UNLV vs Kansas (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch
UNLV vs Kansas (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch
The UNLV Rebels, led by Barry Odom, will face off against the Kansas Jayhawks in a thrilling Week 3 matchup, set for 7:00 PM Eastern on ESPN this Friday night. Kansas, playing at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City due to renovations at their home stadium, is favored by 7 points, while UNLV looks to continue its trend of strong performances as an underdog.
Let’s dive into the odds, predictions, and how you can catch all the action as these two teams clash under the Friday night lights.
How to Watch UNLV vs Kansas
- Game Date: Friday, Week 3
- Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Location: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS
Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline
- Point Spread: Kansas -7
Kansas is favored by 7 points, meaning they must win by 8 or more points to cover the spread. If UNLV loses by 6 or fewer points or wins outright, they cover. - Total (Over/Under): 58
A bet on the over wins if the combined score reaches 59 or more points, while the under wins if the total score is 57 or fewer points. - Moneyline:
- UNLV +218 (Bet $100 to win $218 if UNLV wins outright)
- Kansas -250 (Bet $250 to win $100 if Kansas wins outright)
The implied score from these betting odds is Kansas 32, UNLV 25.
Betting Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained
- Betting Spread: Kansas is favored by 7 points, meaning they need to win by at least 8 points to cover the spread. If UNLV keeps the game close or wins, they cover the spread.
- Total (Over/Under): The over/under of 58 suggests a relatively high-scoring game. Betting the over means you expect a shootout, while betting the under indicates confidence in a lower-scoring affair.
- Moneyline: Betting the moneyline is simple: you’re betting on which team will win outright. Kansas is the favorite, so a bet on them offers a smaller payout, while a bet on UNLV as the underdog provides a higher reward if they pull off the upset.
Implied Score and Injury Report
The implied score, based on the betting odds, is Kansas 32, UNLV 25. Both teams enter the game relatively healthy, though Kansas is still adjusting to life after the departure of former offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, now at Penn State.
Game Analysis: Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks, under head coach Lance Leipold, are favored in this matchup, but they’re coming off a disappointing loss to Illinois in Week 2. Kansas was out-physicaled in the second half, and their offensive struggles could be a cause for concern heading into this game against an up-and-coming UNLV squad.
Offense: Quarterback Jalon Daniels had a rough outing last week, managing just 3.4 yards per attempt. Kansas ranks 126th in passing success rate through two games, which is alarming given the weapons they have at their disposal. However, Kansas remains explosive on the ground, ranking 1st in PPA per rush and 3rd in offensive line yards. Running back Devin Neal will be key in establishing the ground game.
Defense: Kansas’ defense has shown promise, particularly on early downs, where they rank 3rd in EPA allowed. However, their pass defense has been inconsistent, and this could be an area where UNLV tests them. The Jayhawks’ defensive front has been stout, but their secondary will need to improve against the Rebels’ strong passing game.
Key to Watch: Kansas’ ability to move the ball through the air will be crucial. If Daniels can get back on track and take advantage of UNLV’s secondary, Kansas should be able to cover the spread.
Game Analysis: UNLV Rebels
UNLV is off to a strong start in 2024 under Barry Odom. The Rebels have been excellent against the spread on the road, covering in 7 straight road games and 16 of their last 20. UNLV will look to continue that streak in Kansas City.
Offense: Quarterback Doug Brumfield has led an efficient attack for UNLV, though they’ll need to be sharper on early downs. The Rebels rank 110th in early downs EPA, which means staying ahead of the chains will be critical. Look for offensive coordinator Brennan Marion to dial up creative plays to keep Kansas’ defense off-balance.
Defense: UNLV’s defense has been a pleasant surprise, ranking 14th in PPA allowed through two games. However, they have yet to face an offense as potent as Kansas’. Their secondary remains a potential weakness, and Kansas will likely try to exploit it with their talented receivers.
Key to Watch: UNLV’s ability to generate big plays, particularly with wide receiver Ricky White, will be key. White is a matchup nightmare, and if he can get going, UNLV has a real shot to keep this game close—or even pull off an upset.
Recent Trends and Head-to-Head Matchup
- Kansas: Kansas has struggled as a favorite, going just 4-6 against the spread in their last 10 games in that role. They’re also 1-4 against the spread in their last five games as favorites, making them a risky bet to cover.
- UNLV: The Rebels have been phenomenal on the road, covering the spread in 7 straight road games. UNLV’s record against the spread in road games is 9-1 in their last 10 and 16-4 in their last 20.
Though Kansas is considered the stronger team, UNLV’s impressive record as an underdog on the road makes this a very intriguing matchup. Kansas will need to establish their running game early, while UNLV will look to create big plays through the air.
In-Depth Matchup Breakdown
Kansas’ Game Plan:
Kansas will look to establish their ground game early and often. Running backs Devin Neal and Dylan McDuffie will be key, as Kansas ranks first in PPA per rush. If they can control the clock and wear down UNLV’s defense, Kansas should be able to pull away. Jalon Daniels will also need to improve his efficiency in the passing game to open up the offense and take advantage of UNLV’s vulnerable secondary.
UNLV’s Strategy:
UNLV will rely on wide receiver Ricky White to make plays against Kansas’ secondary. Quarterback Doug Brumfield will look to get the ball out quickly and avoid third-and-long situations, which have plagued UNLV so far. On defense, the Rebels need to slow down Kansas’ running game and force the Jayhawks into obvious passing situations.
Prediction: UNLV vs Kansas
This game has the potential to be a high-scoring shootout, with both teams capable of putting up points. Kansas has the edge in talent, but UNLV’s road performance and offensive creativity under Barry Odom could make this closer than expected.
Final Score Prediction: Kansas 34, UNLV 28
Pick: UNLV +7
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