Arizona vs Kansas State Odds & Picks Week 3: Arizona Are Trusty Underdogs

The No. 14 Kansas State Wildcats (-6.5) host the No. 20 Arizona Wildcats, who are on the hunt for their first 3-0 start in nearly a decade. I'm expecting quarterback clash as Avery Johnson and Noah Fifita are both listed on the Heisman Trophy oddsboard. But, with both circling back from close wins in Week 2, I'm not convinced either Wildcats group will pounce far ahead.  

arizona vs kansas state Odds

Arizona vs Kansas State Matchup Page, Friday, 8:00 pm ET

Odds as of Sept. 9 at FanDuel

arizona vs kansas state Picks—Week 3

Opening up as 8.5-point favorites at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, lines dropped for Kansas State after a near 34-27 road win over Tulane, where the Wildcats trailed by 10-points at halftime. 

In the end it was Kansas State's ground attack, clawing through 215 yards, that pulled through for Chris Klieman's pack. I haven't gotten a good enough glance to form a solid opinion on Arizona's rushing defense yet, as its performances from the first two weeks were polar opposites. 

I like Arizona's versatility so far. We saw Fifita put on a clinic in Week 1, tossing 422 yards for four touchdowns. Then, when Northern Arizona got in his way last week, the Wilcats adjusted with the rushing game falling just shy of 200 yards. 

I'm backing Fifita to challenge Johnson on the scoreboard, but this meeting will boil down to the better defense. To boost my betting confidence, Arizona has covered in six-straight underdog spreads dating back to last season, including 7-1 ATS when 'dogs by 6.5-points or more. Meanwhile, Kansas State is 0-4 ATS in its last four favored outings. Good enough for me. 

Arizona vs Kansas State Week 3 Pick: Arizona +6.5 (-110)

*picks made as of Monday, Sept. 9 at 10:30 am ET

arizona vs kansas State Prop Pick: Avery Johnson UNDER 197.5 Yards (-114)

This isn't necessarily a bash on Johnson, who steadily has completed around 66% of his passes through two weeks. But, he hasn't tossed more than 181 yards through the air yet. The sophomore uses his legs when he can, rushing 77 yards already. 

With Arizona allowing 184.5 passing yards, I don't think this will be the week we see Johnson come close to the 200-yard mark. 

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