Kansas Jayhawks vs Houston Cougars Predictions: Can Jalon Daniels be stopped?
The Kansas Jayhawks have raced out to a 2-0 start thanks to a high-powered offense and an opportunistic defense. It wasn't a start that a lot of people saw coming, and they are looking to continue the hot streak when they travel to Houston to take on the Cougars tomorrow.
Houston has struggled to start the season, splitting two overtime games in the first two weeks. Will they finally start to put things together? Will Kansas continue to push their way to victory on the back of Jalon Daniels? Will the game go to overtime?
Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hop over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.
Kyle Davis
Check out our Houston Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.
Brendan Dzwierzynski
I cannot tell you how badly I want to drink the Kool-Aid for this matchup. KU is still riding high while Houston has been anything but convincing through two games, both of which went to multiple overtimes. I expect a lot of points and a close contest, but I think the Cougars’ talent level will be just a little too much for the Jayhawks.
Houston 38, Kansas 31
Derek Noll
Unlike Brendan, I’m chugging the Kool-Aid. I don’t care. When was the last time I could get this excited about this football team? 2009? Jalon Daniels and the offense has been awesome and the team has some real confidence. I’m gonna go all in and say that KU wins, but it’s close.
Kansas 50, Houston 49 (OT).
Lucas Murphy
The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off of a huge victory in Morgantown. Team morale and fan morale are at an all-time high as the Jayhawks head on the road to Houston to take on the Cougars. This is a very winnable game for Kansas and if they stick to the game plan I see them winning. Jalon Daniels has been playing tremendously at quarterback and the running backs have been able to cohesively work as a unit. The defense will need to tighten up on the chunk plays allowed and limit the mistakes. Key penalties could have an impact on this game. I anticipate head coach Lance Leipold will have this team ready to go. Right now the spread is +8.5 for Kansas and their money line is +260. I am taking both.
Kansas 35, Houston 28
Andy Mitts
Coming into the year, this was the nonconference game that looked like it would be the most difficult one for Kansas to win. Houston was considered one of the favorites in the AAC and many thought they might have a chance to be this year's Cincinnati. Now, that dream is dead and Houston is just looking for consistent play before they get to conference play.
The Kansas offense has been much better than expected, and there have been some promising signs from the defense, but the thing that gives me the most hope is that Houston has beaten themselves multiple times this year. They WILL make mistakes on the offense that the defense will have a chance to take advantage of.
The depth and variety of options for the Jayhawks will make them difficult for Houston to handle, especially given the Cougars tendency to struggle with mobile quarterbacks. Kansas will score often and early, and they end up taking this one home.
Kansas 45, Houston 42
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