Week 5 of college football is here, and we have a battle of two top 25 teams as No. 20 Oklahoma State travels to take on No. 23 Kansas State.
Kansas State is a five-point favorite in college football Week 5 odds. Below, we’ll look at some scenarios for how this game could play out, which could have massive implications for the Big 12 Conference. We also cover a sportsbook promo for the game.
Kansas State favored over Oklahoma State ahead of Big 12 matchup
How Kansas State could win and cover the spread
Kansas State enters this game following a 38-9 road loss against BYU. Quarterback Avery Johnson didn’t play well, completing just 15 of 28 passes for 130 yards and two interceptions. He also had 11 carries for 74 yards.
Johnson and Kansas State will take on a Cowboys defense that’s allowing 286.3 passing yards (109th) and 199 rushing yards (104th) per game this season.
These numbers bode well for Kansas State, which is averaging 226 rushing yards (16th) per game. However, it is only averaging 158.7 passing yards (110th) per game. For the Wildcats, it’s straightforward — avoid turnovers, continue to run the ball well, and keep the Cowboys’ offense off the field.
How Oklahoma State could cover and win the game
The Cowboys have a great passing game, averaging 331.3 passing yards (seventh) per game. The Wildcats are allowing 253 passing yards (91st) per game. Kansas State does well against the run, but the Cowboys are rushing for less than 100 yards per game. Running back Ollie Gordon II is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry on 72 totes.
Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman is completing 92 of 146 passes (63%) for 1,195 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Oklahoma State will likely need to make the most of every possession. Its run defense struggles, and that’s an area where Kansas State excels.
The Cowboys may still be able to pass well against Kansas State and convert possessions into touchdowns. Oklahoma State is averaging 3.7 offensive touchdowns per game this season (tied for 13th), while Kansas State is allowing just 2.3 offensive touchdowns per game (tied for 11th).
