In this article we will formulate a Fresno State vs Kansas prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 23rd at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the Bulldogs vs Jayhawks game.
Fresno State Betting Preview
Fresno State is entering its final season in the Mountain West before transitioning to the Pac-12 next season. Fresno State is a team that is usually competitive in these types of games, and at least on paper, that appears it could be the case again here. Matt Entz was hired this offseason as head coach after continuing the dynasty at North Dakota State. Mikey Keene is gone from last year’s team, but they have brought in EJ Warner, who played previously with the Temple Owls and Rice Owls. There has been some inconsistency with Warner at times, but this is someone with 32 career starts.
The depth of the running back room is quite impressive, and that starts with Bryson Denelson, who probably could have transferred out for a Power Five job but decided to stick in California. Entz led a run-first offense with North Dakota State, and the depth for Fresno State is going to be key this year. On defense, this team is filled with a ton of question marks, and could end up being one of the major problems this season. Only four starters are back from last year. There is a ton of young talent, it just involves some question marks, and probably some growing pains also.
Kansas Betting Preview
Kansas is opening its new, beautiful stadium with this game, and some believe this team has the talent to compete for a Big 12 title. This team starts under center, with Jalon Daniels back. Injuries have been a problem for him, but when healthy, he’s one of the quarterbacks in the conference. Kansas is going to have to find a way to replace Devin Neal, who’s made his way to the NFL. The good news is Daniel Hishaw is back, and last year he rushed for 376 yards and three touchdowns. Out wide, Kansas has Emanuel Henderson, who came in from Alabama, and there is a ton of buzz around.
On defense, there are a ton of question marks around Kansas, and the pass defense is going to need to be a lot better. Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson are gone, but they went hard in the transfer portal. DJ Graham is entering his first year with the Jayhawks after playing for Utah State and Oklahoma to start his career. The strength of the defense looks to be the defensive line, and Dean Miller hopes to spend plenty of time in the backfield in this game.
Why the Kansas Jayhawks will win
- Kansas has won each of its last five games against non-conference opponents at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
- Fresno State has lost nine of its last 11 road openers.
- Kansas has covered the spread in five of its last six games.
- Fresno State has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last nine road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Kansas has won the first quarter in each of its last three home games against non-conference opponents.
- Kansas has won the first half in each of its last seven home games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Fresno State Bulldogs will win
- The underdog has won each of Kansas’ last four games.
- Kansas has lost four of its last five games as a favorite.
- Kansas has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight season openers.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Kansas’ last five games.
- Fresno State has won the first half in eight of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Kansas have had suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team last season (4).
- Kansas have had suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team last season (3).
- Fresno State ranked 133rd among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (3.8).
- Fresno State ranked 133rd among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters last season (-5.4).
Fresno State vs Kansas Prediction
Fresno State and Kansas are going to be involved in a high-scoring game. I expect Kansas is going to have a stronger pass defense this year, but it’s going to take a while to really lock down. Warner has the experience, and even if he throws an interception or two, Fresno State is going to move the ball on this defense. For the Kansas offense, Daniels is going to have a huge game, and after the performance he has, there is going to be a ton of buzz around this team. The over has hit in 7 of the last 9 games played by the Jayhawks. I think this game can go over 60 points. Back the over.