Kansas Jayhawks vs. Nevada: 5 things to know for Saturday’s game against the Wolf Pack
The Kansas Jayhawks football team earned an impressive week two victory over Illinois Friday.
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels returned from a back injury that kept him out of KU’s season-opening victory over Missouri State and he didn’t disappoint.
Daniels led the Jayhawks to a 34-23 victory over the Illini. He had 301 total yards with two touchdowns, one interception and a quarterback rating of 168.5.
“We picked up right where we left off,” Daniels said. “As an offense, we put a big emphasis on not making mental mistakes, and I feel like today we went out there and executed our jobs.”
The Jayhawks will play a reeling Nevada team Saturday. The Wolf Pack (0-2) are coming off a 33-6 loss to FCS Idaho.
Most experts projected Nevada to finish near the bottom of the Mountain West Conference — a billing that seems appropriate, given the Wolf Pack’s play in the season’s first two weeks.
The Details
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16
Where: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
TV: CBSSN
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City plus Sirius (106/199), SXM App (953)
Early betting line: Kansas is a 28-point favorite
Five Things to Know
1. Nevada’s offense is struggling. Last season the Wolf Pack averaged 18.8 points per game. So far, the offense looks worse this year. After putting up 14 points against USC, Nevada scored just six against Idaho. The Wolf Pack offensive line has struggled to create running lanes for Nevada’s running backs, while QBs Brandon Lewis and AJ Blanco have combined for just one touchdown this season.
2. There’s a reason why the Jayhawks are favored by 28 points. Nevada is not a good football team. Last season, the Wolf Pack (2-10, 0-8 Mountain West) finished last in their conference. Last week, Idaho — an FCS team — was favored. Nevada might be the least-threatening opponent on KU’s 2023 schedule.
3. Running back Sean Dollars is a bright spot for the Wolf Pack offense. Dollars has averaged 4.5 yards on 18 carries for 81 yards this season. Last season, Dollars didn’t see much of an opportunity and finished fourth on the team in rushing yards. Now he’s the team leader in rushing attempts.
4. Nevada’s defense is one of the worst in the nation. The Wolf Pack defense has allowed an average of 49.5 points and 565.5 yards per game. They surrender an average of 10 yards per play to opposing offenses. KU’s offense should thrive against a Nevada team that has struggled to contain both the passing and running game this season.
5. The Wolf Pack will likely play two QBs in this game, especially if it gets out of hand. Lewis, a Colorado transfer, is Nevada’s starter, but he’s struggled to orchestrate the offense. He has thrown for 286 total yards, one touchdown and no interceptions for a QB rating of 98.2. Blanco has looked a bit better. He’s thrown for 173 yards (on 19 attempts), one touchdown and one interception for a QB rating of 146.5.
