Saturday, Oct. 3, David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kan., 3:30 p.m. ET
Oklahoma State Cowboys
The reputed offensive firepower has yet to develop for the Cowboys. Last year’s FBS-leading rusher, Chuba Hubbard, has rushed for 194 yards and receiver Tylan Wallace has 10 receptions for 177 more, which are respectable numbers but not up their usual standards.
Hubbard rushed for 161 yards a game last season and Wallace had 53 receptions for an average 112.9 yards per game before his season was cut short by injury. Quarterback Spencer Sanders has been out since injuring an ankle in the first half of the opening win over Tulsa but could play this week.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas defense has allowed 388 yards rushing in losses to Coastal Carolina and Baylor, not a good sign with Oklahoma States’ Hubbard coming to town. In addition, LD Brown has averaged 8.3 yards per carry for the Cowboys. The Jayhawks have capable rushers in Velton Gardner (151 yards in two games) and Pooka Wallace Jr. (143) but coach Les Miles is still searching for an answer at quarterback.
He has played three so far with true freshman Jalon Daniels (20 of 35 passing, 172 yards, no touchdowns) the latest to give it a go. Takulve Williams and Kwamie Lassiter II have combined for 23 receptions for 192 yards but only one score.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas Jayhawks Betting Pick
The Cowboys have yet to really get their offense going, and to be truly effective Sanders will have to be healthy. They have a 10-game winning streak over the Jayhawks and have topped the 40-point mark in four of the last five meetings. They also have won the last eight meetings in Lawrence. Hubbard rushed for 122 yards when OSU won 31-13 last year.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas Jayhawks Betting Pick: Cowboys (-21.5) 45, Jayhawks (+21.5) 10
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas Jayhawks Best Bet
The Jayhawks have been outscored 45-10 in the first half of losses to Coast Carolina (38-23) and Baylor (47-14). They do have some potential in the running game with Gardner and Williams, but a trio of quarterbacks have completed only 58.8 percent of their pass attempts. The Cowboys must be eagerly looking to face a defense that has given up an average of 194 yards a game rushing.
Oklahoma State Cowboys at Kansas Jayhawks Best Bet: Cowboys to COVER
