No. 19 North Carolina State to face Kansas State in Pop-Tarts Bowl
North Carolina State quarterback Brennan Armstrong (5) throws a pass against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Credit: AP/Karl B DeBlaker
Kansas State (8-4, Big 12) vs. No. 19 North Carolina State (9-3, ACC), Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m. ET.
LOCATION: Orlando, Florida
TOP PLAYERS
Kansas State: QB Will Howard, 2,643 yards passing, 24 touchdowns; 9 touchdowns rushing.
North Carolina State: QB Brennan Armstrong, 1,621 yards passing, 11 touchdowns; 544 yards, 6 touchdowns rushing.
NOTABLE
Kansas State: The Wildcats have another outstanding running back in DJ Giddens. He has rushed for 1,075 yards and nine touchdowns.
Kansas State quarterback Will Howard (18) is pressured by Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) during overtime in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian calls defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat, an Outland Trophy finalist, and Byron Murphy II the best interior linemen tandem in the country and the anchor for a defense that leads the nation in third down efficiency and red zone defense. Credit: AP/Eric Gay
North Carolina State: WR Kevin Concepcion has 64 catches for 767 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
LAST TIME
First meeting.
BOWL HISTORY
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens, center, it tackled by Iowa State linebacker Will McLaughlin (23) and defensive back Beau Freyler (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. Iowa State won 42-35. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel
Kansas State: First appearance in Pop-Tarts Bowl, 25th bowl appearance overall.
North Carolina State: Sixth appearance in bowl at Camping World Stadium; 35th bowl appearance overall.
