Pop-Tarts Bowl: North Carolina State vs Kansas State
By Rory Daniels
Bowl Season continues! 84 teams, 42 matchups, 35 different cities; if you thought the College Football postseason was restricted to the four teams in the playoffs, think again. In this game preview, we turn our attention to the Pop-Tarts Bowl:
Where and When
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
Date: 28th December 2023
Time: 5:45pm (ET)
Story so far…
Now in his 11th season as NC State head coach, Dave Doeren has enjoyed plenty of success as the Wolfpack’s boss. While he’s never achieved an ACC championship, he’s only had a losing record in two seasons, one of which was his first. This year, they went 9-3. There was no disgrace in losing to a Notre Dame and Duke side who were ranked when they met. Their other loss was against a Louisville side that went on to the conference championship game. The Wolfpack are 3-4 in bowl games under Doeren, and a loss last year in the Dukes Mayo Bowl meant he avoided being dunked in mayonnaise. This year he will be more keen to win and take a bite of the Pop Tart mascot!
Kansas State couldn’t repeat the success of 2022 when they beat eventual College Football Playoff finalists TCU to become Big-12 champions. This year, they only managed 5th place with an 8-4 record. Losses to Oklahoma State and Iowa State in the final regular season game mean the Wildcats will have to settle for a place in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Next year, with Texas and Oklahoma leaving the conference, Kansas State will hope to make a run at the title and an automatic spot in the 12-team playoff.
The Quarterbacks…
Brennan Armstrong had a huge year in 2021 for Virginia, but the left-handed signal-caller has since failed to live up to that hype. NC State had hoped he could bring experience and elite QB play to the table, but instead, he was booed off after the midseason loss to Louisville. That led to his benching for sophomore MJ Morris. Morris then decided to redshirt prior to entering the transfer portal, giving Armstrong another shot at the job. Two strong displays against Wake Forest and North Carolina helped him end the regular season on a positive note. A bowl win would be another proud moment for Armstrong.
Kansas State spent most of the year with Will Howard under center. He had flashed potential in 2022 and did a solid job as the starter this year. Howard will not play in the bowl game as he transfers to USC, hoping for Lincoln Riley to work his magic and make him a first-round QB. Instead, the job will go to Avery Johnson, who saw action in seven games. He is an electric, dual-threat QB who has gained valuable experience in his freshman year. His style of play makes this game a ‘must-watch’ if only to see Johnson’s athleticism at QB.
Prospects to watch…
North Carolina State
Kevin Concepcion, Wide Receiver – Freshman receiver Concepcion enjoyed an excellent first year in college football. Playing predominantly out of the slot receiver position, he recorded 773 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. That included three 100+ receiving yard games, one of those coming in the rivalry victory over North Carolina.
Payton Wilson, Linebacker – In what is considered a weak linebacker class, Wilson could be one of the more highly-rated players at his position come the NFL Draft. The biggest knock on him will be his injury history. Multiple surgeries will need full investigation from pro teams, but Wilson will likely rack up tackles in this bowl tilt.
Kansas State
DJ Giddens, Cornerback – Avery Johnson is not the finished article as a thrower, so you can expect a heavy dose of the running game from Kansas State. Johnson will pair with DJ Giddens, who leads the Wildcats in rushing yards (1,075). The 6’1, 212lbs back averages 5.5 yards per carry, and his battle with Wilson will be key to the outcome.
Khalid Duke, Defensive End – Kansas State defensive end Khalid Duke had big boots to fill when he had to take over from Felix Anudike-Uzomah. While he hasn’t been as productive as that, Duke’s six sacks led the team in 2023. He had a hot start to the year, recording five of those in the first six games. He will look to recapture some of that production and get to Armstrong regularly in this one.
Prediction
This could be tight, but I don’t expect Avery Johnson to have it easy up against a physical NC State defense. Ultimately, having the more experienced quarterback in Brennan Armstrong could be the key to the victory.
NC State 27-21 Kansas State
