No. 16 K-State (7-2, 4-2)
The Wildcats’ four-game win streak halted at Houston two weeks ago, sending K-State into the bye week on a sour note. The Wildcats need to rely on their leaders to bounce back.
Sophomore Jayce Brown emerged as K-State’s leading receiver this year with 607 yards. While tight ends lead K-State’s endzone grabs, Brown’s roommate downfield connection with quarterback Avery Johnson is apparent.
Senior Hadley Panzer has recently been a stalwart on the K-State offensive line, making 35 consecutive starts. His leadership on the line made new faces mesh well and helped the offensive line unit play well this season.
Versatile safety VJ Payne has recorded two forced fumbles and two interceptions this year, showing great ability in run defense. That will be critical to slow down Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, one of the best running backs in the nation when healthy. He is questionable to play on Saturday.
Arizona State (7-2, 4-2)
Arizona State is led by 1,000-yard rusher Skattebo, who is nursing a shoulder injury which kept him out of last week’s matchup against UCF. Skattebo is also a threat in the passing game, slotting as the team’s second-leading receiver.
When the Sun Devils pass, they primarily look for Jordyn Tyson, a 6-foot-1 sophomore receiver who leads the team with 657 receiving yards. He is also an endzone threat, scoring seven touchdowns this season.
Linebacker Caleb McCullough is one of the team’s top tacklers. Even as a linebacker, he has recorded two interceptions. K-State’s heavy use of running backs and tight ends will test him at the linebacker spot.
The Sun Devils are built with star power on offense and have no real weaknesses on defense, making them a tough out for anyone who faces them despite shortcomings on special teams.
Who to Watch:
K-State: WR Jayce Brown, OL Hadley Panzer, S VJ Payne
Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo, WR Jordyn Tyson, LB Caleb McCullough
Nov. 16 @ 6 p.m. on ESPN
Betting: K-State -9 (-340 ML), O/U 50.5
Prediction: K-State 31-20
Stats: K-State
RB1 rush yds: 995 yds
Receiving TD: 17 TDs
Forced Turnovers: 12
Field Goals: 14/16 (87.5%)
Stats: Arizona State
RB1 rush yds: 1,001 yds
Receiving TD: 14 TDs
Forced Turnovers: 13
Field Goals: 7/14 (50%)
