Saturday Night Football: Predictions, Picks & Odds for Kansas vs BYU

• The 6th-ranked BYU Cougars are slight 2.5-point favorites when they host the Kansas Jayhawks Saturday night
• Kansas upset 17th-ranked Iowa State last game
• Read below for Kansas vs BYU betting line, prediction and pick

After nearly tumbling out of the Top 10 and College Football Playoff altogether last week, the BYU Cougars (9-0, 6-0 Big 12) try to keep their perfect season alive when they host the Kansas Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4 Big 12).

The Cougars needed last-minute heroics in Utah to stay in the playoff picture.

With a pair of one-possession wins in the last three weeks, they are just slightly favored over a Kansas side coming off an upset of 17th-ranked Iowa State.

Even at 3-6, the Jayhawks can put up points, as they feature an offense that’s Top 7 in scoring in the Big 12. Can they spoil the party in Provo?

Kansas vs BYU Odds

The Cougars are 5-0 at home this year, and are 2.5-point favorites in the college football odds.

Kickoff is scheduled for 10:15pm ET at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, with ESPN carrying the broadcast.

Odds as of November 15 at 11pm ET. Be sure to check out the best Caesars Sportsbook promos before placing a bet on any Week 12 College Football matchup.

Cougars CFP Hopes Survive vs Utah

Trailing 21-0 at halftime, BYU needed a wild rally in the second half to prevail – but it wasn’t without controversy or luck.

After a pair of drives engineered by Cougars’ pivot Jake Retzlaff to get to 21-19, he was sacked at his own 1-yard line on fourth down with 1:29 to go, but a holding penalty gave the Cougars new life.

FOR THE WIN!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/YANqIrS4uW

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 10, 2024

Retzlaff drove them down the field and Will Ferrin kicked a 44-yard field goal to eke out the 22-21 decision.

BYU’s defense, which has been one of the best in the nation, pitched a second-half shutout just in time for the offense to wake up.

Kansas Offense Could Challenge BYU

While the Cougars rank second in the conference in scoring at 33.7 points per game, they are only 74th in rushing (150.9 yards per game) and 89th in passing (233.4).

The 22 points was the second-lowest output of the year, and the first time in seven games BYU failed to score at least 34 points.

Few teams have been able to challenge BYU’s defense, but Kansas at least has the offensive tools to put up points. The Cougars’ recent one-possession win over Oklahoma State should be studied well.

Devin Neal making everyone miss with that TD!!! 🚀 @KU_Football takes the lead!!! pic.twitter.com/2uk0dMmF4r

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 9, 2024

Oklahoma State ran wild on BYU, churning out 269 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, just coming up short in a 38-35 decision.

Kansas happens to boast the no. 2 rush offense in the Big 12, racking up 214.4 yards per game, and its 22 TD’s are second only to UCF.

Expect to see a lot of Devin Neal, who just shredded ISU for 116 yards and a pair of scores in his sixth 100+ yard rushing game on the season.

Kansas vs BYU Prediction

BYU has looked shaky coming down the home stretch, which is what happens when the expectations continue to mount with wins.

Kansas has the potential to ruin BYU’s postseason party, but it’s hard to bet on a squad that has yet to win on the road this season, even if all four of its losses have been by six points or less.

Run defense is the weaker part of the Cougars’ defense, though, as they are ninth in the Big 12 and allow nearly 147 yards per game. If KU can get the run game going, it’s possible they can control the clock and the terms at which this game can be played.

However, the Jayhawks’ defense is outside the Top 10 in both run and pass defense, and allow nearly 26 points per game (9th).

That should help BYU — who is a crisp 7-2-0 against the spread this year — get just enough points to help its defense and remain unbeaten.

• Pick: BYU -2.5 (-115)

This Saturday night, football fans are in for a treat as the Kansas Jayhawks take on the BYU Cougars in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams are coming off of impressive wins and will be looking to continue their momentum in this game.

The Jayhawks are coming off of a dominant win over South Dakota last week, where they showed off their high-powered offense led by quarterback Jalon Daniels. Daniels threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns in the win, and will look to continue his strong play against BYU’s defense.

On the other side of the ball, the Cougars are coming off of a close win over Arizona State, where they showed off their balanced attack on offense. Quarterback Jaren Hall threw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Tyler Allgeier added over 100 yards on the ground. The Cougars will look to continue their success on offense against a tough Kansas defense.

In terms of predictions, this game is shaping up to be a close one. Both teams have shown that they have the ability to put up points on offense, but also have solid defenses that can make stops when needed. It could come down to which team can make the fewest mistakes and capitalize on their opportunities.

As for picks, it’s a tough call but I would give a slight edge to BYU in this matchup. The Cougars have looked strong on both sides of the ball and have a bit more experience than the Jayhawks. However, Kansas has shown that they are a team on the rise and could pull off the upset if they play a clean game.

In terms of odds, BYU is currently favored by around 7 points in most sportsbooks. This seems like a fair line given the strengths of both teams, but as always, anything can happen on any given Saturday night.

Overall, this game is sure to be a must-watch for football fans looking for some exciting action. Both teams have a lot to prove and will be looking to make a statement with a big win. So grab some snacks, settle in on the couch, and get ready for some Saturday night football action between Kansas and BYU.