The UNLV Rebels and Kansas Jayhawks are set to face off on September 13, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting college football clash at Children’s Mercy Park. Both teams have had contrasting starts to their 2024 campaigns, making this matchup intriguing for fans and bettors alike. The Kansas Jayhawks, led by head coach Lance Leipold, come into the game at 1-1 after a disappointing 23-17 loss to Illinois in their last outing. Kansas struggled offensively in the second half, particularly with turnovers, as quarterback Jalon Daniels threw three interceptions. Despite a strong start to the game and a lead going into the fourth quarter, the Jayhawks could not hold off the late surge by Illinois, which could raise concerns about their consistency and composure in close games.

Meanwhile, UNLV, under the guidance of head coach Barry Odom, has had a fantastic start to the season, boasting a 2-0 record with wins over Houston and Utah Tech. The Rebels’ offense has been prolific, scoring 72 points in their most recent game against Utah Tech. Quarterback Matthew Sluka has been a revelation, throwing for 161 yards and three touchdowns in that game. The Rebels have demonstrated a balanced offensive attack with Greg Burrell adding 101 rushing yards, making them a formidable challenge for Kansas’ defense, which has shown vulnerabilities, especially against the pass. For Kansas, the key to victory will lie in limiting turnovers and establishing a more balanced offensive attack. The Jayhawks’ defense must also find ways to slow down the fast-paced offense of UNLV. On the other hand, UNLV will need to prove they can perform against tougher Power Five competition, maintaining their aggressive offensive style while tightening up defensively against a more competitive Kansas team.