Kansas State vs. Arizona Picks & Betting Tips
Last year, the Kansas State Wildcats hosted the Arizona Wildcats, new members of the Big 12 Conference, in what was supposed to be a marquee matchup on prime-time Friday night television. Instead, the game was a letdown as Kansas State routed Arizona 31-7.
So far in 2025, Kansas State has struggled despite being a preseason co-favorite to win the Big 12. Kansas State lost its season opener to Iowa State and then barely got past FCS North Dakota in the home opener. Last week, hosting Army, K-State flopped in a costly win that has gamblers wondering if their season is ruined.
Meanwhile, Arizona routed FCS Weber State in an easy win and paycheck game that proved little about Arizona’s ability.
Despite last week’s results, gambling action is expected to be split evenly, with no significant imbalance on either side.
Kansas State at Arizona Preview
On Friday, September 12, 2025, the Arizona Wildcats will host the Kansas State Wildcats at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona. The kickoff time is 9 p.m. ET, with television coverage on FOX.
- The Kansas State Wildcats are the more respected brand in this matchup. K-State has a good reputation with the masses as a perennial Big 12 contender and bowl participant.
- The Arizona Wildcats had a strong 2023 season but gave all of that goodwill back with an implosion in 2024. Thus, gamblers are wary of an unproven Arizona team in 2025.
Kansas State at Arizona Predictions
Handicapping Factors to Consider
- Kansas State has had its share of struggles in 2025, but it is a disciplined team with the best player on the field in quarterback Avery Johnson
- Arizona has improved under head coach Brent Brennan, now in his second year.
- Despite being an improved team, Arizona remains unproven.
- Kansas State is highly motivated to atone for its slow start and bad loss to Army. The Wildcats know that fans and gamblers are starting to doubt them and that a loss would be catastrophic.
- In this situation, Kansas State offers more potential value as a quality road team getting the more favorable price. Arizona is an unreliable value that is too risky to trust.
Kansas State Wildcats at Arizona Wildcats Prime Best Bet: Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State at Arizona Betting Tips
Kansas State opened as a 1.5-point road favorite while Arizona is a 1.5-point home dog.
K-State and Arizona opened with a total of 54.5.
Kansas State opened as a -122 moneyline road favorite while Arizona is a +102 home dog.
Kansas State Wildcats
- Last game, the Kansas State Wildcats lost 24-21 against the Army Black Knights as 17-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 48. Kansas State is 1-2 straight up, 0-3 against the spread, and 1-2 under the total.
- Overall, Kansas State has national metrics of 86th for total offense, 80th for scoring, 72nd for total defense, and 103rd for points allowed. Of great concern is that K-State ranks 112th for fewest turnovers committed and 110th for takeaways.
Arizona Wildcats
- Last game, the Arizona Wildcats defeated Weber State 48-3 as 31.5-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 56.6. As a result, Arizona is 2-0 straight up, 2-0 against the spread, and 0-2 under the total.
- Arizona ranks 45th nationally in total offense, 28th in scoring offense, 23rd in total defense, and 5th in fewest points allowed. Also, Arizona ranks 3rd best for takeaways and has not turned the ball over in 2025.
Kansas State at Arizona Head-to-Head and Key Stats
- On the road, Kansas State got the money in only three of its most recent ten games.
- For away games, Kansas State went under the total in four of their last seven matchups.
- At home, Arizona covered the spread in only two of its most recent eight games.
- In home matchups, Arizona went under the total in 10 of its last 14 matchups.
- Kansas State won its only meeting with Arizona in the past 30 seasons, 31-7 last year, covering the spread as 7-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 60.5.
