Kansas Jayhawks vs Fresno State Bulldogs Prediction & Picks - NCAA
USA - NCAA
New customers only | Commercial content | 21+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Travis Pulver | in NCAA Picks
The Fresno State Bulldogs will travel to the Midwest this week to take on the Kansas Jayhawks in their season opener on Saturday, August 23. Kickoff at the newly renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on Fox.
Expectations were high enough for Kansas last season that the Jayhawks were ranked in the preseason AP top 25. A 2-6 start put a quick end to that, of course, but the team seemed to get it together down the stretch, recording upsets against Iowa State, BYU, and Colorado. However, while the talented Jalon Daniels is back at quarterback, only two other starters returned. The defense is in transition as well, with only five starters coming back, four on the defensive line. As for Fresno State, the Bulldogs went 6-7 overall and 4-3 in conference play last season. Former USC assistant Matt Entz is the new head coach. Entz is best known for his time as the HC for FCS-powerhouse North Dakota State, where he had one of the most formidable run games in the country and won two national championships. He’ll have a new QB behind center this year and a lot of inexperience at wide receiver, but with a lot of talent in the backfield and an experienced offensive line, the run game might not need much time to take off.
Limited Offer. Currently at Caesars Sportsbook
Kansas Jayhawks vs Fresno State Bulldogs Form
Table
Kansas Jayhawks - Fresno State Bulldogs Key Points
- Kansas has won its last four-season openers by an average score of 42-11. However, none of the four opponents was an FBS team.
- The last time Kansas played an FBS team in the opener was in 2020; they lost to Coastal Carolina 38-23.
- Fresno State was 6-6-1 ATS last season; Kansas was 5-7.
- Betting Public: 93% of moneyline tickets and 76% of the handle are on Kansas.
Limited Offer. Currently at Caesars Sportsbook
Our Kansas Jayhawks vs Fresno State Bulldogs Prediction
Kansas is getting an awful lot of credit here that they don’t deserve. Yes, Jalon Daniels has the potential to be a special quarterback, but he’s essentially got a rebuilt offense around him. After a poor showing last season, the Jayhawks mined the transfer portal to rebuild the defense. Okay, so Fresno State struggled to run the ball last year. But if anyone can figure out how to move the ball on the ground, it’s Entz. Their defense is also getting rebuilt, but I’m betting on Entz getting the ground game going on a Kansas team that can’t stop it.
Our Fresno State vs. Kansas Pick: Bulldogs ML
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
