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Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Will Howard. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

NCAAF Top 25 futures: Kansas State is always a threat

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 8/2/23

TCU made more headlines because they made the playoffs last season, but the Kansas State Wildcats were actually the Big 12 champs. They are not expected to repeat that feat but similar to Utah, who I just wrote about, Kansas State is often more than their talent rankings might indicate.

Heading into 2023 the Wildcats have to find a way to replace running back Deuce Vaughn. That is a tough ask, but with so much other talent returning on offense the Wildcats are going to be in good shape. Head coach Chris Klieman does a great job continuing the legacy of Bill Snyder in terms of getting the most out of his troops and being willing to lean into his strengths.

No. 14 Kansas State Wildcats 2023 Win Total

Over 8.5 +140 / Under 8.5 -165

Kansas State won 10 games last season. That is not a regularity though as they had gone more than a decade without doing so. Even though the Wildcats have won at least eight games in three of Kliemann's four seasons (the other was the COVID year) at the helm, the markets are predicting a slide from last year. It makes sense given the Wildcats are always tough to rate at this point of the year. The markets are very heavily weighted to one side and it is smart to take notice of that and they are pretty much never bullish on the Wildcats.

The Wildcats are not as talented as they were a year ago but the schedule does not look overly daunting to me. They ease into it with games against Southeast Missouri, Troy, and then "regular" Missouri. All of which should be wins. Within the Big 12, all of their home games are winnable and the only road tilt that looks overly difficult is a trip to Austin to take on the Longhorns. Iowa State and Oklahoma State are going to be down this season and that really helps the Wildcats. They should win both of those games.

Will Howard is a big strong quarterback, and given the uncertainty at running back they might lean on him more this season. His offensive line is super experienced so going downfield more might be an option for an attack that is often super balanced. They can be good on offense for sure, though I am a little worried they are going to have trouble getting off the field on defense. They need to get after the quarterback more and create turnovers which is going to be hard with their top pass rusher and interception leader no longer on the squad.

I am not saying it is a sure thing, but with so much intact on offense I think KSU can get off to a hot start, maybe even 6-0. They can parlay that into another season of beating expectation so I am leaning to the over with that nice payoff. There is not much value on the other side right now.

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