Kansas Seeks to Regain Footing in Big 12 Opener at West Virginia
An intriguing Big 12 matchup awaits in Morgantown as the Kansas Jayhawks (1-2) visit the West Virginia Mountaineers (1-2) on Saturday, September 21st, with kickoff set for 12 noon EST. Both teams are eager to bounce back from recent setbacks and find their rhythm as conference play commences.
West Virginia is favored by -2.5 with a total of 58 at Betonline Sportsbook.
Kansas started the season strong with a dominant win over Lindenwood but has since dropped consecutive games to Illinois and UNLV. The Jayhawks’ offense has struggled to maintain consistency, averaging just 20 points per game over their last two outings. Quarterback Jalon Daniels will need to rediscover his early-season form to spark the Jayhawks’ attack. Meanwhile, senior running back Devin Neal has been a bright spot, rushing for over 100 yards in each of the first three games.
West Virginia also enters this contest looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. The Mountaineers held a 10-point lead late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold on, raising questions about their ability to close out games. Offensively, West Virginia has shown flashes of explosiveness but will need to improve its third-down conversion rate to sustain drives.
This game could hinge on which defense can create turnovers and give its offense favorable field position. Kansas has been stout defensively, allowing just 16.3 points per game, while West Virginia’s defense has been susceptible to big plays.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Kansas rushing attack vs. West Virginia front seven: Can the Mountaineers contain Devin Neal and force Kansas into predictable passing situations?
- Jalon Daniels vs. West Virginia secondary: Will Daniels find his rhythm and exploit a Mountaineer secondary that has struggled at times?
- West Virginia’s third-down offense: Can the Mountaineers sustain drives and keep their defense off the field?
Both teams have shown potential but also significant weaknesses. This game represents a pivotal moment for each to set the tone for their conference campaigns. Expect a hard-fought contest with plenty of drama as Kansas and West Virginia battle for a crucial Big 12 victory.
Our model predicts a final score of 30-29 with West Virginia on top. This game could go either way. We’ll grab the points and with any luck we’ll get +3 later in the week.
Our Pick – Kansas +3