Much anticipated bowl season matchups are often decided by player availability, and this year's Alamo Bowl is no exception. Both Kansas State and NC State have been affected by opt-outs and injuries, but it is Kansas State that finds themselves in a far more challenging situation.

Hindered by the absence of starting quarterback Will Howard, their top receiving options, their offensive coordinator, and two starters in the secondary, Kansas State is facing an uphill battle. Meanwhile, NC State has managed to maintain their key players, with only the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Payton Wilson, and a starting defensive lineman out of action.

As a result of these early departures, Kansas State will rely on true freshman quarterback Avery Johnson, who will be making only his second career start. While Johnson has shown promise in limited action this season, his biggest asset is his running ability rather than his passing skills.

With a young and inexperienced quarterback, Kansas State may find themselves relying heavily on their 1,000-yard tailback to carry the offensive load. However, a tough challenge awaits them in the form of NC State's formidable run defense, which ranked 16th in the country.

On the other side of the ball, NC State boasts the talents of sixth-year quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who has been playing his best football since reclaiming the starting job late in the season. Supported by a well-rounded offense, NC State has seen a significant improvement in scoring, averaging 33.3 points per game in their last three outings compared to just 16.2 points per game before Armstrong's return.

While Kansas State had a solid defense in the Big 12 conference, the lineup they field in the Alamo Bowl will be different from their regular season unit. This presents a significant challenge for them as they face an NC State offense that is firing on all cylinders.

With key offensive playmakers missing for Kansas State, the odds are stacked against them as they go up against one of the top teams in the ACC. While betting on NC State with the points seems like a reasonable choice, it is clear that Kansas State will have a tough time keeping up with their opponents.

As North Carolina prepares for the arrival of sports betting in 2024, fans can look forward to wagering on their favorite NC State sports teams. The upcoming Alamo Bowl serves as a reminder of the thrilling opportunities that lie ahead for sports betting enthusiasts.

In summary, the Alamo Bowl matchup between Kansas State and NC State promises to be an intriguing battle. With injuries and absences affecting Kansas State's roster, it will be a challenging task for them to keep up with an NC State team that is firing on all cylinders.