WVU vs. Kansas: A Nail-Biter Predicted!

The West Virginia Mountaineers are scheduled to play the Kansas Jayhawks this afternoon, aiming for their sixth win of the season. Kickoff has been advanced to 3:30 p.m. ET, a change necessitated by FAA ground stops affecting other Big 12 Conference games. Despite the altered timing, a portion of the game is still expected to occur under the lights.

According to Bill Connelly's SP+ model, West Virginia has a strong chance to win, with the prediction favoring them 31-30. This close score reflects the competitive nature of Big 12 play, where teams often experience one-score outcomes. Mountaineers' head coach Rich Rodriguez noted that Kansas's record could easily be different.

A victory would move West Virginia to 6-4 on the season, preventing them from looking ahead to upcoming games against ranked opponents. Analysts anticipate a high-scoring game with a close finish, where crucial defensive stops in the fourth quarter will likely determine the winner. Many believe the score could exceed the projected low 30s for both teams, given the current performance of the WVU offense and defense.

This win would put the Mountaineers on track for a two-win improvement from the previous season, even before a potential bowl game appearance. While the season may not have met all expectations, finishing strong could build momentum for future seasons, especially if key players are retained.