Colorado vs. Kansas State Predictions, Odds

• November 27, 2020
• By Thom Cunningham
• VegasInsider.com

The Big 12's Kansas State Wildcats host the Pac-12's Colorado Buffaloes this Friday in a Little Apple Classic game at the Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.

BETTING RESOURCES

• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Venue: Bramlage Coliseum
• Location: Manhattan, Kansas
• Date: Friday, November 27, 2020
• Time: 8:30 p.m.
• TV: ESPNU
• Bet: BetMGM | BetRivers | FanDuel | PointsBet | All

Colorado-Kansas State Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: Colorado -6
• Money-Line: Colorado -275 Kansas State +215
• Total: 133
• Implied Probability: Colorado 73.3%

Odds Subject to Change

Kansas State enters this home game as the underdog, after dropping the season-opener against Drake. Expectations are somewhat high for Drake this season, but the road doesn't get any easier as Colorado enters as a -6-point favorite. The Buffaloes feature a stellar lineup with a Wooden Award candidate at the very top.

The odds reflect how difficult it will be for Kansas State to pull off the upset, despite playing in Manhattan. The good news for Wildcat bettors is that Kansas State has won eight straight home games when playing on a Friday. The bad news, Kansas State has lost the second half in five straight games - which includes against Drake.

Betting Analysis – Colorado Buffaloes

2019-2020 Results - Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 21-10
• ATS: 12-18-1
• SU - Home: 15-3
• SU - Away: 6-7
• O/U: 18-13

Betting Analysis – Kansas State Wildcats

2019-2020 Results - Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 10-21
• ATS: 14-17
• SU - Home: 9-10
• SU - Away: 1-11
• O/U: 20-10-1

Inside the Stats – Colorado Buffaloes

• PS/G: 84 (63rd)
• PA/G: 61 (49th)
• Off Rtg: 118.3 (47th)
• Def Rtg: 85.9 (59th)
• SRS: - (N/A)
• SOS: -23.00 (132nd)

Colorado looks to be a force within the Pac-12 this season, shades of a successful 2019-20 season. The entire team rests on the shoulders of Wooden Award candidate McKinley Wright IV, who is the team's catalyst. Colorado also has experience, seeing six upperclassman among their top eight players.

The Buffaloes' defense was key to their success last season, and it seems they'll be alright again this season. Colorado only averaged 70 points per game last year, so seeing 80-plus in game one is a positive sign.

They are more than capable of doing the same against Kansas State, but if Wright IV has an off night then Colorado's offense will struggle against good defenses. Luckily for Colorado, Kansas State is not playing like a team with good defense (gave up 80 to Drake).

Inside the Stats – Kansas State Wildcats

• PS/G: 70 (108th)
• PA/G: 80 (130th)
• Off Rtg: 107.7 (85th)
• Def Rtg: 1023.1 (169th)
• SRS: 0 (N/A)
• SOS: 10 (51st)

Kansas State seems to be in for another long season, after losing by 10 to Drake another 10-21 season is considerable. Colorado should have no issue with Kansas State, who gave up 80 to Drake after a solid defensive season in 2019-20.

Time will tell how good Drake actually is, but Kansas State only allowed 65 points per game last year (55th) and featured a defensive efficiency rating of 96.2 (95th). It's a bit surprising to see Kansas State give up 20 more points than what they averaged last year, but they did score 70.

This is a solid improvement, as the Wildcats averaged only 64 points per game in 2019-20 which ranked 325th. So it is possible Kansas State keeps this game close if the defense returns to form and the offense can continue to score.

Key Players to Watch

• COL - McKinley Wright IV (20 ppg, 6 apg)
• COL - Keeshawn Barthelemy (11 ppg, 7 rpg)
• KST - Mike McGuirl (22 ppg, 6 rpg)
• KST - Dajuan Gordon (15 ppg, 5 rpg)

Colorado-Kansas State Predictions

Kansas State will need more players to score more points to keep pace with Colorado, as its tough to bank on the Wildcats' defense returning after an abyssal performance against Drake.

With the way Wright IV and co. are currently playing for Colorado, along with the sluggish defense from Kansas State against Drake, it seems siding with Colorado is the safe play here. The spread is a bit concerning, as there is potential for Kansas State to get buckets outside of their top two scorers.

Despite a 10-point loss, Kansas State's Nijel Pack saw nine points and five assists while both Kaosi Ezeagu and Antonio Gordon also saw a nice stat line. This really comes down to the Kansas State defense, and whether or not they can return to solid play or deliver more of the same in their last game.

Between the two, it's better to side with Colorado. For those who think the spread is a bit high, you are not only justified, but you may also prefer the half market instead. The earlier trend of Kansas State losing the second half in five straight games is worth a look, but its not recommended you take both. If siding with Colorado, go with the spread or go with the second half but the best bet lies elsewhere.

• Score Prediction: Colorado 68 Kansas State 63
• Best Bet: UNDER 133.5