If you want more Action Network content, be sure to add us as a preferred source on Google.
The Kansas Jayhawks take on the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is set for 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Utah is favored by -15.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -720. Kansas, meanwhile, enters as a +15.5 underdog and is +500 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 50.5 total points.
Here’s my Kansas vs. Utah prediction and college football pick for Saturday, October 10.
Kansas vs Utah Prediction
- Kansas vs. Utah Pick: Utah Team Total Over 33.5 (-115)
My Utah vs. Kansas best bet is on the Utes to score at least 34 points. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page and be sure to download the Action Network app for more picks and analysis.
Kansas vs Utah Odds
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+15.5 -110 | 50.5 -115o / -105u | +500 |
| Utah Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-15.5 -110 | 50.5 -115o / -105u | -720 |
- Kansas vs Utah point spread: Utah -15.5 (-110), Kansas +15.5 (-110)
- Kansas vs Utah over/under: 50.5 (-115o / -105u)
- Kansas vs Utah moneyline: Kansas +500, Utah -720
Kansas vs Utah College Football Preview
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview: No Safety Net Offensively
Fresh off an international trip to London, Kansas quickly shook off the rust, dominating Middle Tennessee to the tune of 55-0 final score.
Even with Isaiah Marshall struggling to connect with his pass-catchers, the Jayhawks quarterback gashed the Blue Raiders with his legs by rushing for 110 yards while averaging 10 yards per carry.
Marshall’s elite dual-threat ability has helped Kansas stay ahead of the sticks, leading the Jayhawks to a top-20 mark in Success Rate.
Marshall’s running ability also forces opposing defenses to spy linebackers across the middle, freeing up more space on the outside for the Jayhawks' wideouts to exploit while widening his passing lanes.
Kansas has also been dominant on the ground, entering Week 6 ranked fifth in Rushing Success Rate and 27th in PPA.
With Dylan Edwards consistently cutting the distance to gain in half, the Jayhawks' probability of converting increases, making it easier to methodically move the ball into scoring territory.
Unfortunately for Kansas, the Jayhawks have struggled to play at a competitive level on defense, fielding a group ranked outside the top 120 in Defensive Finishing Drives and Explosiveness allowed.
By allowing opposing quarterbacks to flip the field position in quick order, Kansas is forced to play in volatile track meets, making it difficult to keep pace on the scoreboard when matched up against a quality offense.
Utah Utes Betting Preview: Hard to Get Off Schedule
Speaking of high-quality offenses, Devon Dampier has had no issue keeping Utah competitive after head coach Kyle Whittingham bolted for Michigan, leading the Utes to top-20 marks in Success Rate, Points Per Opportunity and Havoc Allowed.
Dampier has also been far more efficient under center this season, completing over 70% of his passes.
Like Marshall, Dampier is dangerous with his legs when he gets out into the open field, averaging four yards per carry. In pass sets, Dampier has found ways to extend plays with his legs when a running lane opens up.
Not only has Dampier been efficient with his legs, but Wayshawn Parker has also settled into a groove, rushing for 82 yards per game in four outings.
When both players are firing on all cylinders, the Utes have been nearly impossible to slow down on the ground, leading the league in Rush Success Rate and PPA.
The Utes have also played a high level on the other side of the ball, ranking well above league average in Success Rate allowed, Defensive Finishing Drives and Havoc.
While the defense does give up explosive plays at an alarming rate, the Utes mask it by halting opponents in the shortened field, giving up less than three points per scoring opportunity.
Kansas vs Utah Pick, Betting Analysis
With the Jayhawks' second level incapable of slowing Dampier down, the Utes will be able to consistently march down the field and get into scoring position.
When Utah pulls up close to the goal line, expect it to put up points by taking advantage of a defense that resides near the bottom of the board in Defensive Finishing Drives.
Even with Kansas creating Havoc at a high rate, Dampier keeping the ball on the ground will negate the possibility of a Turnover-Worthy Play, keeping Utah’s drives alive.
The Jayhawks' back end also hasn't been nearly as effective as the front seven, limping into Saturday ranked 69th in Passing Success Rate allowed, 116th in PPA allowed and 124th in Explosiveness allowed.
Negative regression is looming large over the Jayhawks offense with Utah’s secondary holding up in coverage. That should allow the Utes to crash linebackers down to the trenches in an attempt to neutralize Marshall’s legs.
By putting Marshall in a collapsed pocket, Utah will give itself a chance to snag a turnover or two.
With clear advantages on offense, back Utah to clear the 33.5 points for its team total. If you want to increase your exposure on the Utes, escalator bet the team total by placing smaller wagers on the alternate overs in order to buy the upside without having to lock up a good chunk of your bankroll.
If Utah dips down to the key number of -14, place a separate wager on the Utes to cover the spread as well.
Pick: Utah Team Total Over 33.5 Points (-115)
Kansas vs Utah Betting Trends
