Short-handed No. 19 NC State, Kansas State looking to cap stellar seasons in Pop-Tarts Bowl
North Carolina State quarterback Brennan Armstrong (5) surveys' the defense against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State completed strong seasons this year to earn a trip to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Credit: AP/Karl B DeBlaker
Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 19 North Carolina State (9-3) vs. Kansas State (8-4), Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m. Eastern, (ESPN).
FanDuel Sportsbook College Line: Kansas State by 2 1/2.
Series Record: First meeting.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
North Carolina State finished the season on a five-game winning streak that included victories over Atlantic Coast Conference rivals Miami and Clemson without starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong. The Wolfpack recorded the 14th nine-win season in program history and their second in four seasons. Kansas State is looking to win its fourth bowl game in six seasons and is appearing in a bowl game in the state of Florida for the first time.
KEY MATCHUP
North Carolina State's rushing attack vs. Kansas State's run defense. The Wolfpack ranked 11th in the ACC in total offense, leaning heavily on their defense to win games. With some major absences on that side of the ball, NC State is going to have to find a way to break through against a defense that was third-stingiest in the Big 12 against the run.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws before an NCAA college football game against Baylor Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State completed strong seasons this year to earn a trip to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel
PLAYERS TO WATCH
North Carolina State: With All-American linebacker Payton Wilson skipping the bowl game to prepare for the NFL draft, the Wolfpack is counting on LB Jaylon Scott to take up the slack. Wilson led the team this season with 138 tackles, 17 1/2 tackles for loss and six sacks. Scott was pretty good, too, with 72 tackles, 5 1/2 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Kansas State: QB Avery Johnson will be making his first start because Will Howard entered the transfer portal. Johnson appeared in seven games this year, completing 23 of 35 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 225 yards and six touchdowns.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Both teams are short-handed due to the transfer portal and other key players sitting out to prepare for the draft. ... Kansas State's two leading receivers, Ben Sinnott (49 receptions, 679 yards, team-high six TDs) and Phillip Brooks (53 catches, 589 yards and five TDs), are preparing for the draft. Howard, running back Treshaun Ward and cornerback Kobe Savage are also out after entering the transfer portal. ... Kansas State will be playing its first bowl game in Florida. It's just the seventh time overall the Wildcats have played a game in the Sunshine State. ... Armstrong led the Wolfpack in rushing with 544 yards and six touchdowns. He also threw for 1,612 yards and 11 TDs with six interceptions. He averaged 216.7 pass yards per game in his last three starts.
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