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Kansas vs BYU Prediction, Pick & Odds for Saturday Night Football

Eric Rosales

By Eric Rosales in College Football

Published:


Jake Retzlaff throwing under pressure
Nov 9, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is pressured by Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) during the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
  • The 6th-ranked BYU Cougars are slight 2.5-point favorites when they host the Kansas Jayhawks Saturday night
  • Kansas upset 17th-ranked Iowa State last game
  • Read below for Kansas vs BYU betting line, prediction and pick

After nearly tumbling out of the Top 10 and College Football Playoff altogether last week, the BYU Cougars (9-0, 6-0 Big 12) try to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Kansas Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4 Big 12).

The Cougars needed last-minute heroics in Utah to stay in the playoff picture.

With a pair of one-possession wins in the last three weeks, they are just slightly favored over a Kansas side coming off an upset of 17th-ranked Iowa State.

Even at 3-6, the Jayhawks can put up points, as they feature an offense that’s Top 7 in scoring in the Big 12. Can they spoil the party in Provo?

Kansas vs BYU Odds

Teams Spread Moneyline Total
Kansas Jayhawks +2.5 (-105) +115 O 57.5 (-110)
(6) BYU Cougars -2.5 (-115) -135 U 57.5 (-110)

The Cougars are 5-0 at home this year, and are 2.5-point favorites in the college football odds.

Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15pm ET at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, with ESPN carrying the broadcast.

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Cougars CFP Hopes Survive vs Utah

Trailing 21-0 at halftime, BYU needed a wild rally in the second half to prevail – but it wasn’t without controversy or luck.

After a pair of drives engineered by Cougars’ pivot Jake Retzlaff to get to 21-19, he was sacked at his own 1-yard line on fourth down with 1:29 to go, but a holding penalty gave the Cougars new life.

Retzlaff drove them down the field and Will Ferrin kicked a 44-yard field goal to eke out the 22-21 decision.

BYU’s defense, which has been one of the best in the nation, pitched a second-half shutout just in time for the offense to wake up.

Kansas Offense Could Challenge BYU

While the Cougars rank second in the conference in scoring at 33.7 points per game, they are only 74th in rushing (150.9 yards per game) and 89th in passing (233.4).

The 22 points was the second-lowest output of the year, and the first time in seven games BYU failed to score at least 34 points.

Few teams have been able to challenge BYU’s defense, but Kansas at least has the offensive tools to put up points. The Cougars’ recent one-possession win over Oklahoma State should be studied well.

Oklahoma State ran wild on BYU, churning out 269 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, just coming up short in a 38-35 decision.

Kansas happens to boast the no. 2 rush offense in the Big 12, racking up 214.4 yards per game, and its 22 TD’s are second only to UCF.

Expect to see a lot of Devin Neal, who just shredded ISU for 116 yards and a pair of scores in his sixth 100+ yard rushing game on the season.

Kansas vs BYU Prediction

BYU has looked shaky coming down the home stretch, which is what happens when the expectations continue to mount with wins.

Kansas has the potential to ruin BYU’s postseason party, but it’s hard to bet on a squad that has yet to win on the road this season, even if all four of its losses have been by six points or less.

Run defense is the weaker part of the Cougars’ defense, though, as they are ninth in the Big 12 and allow nearly 147 yards per game. If KU can get the run game going, it’s possible they can control the clock and the terms at which this game can be played.

However, the Jayhawks’ defense is outside the Top 10 in both run and pass defense, and allow nearly 26 points per game (9th).

That should help BYU — who is a crisp 7-2-0 against the spread this year — get just enough points to help its defense and remain unbeaten.

  • Pick: BYU -2.5 (-115)
Eric Rosales
Eric Rosales

Sports Writer & Editor

Having worked in and around sports since 1997, Eric is truly a knowledgeable expert. The two-time journalism grad specializes in all things NBA and NFL. From TSN.ca to CTV's Olympic Broadcast Consortium, Eric's work has appeared in local and national publications alike.

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