Pop-Tarts Bowl Preview: North Carolina State vs. Kansas State
On Thursday, December 28, college football bowl game action continues with this Pop-Tarts Bowl matchup between North Carolina State and Kansas State at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
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North Carolina State vs. Kansas State (-2.5, 47)
A new-look Kansas State team will take the field in Orlando and, similar to most teams facing personnel losses prior to the bowl season, new does not mean improved. Starting quarterback Will Howard has transferred to USC, and all-Big 12 tight end Ben Sinnott is sitting out along with star safety Kobe Savage. The Wildcats, who will be missing at least 15 players, are favored by less than a field goal after DraftKings opened the line -4.5.
North Carolina State is dealing with about the same number of roster defections, with at least 17 players entering the transfer portal, including outside linebacker Payton Wilson and backup quarterback MJ Morris. Wilson, a sixth-year senior, was the heart of the defense. The Wolfpack do roll into the bowl on a five-game winning streak highlighted by a victory over Clemson. Morris might not be missed much in this game due to the presence of veteran quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who passed for 11 touchdowns and led the team in rushing with 544 yards and six scores.