Kansas State vs. Arizona: Week 3 of the college football season brings a matchup that immediately caught my attention, and for good reason. Kansas State enters this game with major question marks after a rough start to 2025. The Wildcats have managed just one win, narrowly escaping North Dakota with a last-minute touchdown, and have failed to cover in any of their three games. Their struggles on both sides of the ball have been glaring, from a leaky defense allowing over 322 yards per game to an offense that has yet to find consistency.
On the other side, Arizona comes in 2-0 and has looked dominant, demolishing Hawaii and Weber State by more than 30 points each. With a seasoned defense returning nine starters and a balanced, productive offense, the Wildcats appear far more complete and ready for tougher competition. This sets the stage for a compelling showdown.
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Week 2 Results: 2-2 (-0.3u)
Kansas State vs. Arizona Betting Odds
Should the Wildcats be short dogs at home?
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 9, 2025 at 12:24 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Kansas State -1.5 (-116)
- Arizona +1.5 (-104)
Moneyline
- Kansas State -123
- Arizona +103
Total
- Over 54.5 (-110)
- Under 54.5 (-110)
Kansas State vs. Arizona – September 12
This matchup was the first game I circled on Sunday and also the first Week 3 bet I placed. I am leaning heavily into how poorly Kansas State has looked to start the 2025 season. If it were not for a last-minute touchdown against North Dakota, this team would be 0-3 to start the year. Kansas State enters this week 1-2 straight up and 0-3 against the spread. Meanwhile, Arizona is 2-0 and has already shown it is ready for tougher competition, having dominated Hawaii and Weber State by more than 30 points each.
If that introduction did not make my stance clear, I will spell it out: I am all over the Wildcats this week…
THE Arizona Wildcats +1.5.
Line Movement
This matchup opened with Kansas State favored by 2.5 points and has since dropped to 1.5. Is it odd that Kansas State is favored on the road after three underwhelming performances? Sure, but their struggles have been more glaring than that number suggests. One could also ask why the line is so short. Kansas State entered the season with a lot of hype, with quarterback Avery Johnson even being discussed as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate. As with most “fishy line” situations, there are always two sides to the argument.
I am a big fan of what Arizona brings to this Friday night matchup. The Wildcats return nine starters on defense and have added depth from the portal, making them much stronger than last season. On offense, Arizona has a strong offensive line and a solid backfield. Phil Steele projects this offense to average around 125 rushing yards, nearly 280 passing yards, and close to 30 points per game this season.
Kansas State’s defense has yet to show up. They have allowed at least 24 points in all three games and are surrendering over 322 yards per game, ranking 52nd nationally. Shockingly, this is roughly where Steele predicted this defense would land.
If Kansas State struggles to slow down this potent Arizona offense, it could be another long week for the Wildcats.
At the end of the day, this Arizona Wildcats team looks far more complete and ready than Kansas State. The Wildcats bring a stout, experienced defense and a balanced, productive offense into a matchup where the Wildcats’ strengths directly expose the Wildcats’ weaknesses.
Kansas State has struggled to stop anyone so far this season, while Arizona has shown it can handle quality competition and dominate early. The line movement only reinforces that the market is waking up to Kansas State’s struggles. For those looking for a solid play this week, Arizona is the clear choice.
Best Bet: Arizona +1.5 (-104) odds via BetOnline
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