The Houston Cougars (2-4) face off against the Kansas Jayhawks (1-5) on Saturday, October 19th. This game will be played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and televised on ESPN+. Houston is coming off a win in their previous game, while Kansas is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Arizona State. Kickoff is set for 3:30 ET.
Houston Cougars vs Kansas Jayhawks
Houston Offense Breakdown
Houston’s offense has struggled this season, averaging just 13.7 points per game, which ranks them 98th in the nation. They are 115th in our offensive power rankings heading into week 8. Donovan Smith has thrown for 694 yards, with only two touchdowns and five interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 70.
Overall, Houston is 119th in passing yards per game, averaging 154.8 yards. They are converting just 27.8% of their third-down attempts. On the ground, they are 82nd, with 142.5 rushing yards per game. Stacy Sneed leads the rushing attack with 235 yards, averaging 5 yards per carry.
Kansas Offense Breakdown
Heading into week 8, Kansas is averaging 28.5 points per game, ranking 48th in the country. Their offense is 56th in our power rankings. The Jayhawks have been strong on third downs, converting 50% of their attempts, placing them 12th nationally. Their rushing attack is the focal point, averaging 214 yards per game on 37.2 attempts.
Devin Neal leads the ground game with 584 yards, five touchdowns, and an average of 5 yards per carry. Quarterback Jalon Daniels has thrown for 1,065 yards with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions, giving him a passer rating of 68. Kansas ranks 102nd in passing yards per game. Luke Grimm has caught 33 passes for 354 yards and four touchdowns.
Houston Team Defense
Houston’s defense has been solid this season, ranking 31st nationally by allowing just 20.5 points per game. In their recent game against TCU, they gave up 19 points but forced two interceptions. Houston limited TCU to 66 rushing yards on 22 attempts, while allowing 233 passing yards.
Opponents are averaging 135.3 rushing yards per game and 161.7 passing yards against Houston, the 17th-lowest passing yardage in the country. Quarterbacks have completed 61.8% of their passes with a passer rating of 88.3 against Houston’s defense.
Houston Team Defense
Kansas’ defense has allowed an average of 25.7 points per game this season, ranking 53rd nationally. In their recent game against Arizona State, they gave up 35 points, including 205 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Arizona State also threw for 167 yards, completing 12 of 20 passes, while Kansas managed to force one interception.
Opponents have averaged 158.5 rushing yards per game against Kansas, and quarterbacks have posted a passer rating of 84.5, completing 57.8% of their throws. Kansas ranks 66th in the nation, allowing 204.7 passing yards per game, while facing the 37th fewest pass attempts in the country.
Houston vs Kansas Trends
- Across their last three road contests, Houston has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-2, while averaging 14 points per game.
- Through their last five home games, Kansas has an ATS record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 2-3 while averaging 34 points per game.
- Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Houston Cougars have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-4.
- Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Kansas Jayhawks have a straight up record of 5-5. But, their mark vs the spread was just 3-7.
Cougars vs Jayhawks Prediction
Our projections have this game finishing with a combined 43 points, which is under the current O/U line of 46.5 points. Kansas is the -6.5 point favorite, and we expect them to win by a score of 23-20.
However, with Houston coming in as the road underdog, we like their chances to cover the spread, making them our pick vs. the spread.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:October 15, 2024 Houston Cougars, Kansas Jayhawks