Kansas has not been a consistent threat in the Big 12 for quite some time.
As a matter of fact, they’re typically steamrolled in conference play, having not posted a winning record in over a decade. Kansas will return both quarterbacks that combined for 13 games last season — Jason Bean and Jalon Daniels. Sophomore Devin Neal, who led the team rushing as a freshman, will also be back.
This will be an experienced Jayhawks squad welcoming Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles are members of the Ohio Valley Conference and are coached by Dewayne Alexander. A 6-6 season in 2019 was the only time Alexander has had a .500 record as the leader of Tennessee Tech, having been with the program since 2018.
Kickoff from Memorial Stadium is set for 8 p.m. ET, Sept. 2.
Tennessee Tech vs. Kansas Week 1 Picks
Tennessee Tech Will Struggle in the Trenches
The problem with many smaller schools taking on the bulk of Division I programs is the size factor. The Golden Eagles do not have a single 300-pound player on their defensive line, while the majority of Kansas’ offensive linemen come in at that mark easily.
The Kansas offensive line also has multiple seniors and several players over 6-foot-4. Getting pressure on the two experienced Kansas quarterbacks, if both see the field, will be an issue. Similarly, this battle goes both ways with Kansas projecting to steamroll the Golden Eagles offensive line.
Kansas will have two senior linemen, Caleb Sampson and Eddie Wilson, both over 305 pounds while Tennessee Tech won’t have a single upperclassman over that size. It should be an unfair advantage for the Jayhawks in the middle, not even taking into account a reasonable upgrade at skill players as well.
The Jayhawks were a run-heavy team last season, throwing for under 200 yards per game while averaging 141.8 yards rushing per game. The Golden Eagles defense allowed over 140 yards rushing a season ago and doesn’t have much size on their defensive line.
Kansas Has the Experience to Dominate
Typically when upsets occur, or even when these potential blowout games come close, it’s with inexperienced quarterbacks. That’s not what Kansas has, but there could be some discontinuity in the receiving corps, as Trevor Wilson, who was slated to be the leading receiver this season, has been suspended indefinitely after an arrest.
Daniels will draw the start at quarterback, and he threw for seven touchdowns and three interceptions last season. He should be able to build off that.
The Golden Eagles allowed a whopping 31.8 points per game. Tennessee Tech also doesn’t have much experience against Power 5 teams, having lost last season to Tennessee 56-0 and to Austin Peay 48-20.
Tennessee Tech vs. Kansas Pick
This Kansas roster isn’t necessarily going to wow fans in conference play, but despite the loss of Wilson, they still should be able to take to the ground and run on an undersized Tennessee Tech frontline. The Jayhawks will have experience on their offensive line and a key sophomore in the backfield.
Tennessee Tech is in disarray, not adding much talent for this upcoming season. If they get ran over in the middle, it could be a long game for them, which then may turn into another long season.
Best NCAAF Bet: Kansas -27.5 (-129) at BetRivers | Playable to -29.5 (-110)
