Kansas Jayhawks football vs. UNLV: Prediction, odds & TV info for Friday’s game

The Kansas Jayhawks will play their second home game of the 2024 college football season on Friday night at Children’s Mercy Park.

KU’s opponent is a familiar one: The Jayhawks play host to the UNLV Rebels, the team they beat in the late-December Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Kansas is looking to bounce back after losing 23-17 to Illinois last Saturday, while UNLV destroyed Utah Tech 72-17 last weekend.

Here’s a closer look at Friday night’s game:

KU football vs. UNLV game details

Kickoff: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12

Where: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas

TV: ESPN

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City; Wichita 92.3

Early betting line: Kansas is a 7-point favorite.

Kansas game prediction

The two most important things for Kansas are to run the ball more — KU’s running backs had just 21 carries total against Illinois — while preventing UNLV from doing the same.

The Rebels have completed just 16 passes through two games. But they had 500-plus yards on the ground against Utah Tech.

It’s also critical that Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels returns to better form after throwing three interceptions against the Illini. That starts with utilizing the run game to open up passing opportunities.

If KU’s defense can stop UNLV by running up and down the field, the Jayhawks should beat the Rebels again.

Prediction: Kansas 35, UNLV 31

Shreyas’ pick to cover: UNLV (+7)

Shreyas’ record: 1-1

Shreyas’ record against the spread: 1-1