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Kansas vs UNLV Prediction, Spread & Odds – Guaranteed Rate Bowl

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Dec 26, 2023 · 1:07 PM PST

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean prepares to throw a pass
Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) prepares to throw a pass during the NCAA college football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. This is the Bearcats’ last game of the season, as well as their Senior Night Saturday.
  • Kansas faces UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Boxing Day (December 26th)
  • The Jayhawks are significant favorites in the latest college football odds
  • Read below for Kansas vs UNLV prediction and spread for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl

The Kansas Jayhawks (8-4) will face the UNLV Rebels (9-4) in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Monday, December 26 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM ET on ESPN.

Kansas comes into this game as 10.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 64.5 points.

Let’s get into the Kansas vs UNLV odds as we offer you our Guaranteed Rate Bowl prediction.

Kansas vs UNLV Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Kansas -10.5 (-110) -400 Over 66.5 (-115)
UNLV +10.5 (-110) +320 Under 66.5 (-105)

In the Kansas vs UNLV odds for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the Jayhawks are -400 moneyline favorites, giving them an 80% implied win probability.

Kansas and UNLV have met twice before, with each team winning one game. The most recent meeting was in 2003, with Kansas winning 46-24.

This is the Rebels’ first bowl appearance since the 2013 season and just the fifth overall, while Kansas is playing in a bowl game in consecutive seasons UNLV has a 3-1 bowl record, while Kansas is 6-7.

 

Odds as December 26th at ESPN Sportsbook. Sign up for ESPN Bet using promo code “DIME” to unlock $250 in bonuses for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Jayhawks Betting Analysis

Kansas enters the game with an 8-4 record and a 5-4 record in the Big 12 conference. The Jayhawks have had a successful season under head coach Lance Leipold, finishing with their best regular season record since 2007. They have won five of their last seven games, including a thrilling 38-33 victory over No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming.

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The Jayhawks are led by quarterback Jason Bean, who has thrown for 1,681 yards with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions this year. Running back Devin Neal leads the ground attack with 1,209 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

The Jayhawks’ offense has been impressive this season, averaging 33.6 points per game. Their defense has also been solid, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game.

Rebels Betting Analysis

UNLV put together their best season since 1984, going 9-4 overall and 6-2 in Mountain West play. They won three straight games down the stretch before falling to San Jose State and then Boise State in the conference championship.

Quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the Rebels offense, throwing for 2,794 yards with 22 touchdowns. Maiava has since opted out of the bowl game, however, meaning backup Doug Brumfield (252 pass yds) will make his second start of the season.

Running back Vincent Davis Jr. is another key player for the Rebels, rushing for 722 yards and six scores. UNLV had a fairly balanced offense in 2023-24, rushing for 180 yards per game and throwing the ball for 235 yards per contest.

Defense is an area of concern for UNLV, and it proved costly in their final two games of the season. The Rebels gave up an average of 26 points in their final two games and are now allowing over 400 yards per contest on the season.

Kansas vs UNLV Prediction

Kansas has the talent edge at most positions, but UNLV enters this matchup hot and full of confidence after its strong season. The Jayhawks can put up points with Jason Bean and Devin Neal leading the offense, but UNLV also has an explosive attack.

We’re targeting the Kansas team total for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, as we’re unsure how efficient this Rebels offense will be under their backup quarterback. Bean is at least a proven commodity, having quarterbacked the team to several double-digit victories this season.

Kansas averaged 40-plus points over the final four games of their season, and they have the offensive firepower to take advantage of a UNLV defense that is lacking depth due to the opts-outs of several important defensive players.

Guaranteed Rate Bowl Pick:

  • Kansas Team Total Over 38.5 (-105)

 

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