Kansas State Wildcats Have Favorable Odds To Win Big 12 Conference
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The Kansas State Wildcats were picked to finish eighth in the Big 12 conference this season by the league media.
But the gamblers circuit thinks much higher of the Wildcats. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, they have the fifth-best odds of winning the conference championship at +1,600. The only teams with better odds are the Texas Tech Red Raiders, BYU Cougars, Utah Utes and Houston Cougars.
Suddenly, the Wildcats have become likable underdogs to shock the league. The reason is most likely linked to them having a favorable schedule. They don't have to play Texas Tech, BYU or Utah this season. They also play the Cougars, Oklahoma State Cowboys and rival Kansas Jayhawks at home.
Another reason for the excitement is the presence of first-year coach Collin Klein, a former Kansas State quarterback who is among the young, rising coaches in college football. After serving two years as the offensive coordinator for the Texas A & M Aggies, Klein is back to lead his Alma Mater.
Last year he helped create one of the best offenses in the nation with the Aggies. They finished 11-2 on the way to making the College Football Playoff. It was a no-brainer for the Wildcats to go after Klein when news broke about Chris Klieman stepping down shortly after last season.
It was a season full of disappointment. After beginning the year with so many expectations, they finished just 6-6 and declined a postseason bowl bid despite having the qualifications.
With Klein at the helm, there is new life in Manhattan. They are expecting a bounce back year from quarterback Avery Johnson, who struggled mightily last year as a junior. There's also the return of running back Joe Jackson. Last year he won the starting job over incumbent Dylan Edwards and finished with nearly 1,000 yards that earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
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