Kansas steps out of Big 12 play in Week 5 as the Jayhawks welcome Middle Tennessee to Lawrence for their final nonconference game of the regular season.
For Kansas, this is the type of matchup where the goal should be straightforward: take care of business, avoid any unnecessary drama and build some momentum before diving back into the heart of the Big 12 schedule. Middle Tennessee comes to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium with an opportunity to pull off a major upset against a Power Four opponent.
Can the Jayhawks put this game away early and turn their attention back toward conference play, or can Middle Tennessee make things uncomfortable in Lawrence?
Kansas vs. Middle Tennessee State Odds
- Spread: Kansas -19.5
- Over/Under: 49.5
- Moneyline: Kansas -1200/MTSU +720
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Does Kansas Get its Get-Right Game?
All this game is suppose to be is a chance for Kansas to pick up a win after a bye week and long road trip to London where they lost to Arizona State. It’s supposed to be a game where they just feel good about themselves and move onto next week and getting back into the thick of Big 12 play. They’ve had two tough Power 4 losses to Missouri and Arizona State, this despite having opportunities in both games and having unforced errors that turned the tide. Notably vs. Arizona State they outgained the Jayhawks by nearly 200 yards, but lost the turnover battle 3-0 and had some special teams issues that led to a 24-17 loss.
Kansas vs. Middle Tennessee State Prediction and Pick
Prediction: Kansas 38, Middle Tennessee State 13
Kansas’ defense has been underrated, especially given two of their three games have been vs. solid P4 competition. Kansas ranks 22nd in the country in yards allowed per play. And they take on a Middle Tennessee State program that ranks 82nd in that country in offensive yards per play. This sets up nicely for a Kansas defense that has also been excellent on third downs, ranking 2nd in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma State.
Meantime, MTSU’s defense ranks 100th in the country in yards allowed per play, and they haven’t even had a Power 4 team on the schedule yet (Murray State, Marshall, Nevada, Jacksonville State). Kansas has had more issues getting the offense going, but this gives Isaiah Marshall and company an opportunity to break out after having to play a couple of very tough defenses in Missouri and Arizona State.
On the betting side, Kansas is receiving two-thirds of the tickets but an overwhelming 92% of the money, suggesting the larger wagers are backing the Jayhawks. While the spread has dipped from -19.5 to around -18, the move hasn’t been significant enough to indicate a major sharp position on Middle Tennessee State. Overall, the betting market still appears more supportive of Kansas than the Blue Raiders.
Kansas wins. Kansas covers.
