Nevada vs. Kansas football: Prediction, odds, spread and over/under for College Football Week 3

Kansas football plays a Saturday night road game before conference play. Check out game odds, predictions, and more for Nevada vs Kansas during College Football Week 3,

Momentum is high for the Kansas Jayhawks after they defeated Illinois 34-23 in Week 2. Star quarterback Jalon Daniels returned after missing the season opener due to back tightness, and the offense looked electric in what was one of head coach Lance Leipold’s most impressive wins since he arrived in Lawrence in 2021.

There were underlying questions about the Kansas football defense throughout the offseason, but they have been silenced in the first two games. Kansas has recorded four interceptions, seven sacks, and 16 tackles for loss leading up to their matchup against Nevada.

The Wolf Pack have yet to win a football game in 376 days. They ended the 2022 season on an 0-10 skid and were blown out against USC and Idaho to open the year. Defense and poor offensive line play have created serious issues for Nevada.

As Big 12 play awaits, Kansas has a real chance to enter its Week 4 tilt against BYU undefeated. Here is everything Jayhawk fans must know about the game spread, over/under, and more pivotal information for Nevada vs. Kansas football.

Nevada vs. Kansas Odds, Spread and Total

As expected, Kansas is favored heavily in Saturday’s bout. Most sportsbooks have similar odds to one another.

DraftKings: -28 Kansas, -5000 ML, +28 Nevada, +1800 ML, O/U 58.5
FanDuel: -27.5 Kansas, -4500 ML, +27.5 Nevada, +1600 ML, O/U 58.5
BetMGM: -28 Kansas, -10000 ML, +28 Nevada, +1800 ML, O/U 58.5
Bet365: -28 Kansas, -15000 ML, +28 Nevada, +2000 ML, O/U 58
Caesars: -28 Kansas, -10000 ML, +28 Nevada, +2000 ML, O/U 58
BetRivers: -28 Kansas, -10000 ML, +28 Nevada, +1500 ML, O/U 58

Nevada vs. Kansas How to Watch

Date: Saturday, September 16
Game Time: 9:30 p.m. CT
Venue: Mackay Stadium
Weather: 76°
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network | Fubo TV

Illinois vs. Kansas Key Players to Watch

Nevada Football

One of Nevada’s few bright spots has been wideout Jamaal Bell. The senior slot receiver has caught 16 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown through the first two games. He is the most dynamic player on their offense, and he figures to receive plenty of touches, whether they be from smoke screens, short routes, or handoffs.

Brendon Lewis is Nevada’s quarterback. He was one of many players to transfer out of Colorado when Deion Sanders signed as the Buffaloes head coach. Lewis won the starting job during the offseason and has played the first two games, throwing for 286 yards, one interception, and no touchdowns on a 56.6% completion percentage. He’ll need to improve Saturday night.

Drue Watts is the best-returning player on the Wolf Pack defense. The 6-foot linebacker recorded 57 total tackles, nine of which were for loss, and three sacks in 2022. He has already recovered two fumbles this season, the only turnovers Nevada has forced so far.

Kansas Football

Running back Devin Neal has starred for Kansas football early in the season. He is the only returning 1,000-yard rusher in the Big 12 and has amassed 286 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. His 9.3 yards per carry leads qualifying players in the conference, and he figures to enjoy similar success against a weak Nevada front four.

Linebacker JB Brown is a rising star for the Jayhawks. The Bowling Green State transfer has seemingly beaten out Taiwan Berryhill for the starting linebacker spot while he battles a lower-body injury. He was present for 58 of KU’s 60 defensive snaps against Illinois, recording six tackles, two for loss, one sack, and a pass breakup.

With Daniels limited in practice once again, Kansas could play it conservative again and run Jason Bean under center for the majority of plays. He started the season opener against Missouri State, completing 22-of-28 passes for 276 yards and two scores. The sixth-year senior should have plenty of opportunities to impress the coaching staff in what should be a blowout victory.

Illinois vs. Kansas Prediction and Pick

Despite the game being played in Reno, Nevada is Kansas football’s easiest opponent this season. They allowed 66 points against USC and were only able to put up six points against the 12th-ranked FCS team. With how hot the offense has been lately, Kansas should comfortably put away the Wolf Pack by multiple scores.

Game Prediction: 45-7, Kansas
Betting Prediction: -28 Kansas, Under 58.5 Points