Kansas State and Arizona State Set for Key Showdown in Big 12 Championship Race
MANHATTAN, Kan. – This Saturday night, Arizona State and Kansas State will clash for the first time as conference rivals in what is poised to be a critical matchup for the Big 12 Championship game. Both teams enter the contest with identical records of 7-2 and 4-2 in league play, unexpectedly tied in standings with just three games remaining in the regular season.
While few anticipated Arizona State’s rise to this point—having been predicted to finish last in the newly expanded 16-team conference—Kansas State was initially favored to secure a top position. Yet, the Sun Devils find themselves in an underdog role as they approach this must-win game, according to Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham.
Kansas State, currently ranked No. 16 in the College Football Playoff standings, comes into the game as an 8.5-point favorite, bolstered by a stronger schedule featuring significant victories. Wildcats coach Chris Klieman remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of preparation and mental readiness to secure the win.
Both squads are seeking a potential path to the championship. Arizona State aims to gain momentum by defeating Kansas State, followed by a challenging matchup against BYU next week. Kansas State can bolster its playoff aspirations by defeating the Sun Devils and Cincinnati ahead of a crucial finale against Iowa State.
Highlighting the matchup is the competition between two emerging quarterbacks: Arizona State freshman Sam Leavitt, who has been in stellar form, and Kansas State sophomore Avery Johnson, who is looking to rebound from a disappointing performance. With both squads in contention and the stakes at a season-high, the game is set to be a thrilling encounter in Big 12 football.
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