West Virginia hosts Kansas on Saturday for their first conference matchup in 2024.
Both teams are 1-2, performing under expectations so far in this young season. Kansas was ranked heading into this year but has lost back-to-back games, while WVU is coming off a bitter loss to Pitt in the Backyard Brawl.
Our staff gives their predictions:
Ashley O’Brien:
This game is mightily important to both teams as they look to get back on track. West Virginia has been disappointing overall so far this season but has shown flashes at times. The same goes for Kansas, but their quarterback, Jalon Daniels, will need to bounce back after his last two performances. I believe this will be a very defensive-heavy affair, with both offenses starting slow out of the gate. I also predict that this will be a game-ridden with turnovers and penalties. In the end, the Mountaineers pull it out at home with a field goal.
WVU 24, KU21
Ryan Roddy:
This game can do a lot for whoever comes out on top Saturday. Both teams are coming in extremely ‘hungry’, looking for something to prove. After losing to a rival in such fashion, West Virginia can only go back to work and hope the tides turn in conference play. Kansas needs to get back on track after two narrow defeats and will be eager to do so. The key for WVU will be to neutralize Jalon Daniels as a threat on the ground. If the Mountaineer defense can do its job, I believe the offense will be able to manage the game effectively. In a close one, I predict West Virginia comes out on top at home, with Michael Hayes being the hero late.
WVU 31, KU 28
RJ Russell:
To kick off conference play for two teams who are struggling so far this season. This will be a scrappy game, and I expect it to go down to the very end of the game, where Kansas kicks a game-winning field goal. Coming into the season, Kansas’ quarterback had super high expectations, and so far, he has played below them, I expect to see him bounce back in a really big way and steal a conference win on the road.
KU 38, WVU 35
