The Kansas Jayhawks, holding a 3-6 record, are set to meet the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV. This Week 11 game of the 2026 regular season is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESNU. The Jayhawks are looking to improve their 0-4 road record against a formidable conference opponent.
Meanwhile, the West Virginia Mountaineers enter this game with a 5-4 overall record, boasting a solid 4-2 performance at home. The Mountaineers have shown mixed results in recent games, with a 2-3 record in their last five matchups. They will aim to leverage their home-field advantage in an attempt to strengthen their standing within the Big 12 Conference.
The odds currently list Kansas as the underdog with a moneyline of +121, while West Virginia holds a favored moneyline of -145. The spread is set at +3 for Kansas and -3 for West Virginia, with the total points over/under at 67.5. Both teams are eager to secure a win, making this a pivotal contest in their respective seasons.
West Virginia vs Kansas At a Glance (Week 11)
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 5:30 PM
- Location: Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV
- TV Broadcast: ESNU
- Kansas Jayhawks Record: 3-6 overall, 0-4 on the road
- West Virginia Mountaineers Record: 5-4 overall, 4-2 at home
- Betting Odds: West Virginia favored with a -145 moneyline; spread at -3 (-106)
Mountaineers on the Rise: West Virginia's 2026 Campaign
Offensive Surge
The West Virginia Mountaineers have been a force offensively this season, currently ranked 16th in the nation with 335 points scored. Their rushing attack stands out, accumulating 2,390 yards, earning them the 6th spot nationally. This ground game success is a significant improvement from last season, when they ranked 67th with 1,966 rushing yards.
Quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. has been pivotal, leading with 1,901 passing yards and 12 touchdowns over nine games. His efficiency and decision-making have minimized interceptions, with only two this season. This improvement has contributed to the Mountaineers' jump in offensive productivity compared to last year.
Defensive Dynamics
Defensively, the Mountaineers have room for improvement, allowing 311 points this season, placing them 145th nationally. However, their defensive front has excelled with 20 sacks, ranked 17th in the country. The secondary has also shown strength with five interceptions and five fumbles recovered, both top-10 rankings.
These defensive stats demonstrate the Mountaineers' ability to create turnovers and pressure opponents, even if they have struggled to contain scoring. The focus moving forward will be on tightening up coverage and reducing points allowed.
Key Players to Watch
Running back Cam Cook has been an offensive standout, rushing for 1,072 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability. Wide receiver DJ Epps complements the ground game with 564 receiving yards and five touchdowns, leading the team's aerial attack.
On defense, the Mountaineers will rely on their pass rushers and secondary to disrupt the Kansas Jayhawks. Maintaining pressure and capitalizing on turnover opportunities will be key strategies in their upcoming home game.
Recent Performance
In their recent games, the Mountaineers have had mixed results with a 2-3 record. They demonstrated resilience in a narrow 24-20 victory over TCU but fell short in a high-scoring 53-48 defeat against Texas Tech. These results highlight their offensive capabilities and the need for defensive adjustments.
The team aims to leverage its strengths and address vulnerabilities as they prepare to face Kansas at home. Consistency and execution will be crucial to secure a win and improve their season record.
Injury Concerns
The Mountaineers face some injury concerns with key players like Andre Devine and Jacob Bradford listed as questionable. Their availability could impact the team's depth and performance, especially in critical positions. Monitoring the injury report will be essential as game day approaches.
West Virginia Top Betting Trends
- O/U - Home Games: Last 6 Games (2026) → 6-0 (100.0%)
- O/U - After Loss: Last 21 Games (2023–2026) → 16-4-1 (76.2%)
- O/U - All Games: Last 9 Games (2026) → 8-1 (88.9%)
- O/U - Totals ≥ 50: Last 9 Games (2026) → 8-1 (88.9%)
- O/U - As Favorite: Last 4 Games (2026) → 4-0 (100.0%)
Analyzing the Kansas Jayhawks: A Clash in the Heartland
Offensive Overview
The Kansas Jayhawks have displayed a mixed offensive performance this season. With 2,162 passing yards and a rank of 52nd, their aerial attack remains a vital part of their strategy. However, they shine in the rushing department, ranking 25th with 1,822 yards on the ground.
First downs have been frequent for Kansas, with 205 achieved, putting them 22nd in the nation. These numbers highlight a balanced offensive approach that can keep defenses guessing.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Kansas has allowed 223 points, ranking them 100th. Their pass rush has been effective, tallying 17 sacks and placing them 20th nationally in this category.
Interceptions have been a strong point for Kansas, with three recorded, earning them a 4th place ranking. Additionally, they have recovered seven fumbles, showcasing their opportunistic nature on defense.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Isaiah Marshall is a standout for the Jayhawks, with 1,716 passing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. His ability to command the offense is crucial to Kansas's success.
Running back Dylan Edwards has rushed for 596 yards, leading the team's ground game. His performance will be vital in maintaining their rushing attack against opponents.
Recent Performances
In their recent game against UCF, Kansas fell short by a single point, losing 33-32. Despite the loss, they showed resilience by accumulating 194 rushing yards and 210 passing yards.
Their lone victory in the last five games came against Baylor, where they edged out a 25-24 win. This victory underscored their potential to close out tight contests.
Betting Trends
- SU - As Favorite: 19-9 in the last 28 games (67.9%)
- O/U - After Loss: 20-10 in the last 30 games (66.7%)
- O/U - As Favorite: 5-1 in the last 6 games (83.3%)
- O/U - Home Games: 7-2 in the last 9 games (77.8%)
- SU - Home Games: 19-11 in the last 30 games (63.3%)
- O/U - Away Games: 17-12-1 in the last 30 games (56.7%)
- O/U - After Win: 5-2 in the last 7 games (71.4%)
- O/U - As Underdog: 17-13 in the last 30 games (56.7%)
- O/U - All Games: 6-3 in the last 9 games (66.7%)
- SU - After Loss: 9-6 in the last 15 games (60.0%)
West Virginia vs Kansas Week 11 Prediction: Over 67.5
The West Virginia Mountaineers are having a high-scoring season with an impressive offensive output, currently ranked 16th in points for and 6th in rushing yards. They have consistently gone over the total in their last nine games, with an 8-1 record in those scenarios, which indicates their games often result in high scores. Additionally, West Virginia has gone over in all of their last six home games, suggesting a favorable environment for scoring.
Meanwhile, the Kansas Jayhawks have struggled on the road with a winless record, but they have still managed to put up points, ranking 44th in points for. Their defense, however, ranks poorly, sitting at 100th in points against, which could allow West Virginia's potent offense to capitalize. The Jayhawks have also experienced high-scoring games this season, going 6-3 over the total in their last nine games.
The history of head-to-head matchups between these teams shows a tendency towards high-scoring affairs, with recent games often surpassing the 55-point mark. With West Virginia's strong offensive trends and Kansas' defensive vulnerabilities, this game is poised to see a significant amount of scoring on both sides.
Given these factors, the prediction leans towards a high-scoring game that goes over the set total of 67.5 points. Expect West Virginia to leverage their offensive strengths, with Kansas contributing enough to push the combined score above the line.
- West Virginia vs Kansas Prediction: Over 67.5
- West Virginia vs Kansas Score: West Virginia 45 - Kansas 28
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