Spread Predictions for West Virginia's Big 12 Opener vs. Kansas

West Virginia enters this week's game as huge underdogs.

West Virginia University safety Fred Perry | Christopher Hall – West Virginia on SI

The West Virginia Mountaineers will open up Big 12 Conference play this week on the road, taking on the Kansas Jayhawks.

Below are my predictions for the spread and over/under for this week's game, with odds listed from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Spread: Kansas -13.5

Sep 6, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) warms up during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Prediction: West Virginia covers

For the life of me, I can't understand this number. It feels way too inflated, which probably means I'm flat out wrong. Anytime I feel like Vegas is way off, I'm usually the one who is proved wrong. But still, looking at this matchup, I like West Virginia's chances to not only cover the game but potentially win the dang thing.

I'm sure the fact that West Virginia is coming off the emotional high of beating Pitt in a very physical game that went into overtime, coupled with Kansas coming off a bye week, has something to do with it, but nearly two touchdowns? I'm scratching my head hard at this one. I expected this line to be at 6.5 or 7, not double that.

Total: 55.5

Sep 13, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers defensive coordinator Zac Alley reacts during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Prediction: Under

Kansas scored 77 points combined in its first two games of the season against Fresno State and Wagner, but that doesn't mean much of anything. Two weeks ago, they lost 42-31 to Missouri, with seven of those points coming off a scoop and score. The Jayhawks scored 21 points in the first quarter (scoop and score was a part of that) and then were limited to just ten points over the final three quarters. KU was also held to just 1.6 yards per carry, which doesn't bode well against this salty West Virginia run D.

For the Mountaineers' offense, sure, they were clicking at the end of the game and overtime, but it took them roughly 50 minutes of game time to get going. They have yet to prove that's what they can be throughout the course of a game. Progress was made, but can that carry over? That's a big question mark.

Note: Our predictions are not to be taken as gambling advice. These predictions are simply to give an opinion on what we think will happen in this week's game.

Odds Disclaimer

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI

Rich Rod and Pat McAfee Joke Pitt’s Medical Staff Might Be Hiding Healing Secrets

Quick Hits: What Rich Rod Learned, O-Line Growing Pains, Injuries, Ground Game + More

Lance Leipold Discusses Rich Rodriguez's Culture and the High Tempo Offense

Rich Rod Provides Injury Update, Believes One Player is a 'Long Shot' to Play vs. Kansas

Between The Eers: A Night West Virginia Needed