No. 18 K-State

Picking up where it left off in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Kansas State embarks on its new era with sophomore Avery Johnson under center. While the signal caller grabs the spotlight, the explosiveness of weapons around Johnson has become equally anticipated throughout the offseason. Transfers such as running back Dylan Edwards, safety Jordan Riley and offensive tackle Easton Kilty will make their debut in silver and purple, joining forces with returners looking to outmatch UT-Martin early.

UT-Martin

University of Tennessee at Martin’s Skyhawks, while entering Manhattan as an FCS squad, have earned a share of the Ohio Valley Conference title each of its last three seasons. They flirt with a ranking in the FCS Top 25, largely in part because of multiple returners on offense, including quarterback Kinkead Dent. However, they lose All-American running back Sam Franklin. Defensively, the Skyhawks lost more starters up front than in the secondary, setting up K-State to succeed in the trenches. 

Who to Watch:

K-State: Running back Dylan Edwards, offensive tackle Easton Kilty, defensive end Chiddi Obiazor

UT Martin: Running back Patrick Smith, guard Drake Carroll, wide receiver DeVonte Tanksley

Bottom Bar 

Aug. 31 @ 6 p.m.

Betting: K-State -36, O/U 56.5

Prediction: 44-13

By the numbers

Stats: K-State (2023):  37.08 ppg — 204.1 rush yds/g — 241.15 pass yds/g — penalty yds/g 43.69

Stats: UT-Martin (2023): 31.6 ppg — 222.7 rush yds/g — 216.82 pass yds/g — penalty yds/g 57.27