Kansas vs. UNLV Prediction: Can Jayden Maiava, Rebels Shine at Guaranteed Rate Bowl?
To end Tuesday's Bowl Game slate, the Kansas Jayhawks take on the UNLV Rebels. Can Jayden Maiava and the Rebels shine tonight? Krabs shares his favorite plays for the game.
Krabs - December 26, 2023, 2:28 PM EST
5 minKansas vs. UNLV Prediction: Can Jayden Maiava, Rebels Shine at Guaranteed Rate Bowl?
The Guaranteed Rate Bowl between Kansas and UNLV is panning out to be one of the best Bowl Games of the season. Both of these offenses are extremely explosive, and with the majority of the starters slated to play, there should be plenty of points with the total up to 67.5. Here is my favorite play in the best game of the night.
Kansas vs. UNLV Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: December 26, 2023
- Game Time: 9:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN, ESPN+
Kansas vs. UNLV Prediction
The Rebels are down to +10.5 on the spread, which I still think is too many points. UNLV might have lost their last two games entering tonight’s contest, but their freshman QB Jayden Maiava should still be highly-motivated to build on a great first season.
UNLV finished in the top-50 in yards per game this season; they can keep up with Kansas who sits in the top-30 and is coming off a 49-point performance against Cincinnati. It will be Jason Bean under center once again for the Jayhawks. He is much less dynamic than Jalon Daniels, but Bean has been extremely consistent in his senior season.
This struggling UNLV rush defense gave up an average of 292 yards per game on the ground over their last three contests. Kansas ranks in the top-10 in rushing yards per game this season. I’m not saying the Jayhawks won’t get theirs on the ground today; they certainly will.
I like the over in this game, and with the total up to 67.5, that is definitely the sharp play here. Both of these offenses have great matchups, and we’ve seen poor defenses struggle with tackling even more in Bowl games so far this season after a few weeks off.
Jayden Maiava is coming off one of the worst games of his career, but this kid isn’t the highest-ranked recruit in UNLV football history for no reason. He had offers to play in the SEC, but turned them down to stay local and play for his hometown Rebels.
I’m willing to bet Maiava bounces back in a big way against a pass defense that’s gotten exposed against any decent QB this season. Maiava might not lead the Rebels to an outright win, but he will surely keep this game within ten points. Bet UNLV on the spread; they have all the weapons to hang with this solid Kansas rushing attack.
Kansas vs. UNLV Picks
- UNLV +10.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
- KU/UNLV o67.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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