West Virginia vs. Kansas State preview, odds, prediction, TV channel, live stream

On Saturday, No. 12 West Virginia will host Kansas State in each team’s Big 12 opener. Here is everything you need to know about this weekends game.

West Virginia should be fresh coming into the weekend after Hurricane Florence forced last weeks game against NC State to be canceled.

The Mountaineers, led by quarterback Will Grier, we’re looking forward to being tested by the Wolfpack, but the cancellation should benefit this team going into Big 12 play.

Kansas State gained some confidence over the weekend with a 41-17 victory over UT-San Antonio, which was desperately needed after a 31-10 loss to Mississippi State the week before. Bill Snyder isn’t fielding his most complete team in recent years, but they very well could be his most balanced offensively.

However, it’s the defense that will be tasked with stopping a powerful offense, in a game that could set the tone for the Wildcats season.

With an extra week to prepare and an offense that has been nearly unstoppable, Kansas States will have their hands full in Morgantown on Saturday. That said, Bill Snyder is known to make it tough on any team, so expect a competitive game this weekend.

How to watch and bet on West Virginia vs. Kansas State

Date: Saturday, Sept. 22
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Morgantown, WV
Stadium: Milan Puskar Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN, FuboTV

Betting Odds

Points Spread: West Virginia -16
Money Line: WVU -700, KSU +500
Over/Under: 60

Keys to Victory

West Virginia – Bill Snyder has given Dana Holgorsen issues throughout his coaching career, racking up a 5-2 head-to-head record against the West Virginia coach. However, that has not been the case over the past two seasons and the Mountaineers look poised to extend the streak to three this weekend. Kansas State is not going to shy away from running the football and will play two running backs, along with 2 tight ends, in an attempt to run downhill on West Virginia all afternoon. The Mountaineers will know it’s coming and will likely drop the safeties and stack the box in an attempt to slow it down, but if all else fails, Will Grier and company should easily be able to outscore Kansas State in Morgantown on Saturday.

Kansas State – The Kansas State defense has gotten off to a shaky start, giving up 24 points and 391 yards per game, but this team always comes to play against the Mountaineers. While they have lost the past two contests, the West Virginia victories were only by a combined 6 point margin. This goes to show Bill Snyder’s understanding of Dana Holgorsen’s West Virginia teams and should give Kansas State fans a sign of hope. The Mountaineers are going to stretch the field and have the weapons to beat you through the air or on the ground, so if the Wildcats want to stay in this game, it will start with slowing down the West Virginia offense.

Prediction

West Virginia will come out firing after having an extra week to prepare for the Wildcats, but Bill Snyder will find a way to keep his team in a tight game leading into the 4th quarter.

Final Score  – West Virginia 38, Kansas State 31