Kansas vs. Nevada: Preview, Prediction, and Game Odds
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the matchup between the Kansas Jayhawks and Nevada Wolf Pack.
GAME INFO
Saturday, September 16th, 9:30 p.m. CT; Mackay Stadium; Reno, Nevada
TV: CBSSN
Radio: Jayhawk Sports Network (Brian Hanni)
2023 Records: Kansas (2-0), Nevada (0-2)
Rankings: Kansas: NR, Nevada: NR
Series History: 0-0
Last Meeting: N/A
Spread: Kansas (-28)
Fun Fact: The Kansas football team has never traveled to the state of Nevada for any regular season or postseason game, with this trip marking the first time ever.
Key Players
Kansas
QB Jalon Daniels
Jalon made his 2023 debut last Friday against Illinois after sitting out the opener due to a back injury. It didn’t take long for Jalon to show why he was voted as the Big 12 preseason player of the year as he threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter. He is the man that makes this offense go and as long as he is healthy, Kansas always has a chance to win any game.
DL Jereme Robinson
The junior defensive lineman has already made his presence felt this season as he is the team leader in sacks. Jereme recorded a sack in the opening game against Missouri State and had two sacks last week against Illinois. If Kansas goes up by a few scores then he should get plenty of opportunities to get some more sacks.
Nevada
QBs Brandon Lewis and AJ Blanco
If Nevada is going to have a chance in this game then they will need better play from their two quarterbacks. Brandon Lewis and AJ Blanco have combined for just one touchdown this season. Neither guy has really made the offense efficient and it looks like these two guys will split time once again on Saturday.
The Defensive Front
I couldn’t single out one person because it is going to have to be a group effort to stop the Kansas offense. While the Jayhawks aren’t afraid to air it out, they do have a good running back in Devin Neal. Nevada is going to be tested up front so they better buckle up the chinstraps.
Key Storylines
Kansas
Can Kansas get to 3-0 once again? Last season the Jayhawks got off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2009. They ended up winning five straight before their streak came to an end. Winning your non-conference games are important, especially for those programs trying to get to a bowl game. The Jayhawks are certainly talented enough to get back to a bowl but they are looking to make a little more noise this season. We all know about Jalon Daniels and the offense, but I want to see the defense do their part in this game too.
Nevada
Can the Wolf Pack defense hold their own? So far through two games Nevada’s defense has allowed an average of 49.5 points and 565.5 yards per game. They surrender an average of 10 yards per play to opposing offenses and that is a recipe for disaster against an offense like the one they are going to face this weekend.
Prediction: Kansas 45, Nevada 14
Nevada is just a bad football team and I don’t see them slowing down the Kansas offense at all. Jalon Daniels will have a field day and Devin Neal will run for at least 150 in this one. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks defense will likely shut down a mediocre Nevada offense. I expect the backups to be in by the time the fourth quarter rolls around for Kansas.
