mankatofreepress
Kansas State (4-2) will face Arizona State (3-3) in a Big 12 conference game on Oct. 24 at 3:45 p.m. EDT. The Wildcats are favored by 3.5 points, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Against the spread, Kansas State holds a 3-3 record, while Arizona State is 2-4. The Wildcats boast a potent offense, averaging 464.7 total yards per game (16th in FBS), powered by a rushing attack that ranks sixth nationally at 239.8 yards per game. Through the air, Kansas State adds 224.8 yards per game (75th), and they score 35.5 points per game (33rd). Defensively, the Wildcats allow 296.3 yards per game (24th), with a standout passing defense that gives up just 136.3 yards per game (third). However, their run defense is more vulnerable, surrendering 160.0 yards per game (96th), and they allow 20.0 points per game (40th).
Arizona State's offense puts up 420.3 yards per game (50th), with a passing game that ranks 23rd at 276.7 yards per game. The Sun Devils struggle to run the ball, averaging 143.7 yards per game (88th), and score 31.3 points per game (56th). On defense, Arizona State allows 373.2 yards per game (90th), including 216.3 passing yards (79th) and 156.8 rushing yards (93rd). They give up 32.0 points per game, which ranks 120th nationally. The Sun Devils are 71st in defensive third-down percentage, allowing conversions 37.6% of the time, while Kansas State's offense ranks second in third-down conversion rate at 59.3%.
Both teams are disciplined when it comes to penalties. Kansas State averages 40.5 penalty yards per game (12th in FBS), and Arizona State is close behind at 42.0 yards per game (16th). The Wildcats also rank 23rd in time of possession, holding the ball for an average of 32:44.
Key Players to Watch
Kansas State's offense is led by quarterback Avery Johnson, who has thrown for 1,301 yards with 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, completing 63.1% of his passes. Johnson is also the team's leading rusher with 462 yards on 51 carries and 3 scores. Jaron Tibbs is the top receiver with 268 yards on 25 catches and 3 touchdowns.
Arizona State counters with quarterback Cutter Boley, who has passed for 1,353 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, with a 61.9% completion rate. Kyson Brown leads the rushing attack with 329 yards on 60 carries and 1 touchdown. Reed Harris is the primary target, hauling in 41 passes for 653 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Recent Performance
Kansas State enters the game after a 35-24 victory over Kansas on Oct. 17. Johnson completed 14 of 24 passes for 209 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, while also rushing 12 times for 132 yards. Joe Jackson added 159 rushing yards on 27 carries and a touchdown, and Derrick Salley Jr. contributed two receptions for 70 yards.
Arizona State, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a 53-25 loss to Texas Tech on Oct. 17. Mikey Keene threw for 256 yards on 25-of-34 passing (73.5%) with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Brown managed 39 rushing yards on five carries and added three catches for 13 yards, while Derek Eusebio recorded 89 yards on seven receptions.
Up Next
Following this matchup, Kansas State will travel to Colorado on Oct. 31, and Arizona State will face No. 2 BYU on the same day.
Originally reported by mankatofreepress.