Big 12 football is heading across the pond in Week 3 as Kansas and Arizona State meet in London for the inaugural Union Jack Classic at historic Wembley Stadium. It’s the first college football game ever played at Wembley, giving the Jayhawks and Sun Devils one of the most unique settings anywhere in the country this weekend.
Both teams arrive in London looking to bounce back from disappointing Week 2 losses. Kansas fell to No. 23 Missouri 38-21 in the Border War after turnovers helped the Tigers pull away, while Arizona State suffered a 48-20 loss at Texas A&M despite playing a much more competitive game than the final score indicated. Now the Jayhawks and Sun Devils get an opportunity to get back on track in their Big 12 opener, with Kansas also looking for some revenge after Arizona State won a 35-31 thriller in Tempe when these programs last met in 2024.
Kansas vs. Arizona State Odds
- Spread: Arizona State -5.5
- Over/Under: 53.5
- Moneyline: Arizona State -205/Kansas +170
Odds as of Monday morning. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Who Gets Impacted By the Travel?
Both teams are traveling thousands of miles across the pond. There’s sometimes no rhyme or reason as to why some teams handle the travel better than others. Just look at the 49ers vs. Rams in Week 1 of the NFL season last week in Australia. San Francisco was in total control, while the Rams, the Super Bowl favorite, looked completely overwhelmed.
That’s what makes this matchup so difficult to handicap. Kansas and Arizona State are dealing with a major time change, altered routines and an environment unlike anything they’ll experience the rest of the season. Whichever team adjusts faster could have a significant advantage, particularly early in the game.
And with both teams coming off disappointing losses, neither can afford to spend the first quarter trying to wake up in London.
Kansas vs. Arizona State Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Arizona State 27, Kansas 20
Arizona State showed me something last week against Texas A&M on the road, The Sun Devils had more pass yards, more rush yards, more yards per play, more first downs and more sacks than the Aggies. But the Sun Devils killed themselves with turnovers and penalties. The good news for ASU is that Kansas has not been great at turning the ball over going back to last season, and they lost their turnover battle 3-1 last week to Missouri. Also, Arizona State is going to be able to take the top off of this Kansas defense that has concerns, notably in the secondary. Are cornerbacks Jalen Todd and Austin Alexander up to the task of slowing down what may be the best wide receiving corps in the Big 12? That remains to be scene. Also, if KU quarterback Isaiah Marshall thinks he’s going to run all over Arizona State, think again. Look at what Arizona State did to A&M QB Marcel Reed last week, holding him to under 20 rushing yards on the day on seven carries.
Arizona State wins and covers.
