UNLV vs Kansas Prediction, Odds & Spread – Friday Night College Football

• UNLV vs Kansas is featured on Friday night college football
• The latest CFB odds for Friday favor the Jayhawks to secure a bounce-back victory
• Read below for Kansas vs UNLV prediction, odds and spread for September 13th

The Kansas Jayhawks (1-1) and UNLV Rebels (2-0) are set to clash under the Friday night lights on September 13, 2024, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. This non-conference matchup, which will be televised on ESPN, is slated for a 7:00 PM EDT kickoff.

The game takes on added significance as it serves as a rematch of the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, where the Jayhawks outdueled the Rebels 49-36.

Kansas opened as a 6.5-point favorite, but sharp bettors have hammered the Jayhawks, driving the line up to -9. The over/under total has also seen an uptick, moving from 57.5 to 58.5 points, indicating a potential shootout on the horizon.

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UNLV vs Kansas Prediction

Lance Leipold’s Jayhawks entered Week 2 ranked 19th in the nation but stumbled against Illinois, falling 23-17 on the road. Despite the setback, there were some encouraging signs for Kansas.

The Jayhawks won the yardage battle 327-271 and gashed the Illini for 186 rushing yards, with running back Devin Neal eclipsing the century mark for the second straight week. The turnovers proved costly, but Leipold and his staff will certainly have the team focused on ball security heading into this pivotal bounce-back spot.

Devin Neal is now 552 rushing yards away from becoming KU’s all-time leading rusher. #kufball pic.twitter.com/S4XPaVfKZe

— Austin Eckert (@AustinCEckert) September 9, 2024

On the other side, the Rebels have burst out of the gates with a 2-0 start, highlighted by a shock 27-7 road win over Houston in Week 1. UNLV followed up by obliterating FCS foe Utah Tech 72-14, racking up a school-record 694 total yards, with 503 coming on the ground.

However, it’s worth noting that the Rebels have yet to face a defense of Kansas’ caliber, and the step up in competition could serve a dose of reality.

These two programs met in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, with Kansas prevailing 49-36 and covering as 7.5-point chalk. The Jayhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against Mountain West teams. KU’ offense should exploit a UNLV defense that ranks 83rd in passing yards allowed (217.5 per game) and 28th in points allowed (10.5/game).

Look for Jalon Daniels and the Kansas offense to get back on track in this one, with the Jayhawks’ ground game setting the tone early. While UNLV’s own rushing attack, led by QB Matthew Sluka and a deep stable of backs, will have some success, the Rebels will ultimately struggle to keep pace with the Jayhawks’ high-powered offense.

The sharp money has steamed this line up to Kansas -7.5 for a reason, and I concur with their assessment. Lay the points with the Jayhawks and back them to cover the spread. I also like the over 57.5, as both offenses have the firepower to engage in a back-and-forth shootout.

Kansas vs UNLV Picks:

• Kansas -9 (-110)
• Over 57.5 (-115)

UNLV vs Kansas Odds

The oddsmakers initially installed Kansas as a 6.5-point favorite, but sharp bettors have driven the line up to -9, with the juice now evenly distributed at -110. This indicates a consensus among professional bettors that the Jayhawks are well-positioned to win this game by more than a touchdown.

The total has also seen an increase, moving from 57.5 to 58.5, although it’s stayed put at ESPN Bet. The upward movement suggests that the wiseguys are expecting a high-scoring affair, which aligns with the offensive firepower on both sidelines and the potential for a shootout similar to their bowl game last season.

⚫️ BLACKOUT ⚫️

9.13.24 pic.twitter.com/nyfDzw3nyR

— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) September 9, 2024

Despite Kansas’ recent struggles as a favorite (2-4 ATS in their last six games in that role), the sharp action backing the Jayhawks is a strong indication that they are the right side in this matchup.

With the game being played at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, the Jayhawks will enjoy a true home-field advantage, which further bolsters their case as my preferred pick in the Week 3 college football odds.

Odds as of Sep. 13 at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPN bet promo to wager on Friday night college football. 

UNLV vs Kansas Public Betting

When it comes to the CFB public betting trends, the Jayhawks are drawing 62% of the spread bets and 65% of the spread handle. This indicates the public and likely some sharp bettors are backing Kansas to cover.

On the moneyline, Kansas is an even more popular choice, attracting 100% of the handle on -334 odds. The total of 58 points is seeing more balanced action, with a slight lean to the over at 67% of the money but only 47% of tickets.