Originally posted on kstateonline.com

by Drew Galloway

KANSAS STATE PLAYERS WITH A RECEPTION: 6.5

DREW: UNDER
Nine different Kansas State players recorded a reception last week, with no one having more than three catches. I have a hard time seeing seven players catching a this week against Missouri with what will likely be a tighter rotation.

DEREK YOUNG: OVER
The rotation will surely be tighter, but I believe I only need four receivers to catch a pass, and I see that being the case. Missouri is going to force the Wildcats to throw. At least four receivers, Ben Sinnott, Samuel Wheeler and Deuce Vaughn takes it to at least seven.

DJ GIDDENS CARRIES: 4.5

DG: OVER
It was a bit of a coming out party for DJ Giddens in the opening game against the Coyotes, having six carries for 57 yards and a touchdown. He also received 27 snaps. I like the over here, but just slightly. It will be good for Giddens to have a handful of carries in a game like Saturday to gather more experience for the rest of the season.

DY: UNDER
If he only grabbed six carries versus South Dakota, it’s tough to see him adding five in week two against a Power Five opponent. I’m not sure we see those type of numbers from him until later in the season.

KANSAS STATE SACKS: 2.5

DG: OVER
The K-State defensive line was absolutely dominant last weekend and were in the backfield seemingly every play. With the depth that they possess, it is hard to not see K-State getting home to the quarterback at least three times Saturday.

DY: OVER
Missouri has spotty play at right tackle where they are already down to back-up Zeke Powell. They’re concerned about him protecting Brady Cook, especially on the side that Felix Anudike-Uzomah typically operates. And if they have to devote more resources to help him, that could open them up elsewhere.

VJ PAYNE SNAPS: 22.5

DG: UNDER
VJ Payne made his first career start last week in his first career game and played 35 snaps, which was the second-most among Kansas State safeties. However, Josh Hayes was sidelined with an injury and is expected to return this week.

Because of that, I don’t think Payne will see near as many snaps as he did in the opener. I expect Payne to play, but it could be in the range of 10-12 snaps.

DY: UNDER
Dictating his number of snaps is likely how ready Josh Hayes is and how he looks in the early going. He didn’t receive the one-game buffer that everyone else did last week. With that being said, Hayes is listed as the starter. Payne probably sees 15-20 snaps, in my opinion.

AUSTIN MOORE TACKLES: 4.5

DG: OVER
How about the debut last Saturday for Austin Moore? He played really, really well and led the Wildcats in tackles with five. He was active and had his head around the ball a lot against South Dakota and cleaned up behind the defensive front. Moore should collect another handful of tackles again on Saturday.

DY: OVER
The line should have been higher, I’m afraid. He may shatter that number. The rotation will be tighter, and Missouri will go just as fast.