Who wins when KU football meets UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl? Game odds, prediction
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After a long break, the University of Kansas football team returns to action Tuesday.
The Jayhawks (8-4,5-4 Big 12) will finish the season against UNLV (9-4, 6-2 Mountain West) in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.
KU is making a second consecutive bowl appearance for just the second time in program history. A victory would give the Jayhawks their first nine-win season since 2007.
Let’s break down this matchup:
Kansas vs. UNLV game details
Kickoff: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Chase Field (Phoenix)
TV: ESPN
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City
Betting line: Kansas is a 13.5-point favorite.
Prediction
A pair of KU players have opted out, but the Jayhawks are still heavy favorites in Phoenix.
Look for Kansas to try to establish its ground game early, as the Rebels this season have allowed opponents run for an average of 160 yards per game.
If KU can get Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw rolling, play-action, deep-shot opportunities should open up for quarterback Jason Bean.
On the defensive end, KU must pay close attention to the Rebels’ pre-snap motion. Like the Jayhawks, UNLV uses a lot of pre-snap motion and sometimes employs the option.
KU’s secondary will need to shut down Rebels wide receiver Ricky White, who has piled up over 1,300 receiving yards this year.
Between KU’s excellent secondary and impressive run game, I think the Jayhawks will emerge as the victors.
Prediction: Kansas 35, UNLV 21
Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (-13.5)
Shreyas’ record: 9-3
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 6-6
