Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
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Expert Picks
I'm a believer in the Jayhawks. Quarterback Jalon Daniels is playing like Lamar Jackson lite. Behind Daniels, Kansas has averaged 43.9 points a game since Week 11 of last season, which ranks sixth best in the country. The defense still has major issues, but the Iowa State offense (79th in the country in scoring offense at 29.8 points a game) does too. This magical run will end at some point but not on Saturday at home.
One of the best stories in college football will probably get better this week. Kansas is off to its best start since 2009, which was the last season the Jayhawks won more than three games. Their explosive offense will get more of a test against Iowa State, but the Cyclones will not be able to keep up with QB Jalon Daniels and the Jayhawks attack. The wrong team is favored here.
I'm betting the Jayhawks until there's a reason not to. They're 4-0 straight up, and they're 4-0 ATS, covering by an average of 17.5 points per game. Kansas is just a lot better than the market realizes, and while people are beginning to catch on, they haven't caught up just yet. Iowa State has been pretty mediocre since last season, and while it's still a good team, it's not quite the Cinderella upstart many still believe it to be. The Cyclones are a team meant to be bet as an underdog, not a road favorite.
Kansas is 4-0 both straight-up and against-the-spread, despite getting out-gained in two of those games. Iowa State has the better offensive line, defensive line, special teams and overall defense according to every metric. The Jayhawks have played a much easier schedule so far. Kansas is 1-9 SU and 2-7-1 ATS vs. winning teams of late. The Cyclones are 5-1 SU and 5-1 ATS off a loss against a conference rival. I like the road team in this spot!