Conference Upheaval
Teams on opposite ends of the Big 12 standings meet when Kansas heads to Oklahoma in Week 7.
In what will look like a reverse from years past, Kansas will be ranked and near the top of the conference standings while Oklahoma sits at the bottom of the Big 12, unranked and winless in league play.
The Jayhawks had a red-hot start to their season under second-year head coach Lance Leipold. Kansas won its first five games, the Jayhawks’ first 5-0 start since 2009. However, it came to an end last weekend when they fell 38-31 to undefeated TCU.
The Jayhawks are now 5-1, including 2-1 in the Big 12, putting them fourth in the conference and giving them a No. 19 ranking in the AP Top 25 Poll.
The Sooners haven’t had as smooth a start to their season under new head coach Brent Venables. While Oklahoma began its non-conference slate 3-0, the Sooners have since gone 0-3 in conference play, tying them for last. Usually on top of the Big 12 and competing for a spot in the conference championship game, Oklahoma now has its longest losing streak since 1998 and worst record through six games since 2009.
Though it had a strong start to the season, Kansas still has the sixth-best chance to win the Big 12 with +2800 odds while Oklahoma has the seventh-best odds (+15000).
Let’s check the latest college football odds, stats, injury reports, and college football lines for Kansas vs Oklahoma. We’ve plenty of NCAA football odds for you to consider.
Kansas: Powerful Passing
One of the main reasons for Kansas’ elite play this season has been quarterback Jalon Daniels and its passing game.
The Jayhawks’ 440 yards a game ranks sixth in the conference and their 39.8 points a game is third.
A good portion of Kansas’ yards comes from its pass game, averaging 226.3 yards.
Daniels has been imperative to the Jayhawks’ success as he has thrown for 1,072 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception. A dual threat, Daniels also found success on the ground, rushing for 335 yards and five touchdowns.
However, in Kansas’ last game against TCU, Daniels suffered a shoulder injury, pushing backup Jason Bean into the spotlight.
Bean, who was Kansas’ starter for most of 2021, finished the TCU game 16 of 24 for 262 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.
With Daniels doubtful to play against Oklahoma, Bean will have to be ready to lead the Jayhawks against a struggling Sooners defense.
Oklahoma: Dire Defense
Although Oklahoma went undefeated in its non-conference slate, it has failed to pick up a win since.
One of the major reasons the Sooners have been unable to get a win in conference play has been their defense.
Prior to getting blanked by Texas 49-0 in the Red River Showdown, the Sooners scored 34 and 24 points in their two first conference games.
While Oklahoma held opponents to an average of 10 points a game in its non-conference wins, Big 12 foes are averaging 48.3 points against the Sooners.
The Sooners have struggled to slow opponents, allowing them to average 450 yards a game, last in the Big 12.
Oklahoma has also had trouble stopping mobile quarterbacks. Kansas State’s Adrian Martinez threw for 234 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 148 yards and four touchdowns. TCU’s Max Duggan threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 116 yards and two scores.
Bean threw for 246 yards and one touchdown against the Sooners last season. His speed also gives him the ability to find success. He rushed for 59 yards on 14 carries in 2021.
Kansas vs Oklahoma Game Injuries
Kansas vs Oklahoma Head-to-Head
Kansas and Oklahoma have met 112 times previously, with Oklahoma leading the series 79-27-6. The Sooners won the last matchup, defeating the Jayhawks 35-23 in October 2021 at Kansas.
Kansas will be looking for its first win over Oklahoma on the road since 1996, when the Jayhawks defeated the Sooners 52-24 in Norman.
Kansas vs Oklahoma Game Information
- Game: Kansas vs Oklahoma
- Location: Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 15, Noon ET
- Kansas vs Oklahoma Live Stream: ESPN
Kansas vs Oklahoma Betting Lines
Kansas vs Oklahoma Prediction
Although the game is at Oklahoma on Saturday, Kansas has been rolling despite its loss last week.
The Sooners failed to put up any points against the Longhorns a week ago and their defense has struggled to slow down mobile quarterbacks.
Though Daniels is doubtful, Bean has shown he can step in when needed. Oklahoma is favored to win, but Kansas should bounce back on the road.