Although both the No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowboys and No. 23 Kansas State Wildcats are coming off losses last weekend, they remain ranked in the AP poll to set up only the third-ever ranked matchup in series history (2022, 2011).
The Cowboys opened up their Big 12 slate by falling behind by 19 points at home against No. 12 Utah in the fourth quarter, eventually losing 22-19. The Wildcats were favored by more than a touchdown for their visit to Provo, Utah, before allowing 31 consecutive BYU points in the second and third quarters, falling 38-9 in the late window on Saturday.
That sets up an important contest for both teams as they are desperate for their first conference win and to, perhaps more importantly, avoid the bottom of the league standings.
Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State Betting and DFS Preview
All Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.
- Spread
Kansas State -5.5 - Moneyline
Oklahoma State +170, Kansas State -205 - Over/Under
55.5 - Game Time
Saturday, Sept. 28, noon ET - Location
Bill Snyder Family Stadium | Manhattan, Kansas - Predicted Weather at Kick
73 degrees, partly cloudy with showers moving in late in the afternoon - How To Watch
ESPN/ESPN+
Despite dropping four of the last five in this series, Kansas State opened at a 4.5-point favorite before the line swelled to -5.5.
The Wildcats are 7-0 against the spread (ATS) following a loss over the past three seasons and 12-3 against the spread as home favorites over that same span. Also, three of Kansas State’s four games this season have gone under the total, including both of their games against power conference opponents (Arizona and BYU).
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Oklahoma State has covered the spread in three of its last four games following a loss and in four of its last six games both on the road and as an underdog. The Cowboys were 8-1-1 against the spread in Big 12 games during the 2021 season but have a 10-10 ATS mark against conference opponents since then.
Five of the Cowboys’ last eight contests against ranked opponents have gone over the total.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Alan Bowman (OKST)
- QB Avery Johnson (KSU)
- RB Ollie Gordon II (OKST)
- RB DJ Giddens (KSU)
- WR De’Zhaun Stribling (OKST)
- WR Brennan Presley (OKST)
- WR Rashod Owens (OKST)
- WR Jayce Brown (KSU)
- WR Keagan Johnson (KSU)
- TE Josh Ford (OKST)
- TE Brayden Loftin (KSU)
Last season’s Doak Walker Award and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year winner, Ollie Gordon II, seemed frustrated walking off the field after Saturday’s defeat against Utah. The junior found the end zone three times on 146 scrimmage yards in the Cowboys season-opening win against FCS’s South Dakota State but has since been limited to one touchdown on a total of 171 scrimmage yards in three games.
After the loss, the superstar running back took to X (formerly Twitter) to send a message to the Cowboys fanbase.
“Count us out if you want to… it’ll be your biggest regret,” Gordon wrote.
Kansas State has offset the fewest passing yards per game in the Big 12 with the second-most rushing yards per game. Running backs Dylan Edwards (8.5) and DJ Giddens (6.1), as well as quarterback Avery Johnson (6.7) all average more than six yards per carry for a Wildcats offense that will be going against an Oklahoma State defense than ranks last in the Big 12 against the run and allowed 249 yards on the ground against Utah last week.
Prediction for Oklahoma State vs. Kansas State
We have seen the Wildcats respond well following a loss under Chris Klieman before, and this is yet another opportunity. However, the spread being more than a field goal is a concern when betting against the number.
Kansas State did not commit a turnover in wins against Tulane and Arizona before committing three on the road against BYU last week, which pretty much sealed its fate. Oklahoma State has committed at least one turnover in three straight games, all of them interceptions thrown by Bowman.
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If the Cowboys are going to win, they need to do so on the legs of Gordon, who hasn’t looked in rhythm against an FBS team yet this season. After a somewhat slow start last season, Gordon ran for 136 yards and a touchdown against the Wildcats last season. That seemed to propel his season because what followed were rushing totals of 168, 282, 271, and 138.
Oklahoma State better stop the run a lot better than it did at home last week if it wants to pull off the upset on the road.
Prediction: Kansas State 28, Oklahoma State 27
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