Kansas-Rice
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Spread: RICE -7
Total: 59

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Kansas began their season with a 31-14 win over South Dakota and that already constitutes as many wins as last season’s one victory campaign. Jake Heaps is 10-of-20 on the season for 110 yards, and four backs rushed for 40 or more yards, paced by James Sims 94 yards on 16 carries.

Tony Pierson has a lot of potential, as he rushed for 760 yards last season. Between Sims and Pierson the Jayhawks have the backs to control the game and the clock, but will they utilize that approach against Rice?

College football oddsmakers set a high total at 59, a product of both teams’ offensive proficiency. RIce lost 52-31 to Johnny Manziel and Texas A & M, but the Owls did put up 31 points on A&M. The Owls offense relied heavily on the rush, amassing 306 yards (12th highest average in the nation).

Rice’s QB Taylor McHargue is 18-of-29 (62.1%) for 180 yards and has rushed for an additional 78 yards. Featured back Charles Ross has been efficient (19 carries for 107) yards, and Jordan Taylor has again been a top receiver (7 receptions, 68 yards). McHargue has spread his passes mainly amongst the trio of Taylor, Connor Cella (4) and Donte Moore (4).

Rice’s versatile offense will pose a lot of problems for the Jayhawks “D” which allowed 46 TDs last season. The Jayhawks also have awful special teams, while Rice is pretty solid in most units.

KAN

0-4-1 ATS in last 5 non-conf., 0-5 ATS in last 5 after bye week, UNDER 9-1 in last 10 following ATS loss

RICE

5-0 ATS in last 5 following SU loss of more than 20 pts, UNDER 6-0 in last 6 after allowing 280 yards passing in previous game, 4-0 ATS in last 4 overall

Check out Maddux Sports’ paid pick plans for the 2013 NCAA season!