Kansas Jayhawks football vs. TCU Horned Frogs: Prediction, kickoff time, TV

The details

Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Booth Memorial Stadium, Lawrence

TV: FS1

Radio: WHB (810 AM) in Kansas City, KFH (1240 AM) in Wichita

The line: TCU by 13 1/2

Prediction

The more I look into the numbers, the more I like Kansas’ chances in this one.

TCU will be forced to start backup quarterback Michael Collins because of injury, and KU’s defense has previously been dominant this season against Central Michigan and Rutgers when facing subpar QBs.

There’s more: Bill Connelly’s advanced numbers have TCU ranked 130th (out of 130 FBS teams) in expected turnover margin. That weakness matches up directly with KU’s greatest strength, as the Jayhawks continue to lead the nation in takeaways per game.

Even though I have concerns about KU’s offense — especially in just the second week with new play-caller David Beaty — there’s good news here for the Jayhawks too. TCU has been much better at stopping the pass than the run, so no matter who KU’s quarterback is Saturday, there should be an opportunity for long gains and potentially touchdowns if the Jayhawks stick to a steady dose of Pooka Williams, Khalil Herbert and Dom Williams.

Will all those factors be enough to help the Jayhawks pull off an upset as a two-touchdown underdog? The odds still say no.

Don’t be surprised, though, if this one is close to the end.

TCU 23, KU 20

Jesse Newell

Jesse Newell covers University of Kansas athletics for The Star.