University of Kansas

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Utah Utes: Prediction + football game betting odds for Friday

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

Read our AI Policy.


  • Kansas must beat No. 14 Utah at home Friday to secure bowl eligibility.
  • Utah’s run-heavy attack averages 279.6 rush yards and pressures KU defense.
  • Prediction: Utah wins 42-28; pick covers Utah (-11.5) and KU season likely ends.

The Kansas Jayhawks football team has one last chance to clinch bowl eligibility on Friday.

Kansas will end the regular season at home against No. 14-ranked Utah.

Friday’s game will also be senior day for the Jayhawks, who need to beat the Utes (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) to earn a bowl berth. Kansas (5-6, 3-5 Big 12) also looks to end a two-game losing streak.

Here’s more to know about this week’s Jayhawks football game:

KU football vs. Utah: game details

Kickoff: 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28

Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (Lawrence, Kansas)

TV: ESPN

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City

Betting line: Utah is an 11.5-point favorite.

Kansas-Utah game prediction

It’s hard see the Jayhawks winning this game.

Utah has plenty to play for. The Utes are a college football playoff contender and almost lost to K-State last weekend, so there’s no doubt they will come out sharp.

On top of that, Utah is just a much better team all-around. The Utes’ offense will pose massive problems for a KU defense that has struggled all season.

Utah ranks No. 6 out of 136 teams in points scored per game (42). The biggest issue for KU is that the Jayhawks rank No. 14 in the Big 12 in opponent rushing yards per game. That is arguably the biggest strength for the Utes’ offense: They average 279.6 rushing yards and 3.4 rushing touchdowns per game.

It’s unlikely that Kansas will be slowing down this offense much. And that will put pressure on Jalon Daniels and KU’s offense. It will be difficult for Kansas to score against a stout Utah defense.

The Utes rank No. 17 in points allowed per game (18.5) and I don’t think Kansas will score enough to keep up.

Unfortunately, for KU fans, I believe the Jayhawks’ season ends Friday.

Prediction: Utah 42, Kansas 28

Shreyas’ pick to cover: Utah (-11.5)

Season record: 8-3

Season record (ATS): 5-6.

Related Stories from Kansas City Star
Shreyas Laddha
The Kansas City Star
Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.
Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Kansas City area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER