Pop-Tarts Bowl: #18 NC State vs #25 Kansas State Odds, and Picks (Dec 28)

• NC State enters this game on a 5-game win streak, after climbing to 9-3.
• Kansas State didn’t repeat as Big-12 champions, but still finished at 8-4.
• This matchup will be the first time in program history that these two teams face off

The college football season is at the bowl games! Let’s preview the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl between the NC State Wolfpack and the Kansas State Wildcats. These teams will aim to cap off a solid season with a win.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

NC State started this season with lower expectations than last year, but wound up scorching-hot down the stretch. They rose to #18 in the CFP rankings, after winning five straight games to end the regular season. The Wolfpack have a chance to reach double-digit wins for the first time since 2002, while also claiming their first bowl win since 2017. They’ll lean on their excellent defense to aid them to a victory.

Kansas State entered this season ranked #16, after winning the Big-12 last year. They didn’t perform quite as well this year, most notably on the road, where they held a 2-3 record. The Wildcats still have a very capable offense, that has averaged just under 40 ppg over their last 7 games. They’ll need their defense to bounce back as well to keep up with a balanced NC State team. Bowl opt-outs will make a difference too.

Prediction

This is one of the most interesting of the lower-tier bowl games. It features two ranked teams, and two teams that have spent much of the season rising and falling in and out of the rankings. Kansas State may be at a disadvantage here because of their vulnerable defense. That being said, their offense can’t be counted out. In the end, I see NC State’s red-hot and well-balanced lineup getting them the victory here.

NCAAF Picks:

• NC State 30, Kansas State 27 ()