BYU Cougars vs. Kansas State Wildcats: Primetime Showdown in Provo
The lights will be shining bright in LaVell Edwards Stadium this Saturday night as the BYU Cougars, sporting a 3-0 record, welcome the 13th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats for a pivotal Big 12 clash. Kickoff is set for 10:30 PM EST, and the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
BYU: Ready to Make a Statement
The Cougars enter this game with a chip on their shoulder, having been pegged as 7-point home underdogs. They are eager to prove their mettle against a top-tier Big 12 opponent and send a message to the rest of the conference. Despite last year’s 5-7 record, BYU showed flashes of competitiveness, especially in close losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. This year, they’ve started strong with wins over Wyoming, SMU, and Southern Illinois.
BYU’s defense has been particularly impressive, ranking 13th nationally in total defense and 4th in pass efficiency defense. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff has also been a dual-threat weapon, leading the team in both passing and rushing yards.
Kansas State: A Formidable Foe
The Wildcats also boast a 3-0 record, having notched victories over Tulane, Arizona, and UT Martin. Last season, they proved their ability to compete with the best, finishing 9-4 with several close games against top competition. Quarterback Avery Johnson is a dynamic playmaker, and his dual-threat capabilities could pose a challenge for the BYU defense.
Key Matchup: Containing Avery Johnson
BYU’s defense has been stout, but they’ve shown some vulnerability to mobile quarterbacks. Johnson’s ability to extend plays with his legs could be a key factor in this game. The Cougars will need to maintain discipline and prevent him from making big plays outside the pocket.
The Pick: BYU to Start Strong
In a primetime atmosphere with a raucous home crowd behind them, the Cougars are poised to come out firing. We like their chances to cover the spread in the first half and the first quarter.
- BYU +4 1st Half
- BYU +2.5 1st Quarter
Additional Notes
- BYU will be wearing 1996-era throwback uniforms, adding a nostalgic touch to the occasion.
- Kansas State is favored by 7 points, with the total set at 48. (betonline)
- This is BYU’s first conference game of the season.
Expect a hard-fought battle between two talented teams. The Cougars will be looking to pull off an upset and make a statement to the Big 12, while the Wildcats will aim to continue their winning ways. Tune in Saturday night for what promises to be an exciting showdown in Provo!