If you had to pick a Heisman Trophy leader, the name Geno Smith would has to be at the top. Smith has led the Mountaineers to a 5-1 start, has thrown for 2,271 yards, 25 TDs and has yet to throw an INT - better numbers than RG3 at this point last season. The problem is the high-octane offense has stumbled against the two defensively competent teams they have played. They have averaged just 22.5 points per game vs. Texas Tech and Maryland. That becomes problematic because the Mountaineers’ defense is as bad as their offense is good. Their first three conference tilts shows them allowing nearly 600 yards per game and over 52 points. Kansas State has a star in their own right in QB Collin Klein. Klein has passed for 11 TDs and run for 11 as well, and is the consummate dual threat that makes the Wildcats almost unstoppable in the red zone. The Wildcats can play some defense as well. While they’re scoring almost at will, the defense, like other good stop-units the Mountaineers have faced, will get more stops. West Virginia is the sexy pick here with the big offense, but not the right one. The Wildcats own an impressive 19-6-1 ATS mark in their last 26 in conference play, while West Virginia is just a woeful 2-11 ATS at home in their last 13 vs. a winning road team. Under Bill Snyder, this team is 9-2 ATS as a road dog. West Virginia has a slight edge on offense, but K-State is putting up 41 points per game and is close. However, the defenses here are night and day (K-State giving up 16.5 ppg vs. 37.3 for WVU). K-State is the better team wit the better record, and getting points. Take the Wildcats in this one.
TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF SPORTS BETTING
Get my free CFB picks and predictions.
Join 409,391 Subscribers!