Ever wondered who would win in a head-to-head contest between a wildcat and a tiger? No, neither have we. However, if college football imitates life, we’ll find out the answer today as the LSU Tigers take on the Kansas State Wildcats. Let’s take a look at the current Kansas State vs. LSU odds and make a pick and prediction for the 2022 TaxAct Texas Bowl.
Kansas State vs. LSU betting odds and trends
- Spread: Kansas State -3.5 (Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Total: 48
- Moneyline: Kansas State -155, LSU +135
A low-scoring affair in the works?
Are you feeling lucky enough to bet on LSU? Do you think you can win big by backing the Wildcats in the Texas Bowl? If you’re looking to make a little money predicting the future, it’s worth considering the past before you lay down your hard-earned cash.
After a remarkable exodus from Baton Rouge due to a mixture of injury, opt-outs, and the transfer portal, it’s no surprise that the 7-5 Wildcats are a favorite for the Texas Bowl. It bodes well for Kansas State, as they’ve won six of seven when they’re the moneyline favorite. LSU has recent success winning as the underdog after overcoming Texas A&M, but they’re 3-4 when coming into the game as the bookmakers’ underdog.
Things are equally as gloomy for LSU against the spread. They’re 5-6-1 against the spread this season, having gone 3-3 as the underdog. All their defeats bar one have been by more than the 3.5 spread line. Meanwhile, six of Kansas State’s seven wins have come by more than today’s spread. They’re also 4-2-1 when they’ve been the favorite against the spread.
Hammering the over is a bowl game tradition as old as, well, bowl game tradition. However, it might be wise to approach this game with caution. Only 10 of the combined 24 games featuring these teams this season have hit the over, although 13 of those have been over the 48-point line offered by DraftKings Sportsbook for Kansas State vs. LSU.
Kansas State vs. LSU prediction
There’s more than just these two teams’ performances through the 2021 college football season to cause caution for people expecting a high-scoring showdown from Kansas State vs. LSU in the Texas Bowl. In the only game where the two clubs previously met, LSU prevailed with a 21-0 win in Baton Rouge. Even that isn’t the reason to temper expectation.
The offensive issues with the Texas Bowl begin on LSU’s side. The Tigers’ quarterback room resembles something close to the supermarket shelves after hordes of families have filled up their baskets for the holidays. With Max Johnson transferring to Texas A&M and Myles Brennan missing the season with injury and having his own dalliance with the portal, LSU’s only scholarship quarterback is Garrett Nussmeier.
That sounds simple. But the Tigers and interim head coach Brad Davis want to maintain Nussmeier’s year of eligibility with a redshirt — which they can’t do if he plays against Kansas State. Their only other quarterbacks are walk-ons Tavion Faulk and Matt O’Dowd, neither of whom has ever taken a snap. There’s a genuine chance that wide receiver Jontre Kirklin channels his high school roots and lines up under center for the Tigers in the Texas Bowl.
As mentioned earlier, LSU has been ravaged by opt-outs, injuries, and transfers. Gone are headline playmakers in the secondary like Derek Stingley Jr. and Eli Ricks. Leading tackler Damone Clark won’t suit up, and neither will defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. There are even rumors that star wide receiver could Kayshon Boutte head out of Baton Rouge.
Deuce Vaughn gives Wildcats the advantage in the Texas Bowl
It’s hardly sunshine and rainbows for Kansas State on the offensive front, either. Skylar Thompson has been battling an ankle injury that could force him to miss the Texas Bowl. While Will Howard has thrown 55 attempts this season, he’s only completed 54.5% of his passes with 1 touchdown. Between the three quarterbacks that have attempted passes this season, the Wildcats have just 11 passing touchdowns.
As a result of the passing woes for both offenses, you can expect Kansas State vs. LSU to be a ground game affair — which is reason enough alone to watch the Texas Bowl. Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn is one of the most exciting and dynamic running back talents in college football. He’s rushed for 1,246 yards and 15 touchdowns as the heartbeat of the Kansas State offense.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats will have their full complement of defensive playmakers at their disposal. They have allowed just 21.1 points per game this season. Leading tackler Daniel Green has tallied 14 tackles for loss, while Felix Anudike has put himself on the national radar for the 2023 NFL Draft with 14.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. In the secondary, Russ Yeast’s 3 interceptions and 10 pass breakups are also earning him attention.
Although LSU has historically had more bowl success and is a bigger household name, don’t be surprised to see Kansas State emerge from the Texas Bowl victorious. They should have the defensive advantage and the stronger ground game. Then, we can confidently say that a wildcat can beat a tiger in a head-to-head fight.
Kansas State vs. LSU Prediction: Kansas State 26, LSU 21