Who Will Win? Kansas vs UNLV College Football Predictions for September 13, 2024

As college football fans gear up for an exciting matchup, the Kansas Jayhawks are set to take on the UNLV Rebels on Friday, Sept. 13, at Children's Mercy Stadium.

This Week 3 clash promises to deliver thrilling plays and fierce competition as both teams are eager to secure a victory. Kansas is considered by many a dark horse this year to win the Big 12 while UNLV’s hot start to the season has them dreaming big, especially with the best Group of Five conference champion this year earning a College Football Playoff berth.

In this article, we will dive into our predictions for this key game, looking at the strengths and weaknesses of each team.

How Does Kansas Bounce Back?

The Kansas Jayhawks face an important challenge as they look to recover from a tough loss against Illinois. The previous game highlighted some critical areas for improvement, particularly their issues with turnovers. They fell just short 23-17, which was largely influenced by Jalon Daniels throwing three interceptions.

While Daniels did manage to connect on 18 of 32 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns, protecting the ball will be essential if Kansas hopes to get back on track. Moreover, the ground game, led by Devin Neal, needs to be more consistent; he rushed for 101 yards but saw a reduction in carries towards the end of the game.

For Kansas to come out on top against UNLV, they must engage Neal more effectively in their game plan, limit turnovers, and aim to generate turnovers from their defense. The current Kansas Jayhawks odds suggest they will win by a touchdown, something the team is striving for as they try to get back in the AP Top 25 following their loss last weekend.

UNLV's Rising Confidence

UNLV is riding a wave of confidence heading into their matchup against Kansas. Their season got off to a fantastic start with a decisive 27-7 win over Houston, and they followed it up with an impressive 72-14 victory against Utah Tech.

In the first quarter of the game against Utah Tech, UNLV quickly established dominance with a 28-7 lead, showcasing their ability to come out strong right from the start. Matthew Sluka has been a key player, throwing for 161 yards and three touchdowns in his last game while also contributing in the rushing department with 101 yards and one touchdown.

Greg Burrell and Hajj-Malik Williams added to the offensive explosion, demonstrating that their ground game can be just as effective. For UNLV to secure a win, they will need to solidify their defense, particularly by minimizing the running game of Kansas and looking to generate turnovers.

Keeping the scoring low could give UNLV a better chance to emerge victorious, so it’s crucial they maintain their current momentum. A win over Kansas could very well put UNLV inside the AP Top 25 for the first time ever as they seek to not only win the Mountain West but be the top-ranked Group of Five school, which brings with it postseason rewards.

Kansas vs UNLV Prediction

In this matchup, UNLV's offense appears poised to create significant challenges for Kansas. Their ability to run the ball effectively has been evident in their recent games, and they are likely to maintain that momentum against the Jayhawks.

While Kansas has the potential to improve their running game as the match progresses, UNLV's current offensive power suggests they will put points on the board consistently. This could lead to a close game, as fans might expect a high-scoring affair.

Despite Kansas being favored to win, the expectation is that UNLV will keep the score tight, making them a solid pick against the spread. They’ve already secured a big win on the road this season against a Big 12 opponent (Houston), so the stage shouldn’t intimidate them any.

Thus, it could be wise to back UNLV, especially considering their ability to answer the Jayhawks' offensive plays throughout the game.

The Takeaway

As we approach the highly anticipated contest between Kansas and UNLV, it's clear that both teams bring unique strengths and weaknesses to the field. Kansas, seeking redemption after a narrow loss, must address their turnover issues while leveraging the talents of their key players like Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal.

Conversely, UNLV enters this contest with significant momentum, showcasing a dominant offense and a robust defense in recent games. Although Kansas is the favorite, UNLV's explosive gameplay could lead to an electrifying battle. A win for UNLV could propel them to the Top 25 for the first time in school history.

This clash promises an intense showdown where every possession counts, making for an exciting evening of college football.