UNLV Rebels vs. Kansas Jayhawks Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 13th 2024

Preview and Prediction

Following their removal from the AP Top 25 poll, Kansas is determined to get back on track with a win against UNLV in Kansas City, Kansas on Friday.

Both the Jayhawks (1-1) and the Rebels (2-0) are currently in the "others receiving votes" section of the Associated Press poll. Kansas received 22 votes after their 23-17 loss to Illinois, while UNLV picked up seven votes following their dominant 72-14 victory over Utah Tech.

According to Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold, UNLV is playing with a lot of confidence and believes they deserve a spot in the Top 25. This means that Kansas must be prepared and firing on all cylinders in order to come out with a win.

Unfortunately, the Jayhawks were not at their best in their loss to Illinois, committing four turnovers, including three interceptions by quarterback Jalon Daniels. One of these interceptions was returned for a 30-yard touchdown by Xavier Scott just before halftime.

Leipold acknowledged the importance of winning the turnover battle, stating that their chances of winning decrease significantly when they do not come out on top in this area.

Despite the loss, Kansas did have a slight advantage in total yards (327-271) and rushing yards (186). Running back Devin Neal had another impressive game with 101 yards on 14 carries, and wide receiver Luke Grimm caught nine passes, including a 3-yard touchdown.

Meanwhile, UNLV has had a strong start to their season, with a 27-7 win over Houston followed by a dominant performance against FCS opponent Utah Tech. The Rebels set a team record with 694 total yards, including 503 rushing yards, and scored 72 points, the second-highest in school history.

Quarterback Matthew Sluka, a transfer from Holy Cross, had a solid game with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as 161 passing yards and three touchdowns to All-American wide receiver Ricky White, who also blocked a punt in the game.

This will be the first time UNLV has started the season 2-0 since 1999, and they will also be seeking revenge for their 49-36 loss to Kansas in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl last December in Phoenix.

White is excited for the nationally televised game on ESPN, stating that the whole country will get to watch them play on the national stage.

PREDICTION

UNLV Rebels

Kansas Jayhawks