The Kansas State Wildcats are looking to build off a successful run last year that included a Big 12 Championship. Last year was the best record in the Chris Klieman era. Kansas State won their first Big 12 championship last year since 2012. The Wildcats are poised to be contenders to repeat again this year. Can Kansas State go back to back? Here is the preview for the 2023 Kansas State Wildcats.
Offense
This offense was fantastic to say the least last year. Kansas State is bringing back quarterback Will Howard, who was crucial for the team in his seven starts this past season. Howard threw for 1,633 passing yards to go along with 15 passing touchdowns. Kansas State also brings back Colin Klein to be the OC again and he did wonders last year with this offense.
The offense has two big challenges ahead of them in 2023. The first challenge is replacing Deuce Vaughn. Vaughn had 1,936 yards from scrimmage last year and added 12 touchdowns as well. Next man up for the Wildcats seems to be DJ Giddens. Giddens has shown some promise and Kansas State will be interested in what he can do with more reps. The second challenge is who will step up at receiver. Phillip Brooks is the only player returning with the ability as a proven starter.
Kansas State have RJ Garcia II ready to make an impact and brought in a transfer in Kegan Johnson from Iowa to help Howard out. As for the offensive line, there are no complaints as they bring back all five starters from last year including star guard Cooper Beebe. If they have answers to their two biggest questions, the Wildcats will be in a good spot in the Big 12.
Defense
The Kansas State defense is looking to build off the success they had in 2022. Kansas State was thrilled when they heard the news that star MLB Daniel Green was coming back for another season at Kansas State. He has 219 career tackles and is the leader this Wildcats team needs defensively. Kansas State also brought back leading tackler Austin Moore back to help solidify that linebacker room.
On the defensive line, they should have a formidable group with Khali Duke and Nate Matlack at defensive end to go along with Uso Seumalo in the middle at defensive tackle. This defensive line group should help make the front seven one of the most dangerous front sevens in the Big 12. In the secondary, this is where Kansas State will struggle. The only starter from last year returning is strong safety Kobe Savage. Kansas State will have to use all cornerbacks to try and find the pair that works the best for them. If the Wildcats can figure out their issues in the secondary, the Wildcats will be a dangerous defense in the Big 12.
Win Total Bet
The win total is set at 7.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over odds set at -180 and the under odds set at +146. Kansas State easily clears this win total in my opinion. They just are too talented offensively and the defense will win them a game or two this season. The odds are too high in my favor but this easily goes over the win total that is set.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs SE Missouri State (1-0)
Win vs Troy (2-0)
Close Win at Missouri (3-0)
Win vs UCF (4-0)
Loss at Oklahoma State (4-1)
Loss at Texas Tech (4-2)
Win vs TCU (5-2)
Win vs Houston (6-2)
Loss at Texas (6-3)
Win vs Baylor (7-3)
Rivalry Win at Kansas (8-3)
Win vs Iowa State (9-3)