A Big 12 clash is on track tonight in Salt Lake City. #12 Utah (4-0, 1-0) has been on a tear, looking like a dark horse CFP contender. Still, it’s a long season; taking care of business in conference play is crucial. It’s a different story for Kansas (2-2, 0-1), a program looking to take that next step towards contention. On the road against a ranked foe, the Jayhawks have an opportunity to make a statement this evening.
The Utes are listed as 15.5-point favorites over the Jayhawks, with the total set at O/U 49.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for Saturday’s Kansas vs. Utah Week 6 matchup.
Kansas vs. Utah prediction, preview
Say what you will about the Jayhawks, but they can certainly score in bunches. The team is averaging 36.0 points and 496.8 yards per game, sixth and second in the Big 12 respectively. However, those numbers are buoyed in large part by 50+ point efforts against LIU and Middle Tennessee. Quarterback Isaiah Marshall can make plays with his arms and his legs. The sophomore has thrown for 810 yards while rushing for 234 more. As a unit, Kansas is averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. Keep an eye out for Nik McMillan tonight as well. The wideout has already racked up 226 receiving yards on a team-leading 14 receptions.
It doesn’t get much more difficult for opposing offenses than a trip to SLC. The Utes are among college football’s stingiest squads, allowing a Big 12-best 10.3 points per game. Where this group truly excels is with its backs against a wall. Utah’s defense has a 66.67% opponent red zone scoring percentage, third-best in the conference. Even more impressive, the school has given up just five touchdowns through its first four games. That includes giving up a combined 27 points against Power Four opponents Arkansas and Iowa State. The Utes excel in their secondary, leading all of college football with an 84.51 opponent passing efficiency.
Utah, despite its tenacious defense, also possesses firepower on offense. Devon Dampier is one of college football’s premier dual-threats at quarterback. This season, the senior has thrown for 896 yards, ran for 135 more, and racked up 11 total touchdowns. Just as important, he’s only given up one interception through four games. Wayshawn Parker is another name to watch out of the backfield, churning out 328 rushing yards (6.6 YPC). At wide receiver, Braden Pegan leads the team with 17 receptions, 264 yards and four touchdowns. This Utes offense leads the Big 12 with 7.25 yards per play.
The Jayhawks have been surprisingly good on defense, allowing a conference-best 244.8 yards per game. That includes giving up just 228 yards against Arizona State in a Week 3 loss. It’s a stark contrast from last season, in which KU often looked overmatched against high-powered opponents. It’s worth noting that Saturday’s game could get ugly. Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to bring strong winds and some rain to Salt Lake City. That gives a slight edge to the Utes, a team that’s more than content running the ball at will despite the conditions.
Best Bet: Utah -15.5 (-110)
Utah’s ability to break up passes should prove to be the difference tonight. Making Kansas’ offense one-dimensional places even more pressure on Marshall, an inexperienced passer that hasn’t made a collegiate start on the road. That’s without factoring in the otherworldly ability of Dampier, one of the nation’s most lethal quarterbacks. In the midst of a storm, the Utes are poised for another dominant win at home on Saturday.
