It’s been a tumultuous season for LSU, with a season-closing upset victory over Texas A&M getting the Tigers into the bowl picture in Ed Orgeron’s final game as the head coach of the Tigers.
Kansas State finished in fifth place in the Big 12, but despite a 7-5 record, the Wildcats failed to defeat an FBS team with a winning record.
Texas Bowl: LSU vs Kansas State Betting Preview
LSU Tigers Preview: Team in Transition
Brian Kelly made a surprise move from Notre Dame to take over a Tiger program that is just two years removed from a national championship, but offensive line and interim head coach Brad Davis, who will remain on Kelly’s staff, is slated to lead 6-6 LSU in the bowl game.
Kelly is reportedly involved in game planning, so the TaxAct Texas Bowl will be the first time his hand is seen on a team that still boasts a lot of talent.
The most glaring issue with LSU is the lack of a reliable running game, despite featuring a 1000 yard rusher in Tyrion Davis-Price, with the Tigers averaging only 3.4 yards per carry as a team.
The defense showed signs of strength throughout the season but was also inconsistent in allowing at least 38 points in three games while giving up no more than 25 points in their other nine contests.
Kansas State Wildcats Preview: Offense Struggles Top Defenses
On the season, Kansas State averaged 26 points a game, which was 81st in the FBS, but they only managed 19.6 per contest in their five losses, including scoring a total of just 27 points to close the season with losses to Baylor and Texas.
The Wildcats relied on a rushing attack that generated over 160 yards a game, but their passing game was anemic, with just 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions through the air.
Kansas State played sound defense for most of the season, giving up just over 21 points a game which ranked the Wildcats 23rd in the FBS, but in a three-game losing streak to the top teams in the Big 12, they allowed an average of 32 points to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Iowa State.
Taking on a team from one of the toughest divisions in college football should be a good gauge of how much work is left to be done for Kansas State to contend for Big 12 titles.
Who to Bet on Tigers vs. Wildcats
Spread: LSU +4.5 (-110) vs. Kansas State -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: LSU +160 vs. Kansas State -190
Total: 48 (-110 o/u)
Even though LSU is in the midst of a coaching change, the fact that new head coach Brian Kelly is involved in the Tigers’ preparation makes it unlikely that players will lack motivation.
Kansas State’s inability to compete effectively against more physical defenses should make it difficult for the Wildcats to move the ball on LSU, so take the Tigers to cover the spread, if not win outright, in a low-scoring contest.