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Texas Bowl, Texas A&M vs Kansas State: Preview and predictions

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 24, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Trayveon Williams (5) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Trayveon Williams (5) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wednesday evening’s Texas Bowl features one of the more intriguing matchups between Texas A&M and Kansas State.

Texas A&M was considered a national title favorite at one point this season but the Aggies quickly fell off the map after losing to Alabama. The Crimson Tide won by 19 points and devastated the Aggies’ title hopes in both the SEC and college football.

After losing to Alabama, the Aggies lost three more games and finished the year just 8-4 and it seemed like it was all downhill after an injury to Trevor Knight. This team still has plenty of young talent, but it’s hard to tell if we will see the team that played in the first six games or the final six.

Kansas State, on the other hand, had a sneaky season in the Big 12. Although the Wildcats were never really considered conference title threats with a lackluster offense and no big wins, but they were consistent and finished the season with an 8-4 record.

The Wildcats played three ranked teams this season, losing all three. It’s tough to really see how good Kansas State is without beating a team of any substance.

Here’s how you can watch the Texas Bowl online Wednesday:

NEXT: 10 breakout candidates during bowl season

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 28
Start Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Houston, TX
Venue: NRG Stadium
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Getting Trayveon Williams going is important for Texas A&M’s offense, especially with a shaky quarterback situation. He has the opportunity to be one of the best running backs in the country and this is the time for him to have a huge game to lead Texas A&M to victory.

Junior quarterback Jesse Ertz has had a solid season for the Wildcats and he needs to be more of a force through the air. If he doesn’t have an impact in the passing game, the Wildcats will be in for a long day.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Texas A&M -2.5
Over/Under: 57.5

Prediction

Texas A&M has been too impressive this season and there’s too much talent on the team to be falling to 8-5. Trayveon Williams will have a big game, rushing for 150 yards and two touchdowns and the Aggies will hold off the Wildcats by nine.

Final Score: Texas A&M 32, Kansas State 23

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