Liberty Bowl: Kansas State vs. Navy preview and pick

On Tuesday afternoon in Memphis, Kansas State will take on Navy in the Liberty Bowl. Navy enters the game with a 10-2 straight-up record, with a 9-3 mark against the spread, rewarding supporters of the triple-option offense. On the other side of the field, Kansas State enters with an 8-4 straight-up record and a 9-3 record ATS.

Liberty Bowl: #23 Navy vs. Kansas State, Tuesday, 3:45 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Kansas State and Navy have a lot in common

This is a fascinating matchup, because it pits two teams that are known for “doing more with less." Without major recruiting victories, these teams instead focus on good coaching and fundamental play to achieve success. Both teams rely heavily on a strong running game, with Navy led by quarterback Malcolm Perry, the slippery and decisive leader that has 1,804 rushing yards on the season. He added 1,027 and six touchdowns through the air, but Perry’s 6.8 yards per rush and 21 touchdowns on the ground is where Navy finds its success. Jamale Carothers  and Nelson Smith are two of the running backs that will help try and keep the Kansas State defense off balance.

Navy will have its hands full trying to slow down Thompson

Kansas State is led by quarterback Skylar Thompson who is also a dual-threat option. He has 2,191 passing yards and 12 touchdowns on the year, but added 402 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Kansas State doesn’t do anything on offense exceptionally well, but Thompson has managed to get outside the pocket in key moments this season.

Kansas State had several heartbreaking losses this year, but also had impressive wins against Mississippi State, Oklahoma and Iowa State. Kansas State has also continued its decade-long tradition of excelling at special teams. The Wildcats led the nation in kickoff yards per return (29.8) and touchdown returns (four).

Time of possession will be key

I like Kansas State to win outright. Both teams covet time of possession, with Navy playing its grind-it-out, triple-option game, and Kansas State third in the country in time of possession.

Against athletically superior opponents, both head coaches know possessing the ball gives them the best chance to win. But when Kansas State gets to face a one-dimensional offense with comparable athletic talent, I expect head coach Chris Klieman to draw up enough havoc plays to force Navy into second/third and long. Kansas State hasn’t lost a game by more than one possession since October 5 and is 4-0 ATS in its last four non-conference games.

NCAAF free pick: Kansas State +2.5

---

Bowl season is coming to a close. Don't miss out on the last week of matchups at BetAmerica!