Game Date: September 13, 2024, 7:00 PM
Location: Children’s Mercy Park
Matchup: UNLV Rebels (2-0) vs Kansas Jayhawks (1-1)
Betting Pick: Kansas Jayhawks ATS (-7)
Lead-in: Kansas looks to rebound from a tough loss to Illinois, where they outgained their opponent but were hindered by turnovers. UNLV’s early-season success is impressive, but their stats are inflated by a 72-14 win over Utah Tech. Kansas is the pick against the spread (-7), given their strong offensive capabilities and the likelihood of bouncing back with better ball security.
Betting Odds Overview
Moneyline: UNLV +220 to +225, Kansas -260 to -281
Spread: UNLV +7 (-110 to -115), Kansas -7 (-105 to -110)
Total (Over/Under): 57.5 to 57
Team Insights
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas comes into this game after a frustrating 23-17 loss to Illinois, where they outgained the Illini in total yards but finished with a costly -3 turnover ratio. Kansas' offense remains potent, averaging 32.50 points per game, while their defense has been solid, allowing just 13.00 points per contest.
Kansas needs to clean up their ball-handling mistakes, as turnovers were their undoing in the previous game. With a talented rushing attack (331.00 rushing yards at home) and solid defensive metrics, the Jayhawks should cover the spread at home against an UNLV team whose statistics may be misleading.
UNLV Rebels
UNLV comes into this matchup with an undefeated record, but their statistics are padded by a 72-14 blowout against Utah Tech (formerly Dixie State). The Rebels are averaging 49.50 points per game, but their true offensive potential may be inflated by playing a weaker opponent in Week 2. UNLV's offense is balanced, but their ability to handle tougher defenses like Kansas' remains to be tested.
Key Matchups
Kansas Offense vs. UNLV Defense
Kansas' powerful rushing attack, averaging 331 yards per game at home, faces an UNLV defense that allowed just 50 rushing yards in their only road game. Kansas will need to dominate on the ground and avoid turnovers, which were their Achilles' heel against Illinois.
UNLV Offense vs. Kansas Defense
UNLV has put up gaudy offensive numbers, but those stats are skewed due to the weak competition they faced in Utah Tech. The Kansas defense, which allows just 13.00 points per game, will likely challenge the Rebels' ability to move the ball as effectively as they did in previous games.
Conclusion and ATS Pick
Kansas has the edge in this matchup, particularly when considering the inflated stats for UNLV. The Jayhawks outgained Illinois in their last game but were plagued by turnovers, a situation they can correct. Meanwhile, UNLV's performance against Utah Tech does little to convince that they can handle Kansas' more formidable defense and potent rushing attack. Expect Kansas to clean up their mistakes and cover the spread at home.
