NCAAF · Sat (9/4) @ 12:00pm ET
| STAN Stanford | at | KSU Kansas State |
| Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas | ||
There are still a few weeks before fall practices start, and there is always the possibility that a key player or players could be injured or suspended before they get to the opening game.
If you like betting this early, I recommend a conservative approach.
Many sportsbooks have already posted opening game lines, although with reduced betting limits.
I made a small play on ( 160) Kansas State +2 over Stanford which is being played on Sept 4 at AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys).
The game opened pick-em and as of today, Stanford is now basically a 1.5 or 2 point favorite.
I give Kansas State a big edge at quarterback where 6th year senior Skylar Thompson returns after he suffered a season-ending injury to his throwing arm early last season. Before the injury, he led the Wildcats to an upset road victory over eventual Big 12 champion Oklahoma. He has played in 35 games and made 30 starts in his career.
Coach Chris Klieman thinks he is an NFL prospect.
“He has elite arm talent,” Klieman said. “He is also a good enough athlete. Teams are looking for guys who have played a lot of snaps for multiple seasons. His experience will give him an opportunity. He will have a good year this year.” “His physical tools are back,” Klieman said. “I have seen them first hand.”
Kansas State returns 57 lettermen, the most since 2003.
Stanford on the other hand is undergoing many changes, especially on offense where they are losing their starting QB, both offensive tackles, their starting center, tight end, and three of their top four wide receivers.
QB Davis Mills had an up-down 2020 season but was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Two quarterbacks with limited playing time will be competing for the starting job. Senior Jack West has a little more experience than Sophomore Tanner McKee, who saw action briefly in only one game.
The Stanford pass defense has not been very good the last few seasons and has been hurt by a lack of a pass rush.
If you ask me, Stanford is favored basically on their name and past performance, not on their recent performance or this year’s team.
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