Rested Kansas hosts West Virginia in Big 12 opener

The Kansas Jayhawks return from an early bye week to kick off their Big 12 schedule at home against the West Virginia Mountaineers. Kansas enters 2-1 after falling to Missouri in its last outing, while West Virginia (2-1) comes off an emotional overtime win over rival Pitt. With both teams eyeing an early boost in conference play, this matchup carries plenty of intrigue for college football picks.

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Betting Odds and Trends

The Kansas Jayhawks Can Win If…

The Kansas Jayhawks need to establish balance offensively. In their 42-31 loss to Missouri, the Jayhawks managed just 31 rushing yards, which forced quarterback Jalon Daniels to shoulder the offensive load. Daniels threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, but without a consistent ground attack, Kansas became predictable. If the offensive line can create running lanes, the Jayhawks will be far tougher to defend.

Defensively, Kansas must improve against the run. They allowed 261 rushing yards to Missouri and now face a West Virginia team fresh off a 141-yard, three-touchdown performance from Tye Edwards. Shoring up gap assignments and tackling in space will be critical to slowing down the Mountaineers’ power run game.

Home-field advantage could also play a role. Kansas is undefeated at its newly renovated stadium this season, and the energy of the crowd should fuel a fast start. If Daniels connects on a few early strikes and the defense forces West Virginia into third-and-longs, Kansas has the formula to notch a key conference win.

The West Virginia Mountaineers Can Win If…

The West Virginia Mountaineers must stick to their identity—running the football and leaning on a gritty defense. Edwards’ three-touchdown performance against Pitt highlighted WVU’s strength up front. If they control time of possession with a consistent rushing attack, they can wear down the Jayhawks’ defensive line.

Quarterback play will also be important. While the run game is the Mountaineers’ calling card, they need enough from the passing game to prevent Kansas from loading the box. If they can hit timely throws off play action, it will open running lanes for Edwards and keep the offense moving.

Defensively, West Virginia will rely on creating confusion. Coach Rich Rodriguez praised Kansas’ unpredictability, but the Mountaineers’ defense also thrives on disguises and pressure packages. If WVU’s front seven can disrupt Daniels and force him into hurried throws, they’ll tilt the game in their favor.

The Lean

Kansas is favored by -4.5 at home, a number that reflects their offensive ceiling with Daniels under center. West Virginia enters off an emotional overtime win, and fatigue could be a factor against a rested Jayhawks squad.

The total is set at 55.5, and with both defenses showing vulnerability—Kansas against the run and WVU against explosive plays—the over has value. A projected 31-27 Kansas win leans toward the Jayhawks covering in a competitive, back-and-forth Big 12 battle.

Game Preview Recap

Kansas will look to bounce back after its defensive struggles against Missouri, while also finding answers in the run game. Coach Lance Leipold emphasized the need for consistency up front to support Daniels and provide balance. With two weeks to prepare, expect Kansas to unveil wrinkles to stress WVU’s defense.

West Virginia rides momentum after its 31-24 overtime win against Pitt, a game that tested its resilience. Edwards was the star, powering through for three touchdowns and proving himself as the workhorse back. Rodriguez knows Kansas’ defensive unpredictability poses challenges, but the Mountaineers’ ability to adapt could prove decisive.

The all-time series favors West Virginia 11-2, with the last meeting in Lawrence ending in a 34-28 WVU victory in 2021. Kansas, however, has momentum at home this year, and Saturday presents a chance to narrow the historical gap.

Both teams enter with confidence but also questions, setting the stage for a clash of styles: Kansas leaning on Daniels’ arm, and West Virginia trusting its ground game.

Recent Matchups

This Big 12 opener could serve as a turning point for both programs. For Kansas, it’s about proving its offense can achieve balance. For West Virginia, it’s about validating its physical style against a rested opponent. Bettors tracking scores and odds should keep this game on their radar, with lessons also echoed in the NFL betting guide.