{"id":25326,"date":"2023-12-28T15:31:02","date_gmt":"2023-12-28T20:31:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=25326"},"modified":"2024-06-12T10:26:27","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T14:26:27","slug":"pop-tarts-bowl-free-picks-kansas-state-nc-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-football-bowl-games\/pop-tarts-bowl-free-picks-kansas-state-nc-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Pop Tarts Bowl Free Picks : Kansas State vs NC State Best Bets, #1 Betting Predictions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kansas State Wildcats vs NC State Wolfpack Best Bets: Pop Tarts Bowl Predictions & Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Football content contributor Ron Marmalefsky<\/a> offers some toasty picks on The Pop Tarts Bowl<\/strong> being played on December 28th, between Kansas State and NC State<\/strong>. What are his takeaways and things to watch when considering betting? Find top free picks and best bets here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kansas State was a factor in the Big 12 title race but an overtime loss at Texas hurt their cause.  8-4 was a \u201cdecent\u2019 year, but the program is at the point right now where it expects more.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina State (NC State) won its last five games to finish 9-3, a figure that most people felt could not be reached.  Three of their final five wins were upsets down the stretch<\/strong>.  This looks like an interesting strategic matchup, but there are a few players and one coach missing from this game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find free college football best bets<\/a> and bowl game coverage<\/a> this postseason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pop Tarts Bowl Predictions and Best Bets: Kansas State Analysis <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kansas State continues to run at a fine clip (5.15-207 per game).  One of their RB\u2019s is gone, but Giddens is the better of the two.  NC St has their usual solid run defense, but I\u2019m still projecting 22-110 in this spot.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two concerns.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1st<\/sup>. the Wildcats will not have QB Will Howard.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The portal period conflicts with bowl games, and Howard is gone.  Freshman Avery Johnson saw some action, but this will be a tough assignment.  Second, their offensive coordinator is gone.  The transition might not be an issue, but it would be a lot smoother with a veteran QB.  The top two pass catchers are also missing, both will not be easy to replace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lost Talent on Defense for Kansas State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Defensively, I projected a modest 4.5 yards-per-carry figure.  They were at 4.4 until allowing 19 carries for 287 yards in the finale at home vs. Iowa State.  Talent was lost in the secondary and I projected them to allow over 60% through the air.  In this facet of the game Kansas State overachieved, with a repeat of 2022\u2019s 57% performance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three starters could miss the game (in the portal, but status unclear)<\/strong>.\u00a0 NC State is hardly a dynamic offensive team but there will be some holes.\u00a0 Kansas State has a 24-17 sack ratio and for the season, a +10 turnover ratio.\u00a0 Will that change with the new QB?\u00a0 Kicking was 11-14.\u00a0 Their 3rd<\/sup> down conversion ratio was solid.\u00a0 We\u2019re used to see dynamite return specialists with this program.\u00a0 The return game was far worse than usual in 2023 and their key performers will NOT play in this game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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