Dave's Free Pick ATS: 09/12/09 Kansas State at UL-Lafayette

Kansas State (1-0) at UL-Lafayette (1-0)

Line: Kansas State -6

A win on the road is always a good thing, but the 21-17 win the Wildcats achieved last week over UMASS was not all that impressive. K-State looked to have it in hand at half with a 21-3 lead, but would score no more in front of the largest ever opening game crowd in Manhattan. The defense played well, giving up just 212 yards all together. It was the special teams that made this game much closer than it should have been. A fumbled punt and a blocked punt led to two scores by the Minutemen.

UL-Lafayette came out with a 42-19 victory against Southern University in week one. New quarterback Chris Masson went for 18-of-24 passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns. For good measure, Masson added 36 yards on the ground and a score. The running game was effective in their first match up without the conferences all time leading rusher Tyrell Fenroy. The defense returns nine starters and came up with three interceptions.

While I expect Kansas State to gradually improve this year under Bill Snyder, they are not there yet.  The offensive line has just one experienced player and it will take some time for that unit to be effective. Until they are, the offense is going to struggle. Errors on special teams are a big concern and not something the Wildcats can afford. I expect the public to be on K-State here, but I''m not buying it. There is going to be a meltdown before there is much improvement in Manhattan. The Ragin' Cajuns better put it on the line in this one as their upcoming schedule is brutal.

Dave's Pick: UL-Lafayette +6

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