Oklahoma vs. Kansas football game preview, prediction

What to watch for as Oklahoma and Kansas meet in this Week 9 college football game

Despite being undefeated through seven games and ranked at No. 6 in the latest rankings, Big 12 conference favorite Oklahoma played a close one last week, proving that the path to Arlington is still filled with potential obstacles, including the one it faces this weekend on the road against league rival Kansas in college football's Week 9 action on Saturday.

• OU remains the Big 12 title favorite at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference
• But the Sooners played UCF close in a 2-point decision last week
• Kansas started 4-0 but has lost 2 of the last 3
• Jayhawks sit at 6th in Big 12 standings

Oklahoma vs. Kansas preview, prediction

Oklahoma vs. Kansas game prediction / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Oct. 28
Time: 11 a.m. Central
TV: Fox network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Oklahoma vs. Kansas game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Oklahoma -9.5
Total: 64.5 points
Moneyline: OU -350 | KU +250
FPI pick: Oklahoma 87.4% to win

What to watch for

1. Quarterback question. Kansas is still missing starter Jalon Daniels, who has missed several games with a back injury. He helped the Jayhawks to their 4-0 start but his absence has cut into the offensive production, going 1-2 in Big 12 play since the changeover to Jason Bean. Though not as athletic as Daniels, the KU offense has fared well enough under Bean's direction: it averages 32.3 points per game the last 3 times out and he helped score 42 points at OU a year ago. This season, he's hitting 65% of his throws for 9 TD passes and 2 interceptions.

2. Who can run the ball? Kansas averages 212 rushing yards per game this season and is posting around 5.6 yards per carry, as well. Oklahoma surrenders just under 119 yards on average and 4.1 ypc on the ground but the Sooners' own rushing attack is touch and go, but lead rusher Tawee Walker should find room against a Kansas run stop that ranks 12th in the conference by allowing 161 yards per game.

3. Battle at the line. Oklahoma's defensive improvements begin at the line of scrimmage, but it has a credible foe in Kansas' front protection, a well-disciplined and experienced unit up front. The Sooners have been aggressive on the first step and getting to the ball at the line, and rank No. 1 nationally with 9.3 tackles for loss per game. OU's tacklers need to slow down the Jayhawks' competent rushing attack, close down the interior running lanes, and limit yards after contact.

Oklahoma vs. Kansas prediction

Kansas needs tailback Devin Neal to get going early. The good news is, he can. Neal is 4th among Power Five backs with 7.3 yards per carry on average, and he's key to Kansas being 2nd in the Big 12 and 6th nationally with 7.2 yards per play.

The Jayhawks have the potential to keep the game close in the first half, but the Sooners' depth on both sides of the ball will carry the day, as will Oklahoma's variety at the skill positions, especially if it can get the running game going.

College Football HQ picks...

• Oklahoma wins 37-23
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

Related: Oklahoma vs. Kansas score prediction

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