The 6th-ranked BYU Cougars (9-0, 6-0 Big 12) welcome the Kansas Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4 Big 12) as 2.5-point favorites in a crucial Big 12 matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

BYU narrowly escaped Utah last week, rallying from a 21-0 halftime deficit to win 22-21 on Will Ferrin's 44-yard field goal. The victory kept their College Football Playoff hopes alive, though questions remain after two one-possession wins in three weeks.

Kansas enters with momentum after upsetting #17 Iowa State, powered by their potent rushing attack that ranks 2nd in the Big 12 (214.4 yards/game). Running back Devin Neal continues his impressive season with his sixth 100+ yard game, recording 116 yards and two touchdowns against the Cyclones.

Key Matchup Factors:

• BYU's defense ranks among the nation's best but struggles against the run (9th in Big 12, allowing 147 yards/game)
• Kansas offense ranks Top 7 in Big 12 scoring but remains winless on the road
• BYU averages 33.7 points per game but showed offensive concerns in last week's low-scoring affair
• Jayhawks' defense ranks outside Top 10 in both run and pass defense, allowing 26 points per game

While Kansas has the offensive firepower to challenge BYU, the Cougars' home field advantage (5-0 this season) and strong ATS record (7-2-0) suggest they should cover the spread in a close contest.

Prediction: BYU -2.5 (-115)

The Cougars' defense should make enough stops while their offense bounces back against a vulnerable Kansas defense to remain undefeated.

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