansas State, which will represent a huge step up in competition for the Cougars. The Wildcats have scored at least 31 points in each of their first three games this season, while allowing just 13.3 ppg on defense — and have done this all while facing a tougher schedule than BYU.
The Wildcats present a number of challenges for opponents. Dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for six touchdowns while also averaging 6.7 yards per carry on the ground. Johnson has a bevy of weapons around him as well; DJ Giddens has already run for over 300 yards, while four different receivers have caught touchdown passes.
Opponents have been able to hit Kansas State through the air, but have struggled on the ground, with Arizona only picking up 56 yards on 19 attempts. The Wildcats have also picked off two passes this year — a potential issue for Retzlaff, who has tossed three interceptions on the season.
BYU may stay in this game for a while at home, but it's facing an uphill battle in Week 4. This will be a reality check for the Cougars after their first start, and Kansas State should have no trouble covering the spread.
Kansas State vs BYU same-game parlay (SGP)
Kansas State -6.5
Under 49.5
Avery Johnson 1+ passing touchdowns
The Kansas State defense showed out against Arizona last week, and it should lead the Wildcats to a victory again on Saturday.
I’ll tie in the Under as a part of my parlay, as both teams have played well on the defensive end and have each played below the 49.5-point total in two of their three games this season.
Of course, there will be some offense in this one, and we can count on Johnson to continue his hot start to the season. The Wildcats QB has picked up two touchdown passes in each of his first three starts this year, and it’s safe to assume he’ll pick up at least one more on Saturday to round out our SGP.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Kansas State vs BYU odds
Kansas State vs BYU live odds
Kansas State vs BYU opening odds
- Spread: Kansas State -7 (+100) | BYU +7 (-120)
- Moneyline: Kansas State -250 | BYU +205
- Over/Under: Over 48 (-110) | Under 48 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Kansas State vs BYU spread and Over/Under analysis
- BYU is 3-0 against the spread this season, while Kansas State has a 1-2 ATS record on the year.
- Kansas State went 5-3-1 ATS against Big 12 opponents last season. The Cougars played in the Big 12 for the first time in 2023, going 4-5 ATS against their conference opponents.
- The Over has cashed in two of three BYU games this year, while the Under has the 2-1 edge when the Wildcats have played in 2024.
- Kansas State is playing to an average total of 48.7 ppg this season, with BYU averaging an O/U of 45 points.
Kansas State vs BYU betting trend to know
The Wildcats have won each of their three games this year by at least seven points.
Kansas State vs BYU game info
| Location: | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT |
| Date: | Saturday, 9-21, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
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