LSU vs. Kansas State Sees Big Line and Over/Under Movement at TaxAct Texas Bowl
By Reed Wallach
There is one more bowl game to play before we get to the National Championship game next Monday, and that is the TaxAct Texas Bowl between Kansas State and LSU.
As goes most bowl games, this one is also filled with motivation questions and potential opt outs due to the NFL Draft and transfers. However, this game has presented lopsided action one way towards the Big 12 representative, Kansas State.
Kansas State Goes From Underdog to Favorite with a Mass Exodus from Baton Rouge
After opening as 2.5-point underdogs in the market, Kansas State is out to -5 at WynnBET Sportsbook leading up to the Texas Bowl.
The main reason for this line move is the questions around quarterback for LSU. Max Johnson has entered the transfer portal and will be moving on to Texas A&M. As well, Myles Brennan will be unavailable for this game, leaving just one scholarship quarterback on the roster in Garrett Nussmeier, who has limited exposure this season.
However, if he were to play, he'd be burning his redshirt this season, and Brody Miller of The Athletic is hinting that he will not be available on Tuesday night. If Nussmeier doesn't go, walk on's Tavion Faulk or Matt O'Dowd may seem time in addition to wide receiver Jontre Kirklin, who played QB in high school.
The Texas Bowl is almost here. In this piece we preview:
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) January 3, 2022
-The #LSU QB situation with Nussmeier not expected to play
-The depleted secondary and what it means
-Which young players will have chances to make a name (Kiner, Penn)
-The game itself https://t.co/7RpnfJOyXt
Skylar Thompson Set to Play
While there are ton of question marks on the LSU side, who will be coached by offensive line and current interim head coach Brad Davis, there are far less with K-State. The Wildcats are expecting the return of starter Skylar Thompson at QB, joining explosive running back Deuce Vaughn in the backfield.
Overall, Kansas State has zero known opt outs for this bowl game, while LSU will be down to potentially a walk on quarterback and only one cornerback with playing time this season. Overall, Miller reports that he counts 39 scholarship players available come Tuesday.
Following rumors and opt out news ahead of bowl games can be a profitable endeavor ahead of bowl season next year, as evident with this massive line move in Tuesday night's lone bowl game.