Kansas State avoided a disastrous result at Colorado on Saturday night, rallying late to out-pace the Buffaloes, but now faces another stiff road test against a West Virginia team that is looking for a signature win.
The Mountaineers lost at home in Week 8 against Big 12 favorite Iowa State and now welcome the second choice in the Wildcats. Can West Virginia get a home upset with a second straight chance?
Here’s our full betting preview for this Big 12 tilt on Saturday night.
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Moneyline
Total: 55 (Over -110/Under -110)
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Kansas State
Avery Johnson: Johnson wasn’t at his best for the full game, but hit a clutch touchdown to Jayce Brown for 50 yards to win the game for the Wildcats. While Johnson’s passing continues to be a concern, the Wildcats have been dominant on the ground with D.J. Giddens and the threat of Johnson’s legs. Can he put together a full effort on the road against West Virginia?
West Virginia
Garrett Greene: Greene totaled 293 all-purpose yards in the loss to Iowa State, but two interceptions did him and the Mountaineers in the 28-16 loss at home. However, he will face a weaker defense in the secondary that can possibly open up more lanes for him to throw and run through. K-State hasn’t seen many dual-threat quarterbacks, so Greene can be a potential shock to the system.
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There are avenues to both offenses ripping off explosive plays in this one.
Both quarterbacks have dual-threat capabilities and prefer to use their legs when the play breaks down, but there should be big plays for the taking at times as each secondary is incredibly vulnerable.
The Kansas State defense is 104th in EPA/Pass, supported by a pass rush grade that is also outside the top 100, per Pro Football Focus.
Meanwhile, West Virginia’s defense has struggled mightily this season defending the pass, 128th in EPA/Pass, but has been elite at stopping the run, 45th in EPA/Rush. However, I will trust the dual-threat capability of Johnson and the elite play of Giddens (fourth nationally in rushing yards) to keep the Wildcats ahead of the sticks.
There can be limited possessions, but I’m going to count on some chunk plays from both sides, especially after each team had taxing efforts last Saturday night and another night game in Week 8.
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I’m going to side with the over and bank on each quarterback to create scoring chances.
PICK: OVER 55
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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The West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3) welcome the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) to Kendrick Family Ballpark Tuesday afternoon the first encounter between the two programs since 2023 and the first meeting in Morgantown since 2018. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.
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The Mountaineers captured their fourth consecutive series of the season after taking two of the three games from Columbia over the weekend. West Virginia sophomore Matt Ineich and senior Brodie Kresser both blasted grand slams during the series. Ineich lifted WVU in game two with a walk-off grand slam in the 10th in game two, and Kresser ignited a 16-1 rout, capping a six-run second inning in the series finale.
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Gavin Kelly leads West Virginia at the plate with a .436 batting average with a Big 12 leading nine doubles. Ineich and senior Paul Schoenfeld has raked in a team-leading 16 RBI apiece, while senior Matthew Graveline has clubbed a team-high three home runs.
On the mound, West Virginia is expected to start sophomore David Hagen. The right-hander has made four appearances on the season, including one start. He last started in the home-opener against Ohio where he pitched two scoreless innings and recorded a strikeout to collect his first win of the season. He holds a 1.00 ERA with five strikeouts on the season.
After starting 3-4, Maryland is 7-1 in its last eight games. The Terrapins won two of three at UNC Wilmington in the season opening series, followed by a midweek win against Georgetown before getting swept at Louisiana. The Terps bounced back with a pair of midweek wins versus Delaware and swept a one-win Wagner team.
Junior Brayden Martin is batting a team-best .443 to go with four doubles and 12 RBI. Redshirt freshman Ryan Costello leads the Terps in home runs (9) and RBI (21) and is third in batting average at .328, while freshman Ty Kaunus has a team-high seven doubles and has .269 batting average.
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Maryland is scheduled to start freshman Nic Morlang. The right-hander has four appearances on the season, including four starts. He allowed five earned runs in his appearances, coinciding with his two starts, in six innings of work. In his last two appearances in relief, He’s allowed one earned run on five hits.
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West Virginia leads the all-time series 8-5, including a five-game winning streak over Maryland.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a series of parties in Morgantown over the weekend.
Morgantown police officers, West Virginia University Police and state police responded to reports of overcrowded parties, underage drinking, physical altercations and multiple injuries.
Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffie said several citations were issued for open containers and underage consumption.
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Two large parties were dispersed and six arrests were made without incident.
None of the reported injuries are believed to be serious or life-threatening.
The Morgantown Fire Department assisted in the operations.
Hancock County, WV — A Weir High School senior has been recognized as the 2026 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year.
Hailey Hans was selected for the statewide honor after building a journalism portfolio since her freshman year. She also serves as the staff manager of Weir Student Media, where she oversees articles and is in charge of deadlines.
“When I was a freshman I was placed in the journalism one class, and I actually tried to get pulled from the class. But, then after I sat in the class and I learned a little bit, that’s where my love grew and then from there I continued to take classes, I helped pass a law, and I got to these national conventions. Where it just lit a fire inside me,” Hans said.
Hans is planning to attend West Liberty University in the fall to study education with a minor in journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalism teacher. She will now submit her portfolio for the national-level contest.
