The details
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Lawrence
TV: Fox
Radio: WHB (810 AM) in Kansas City, KFH (1240 AM) in Wichita
The line: Oklahoma by 34 1/2
Prediction
KU completely bombed its Fox primetime TV closeup last year, a 43-0 loss to TCU where it mustered only 21 yards of offense.
The bad news for the Jayhawks is that they’ve got a similarly difficult task Saturday while trying to compete against a talented Oklahoma team.
Oklahoma, by most advanced measures, has the No. 1 offense in the nation. And though KU’s defense should still be considered the strength of the team, it has not been as sound in recent weeks while failing to create the turnovers it did in earlier games.
That means, to cover the spread, KU will likely need to produce offensively. Oklahoma’s pass defense in particular has been a weakness, and KU quarterback Peyton Bender has been better in stretches the past few games even if it hasn’t always resulted in points at the end of drives.
Recent history, though, isn’t kind here. During coach David Beaty’s three seasons, KU has lost its annual matchup against Oklahoma by an average score of 53-4. In those three games, the Jayhawks have scored 7, 3 and 3 points.
Oklahoma would appear to have incentive to make this a big margin too. Not only are the Sooners on the outside looking in when it comes to the all-important CFP rankings, but they still also might not be happy about some of KU’s antics in last year’s game.
Five touchdowns is a big number to cover, but I see Oklahoma being able to do it.
Oklahoma 58, Kansas 10
Jesse Newell
Jesse Newell covers University of Kansas athletics for The Star.
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