Kansas/South Florida Predictions, Odds, Lines & Spread

September 11, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The Kansas Jayhawks, led by QB Todd Reesing, have breezed through their first two games against weaker opponents. A 40-10 home win over Florida International was followed up by a 29-0 shutout victory over Louisiana Tech. But their third game of the season promises to offer a much stiffer challenge. The Jayhawks travel to No. 19 South Florida to take on head coach Jim Leavitt and his Bulls. If you want need handicapping advice on this game and you’re unsure of which team is going to cover the spread, than you have clearly come to the right place. Larry Cook releases his 10* NCAA Top-25 GAME OF THE WEEK for just $19.95! Upon purchase you will receive Larry’s Kansas/South Florida predictions along with detailed analysis so you’re not betting this one blind!

Kansas is looking to repeat its strong 2007 campaign in which the Jayhawks snatched their first BCS bowl bid and defeated Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Reesing led a Jayhawks’ offense that scored nearly 35 points/game last season. He still has the luxury of throwing the ball to Dezmon Briscoe this year. Reesing has thrown for 668 yards and six touchdowns already this season in just two games. One of those TD passes was a 48-yard heave to Briscoe last week, who broke free of defenders after running a quick slant pattern. Briscoe also caught three touchdowns in their opener and now has 16 receptions for 201 yards in 2008.

Reesing has plenty of options other than Briscoe to throw the ball to. He’s completed passes to 11 different receivers this season. Freshman Daymond Patterson has stepped on the scene to catch 11 balls for 152 yards and two touchdowns this season. Converted quarterback Kerry Meier has a team-high 18 catches at one wideout spot. The Jayhawks weren’t tested early last season as they reeled off 11 consecutive win. But they’ll be tested by a South Florida team Friday that should contend for a Big East title in 2008. Bet Kansas +3.5 at BetUs Sportsbook right here, right now!

These teams have met recently, with Kansas beating South Florida in Lawrence 13-7 on September 23, 2006. QB Matt Grothe struggled in that game for South Florida, completing just 17-of-32 passes for 196 yards while getting intercepted twice. Grothe was a redshirt freshman in 2006, and he may give Kansas a much bigger struggle as a junior Friday. He threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns last week in a 31-24 overtime win at Central Florida. Grothe rushed for a team-high 54 yards to show his versatility. He has a reliable tight end in senior Cedric Hill, who had a pair of TD grabs last week to help the Bulls win. Throw a wager down on South Florida -3 at Sportsbook.com where you’ll find your best odds.

Both teams come off a short week of practice heading into this contest. Bulls’ head coach Jim Leavitt doesn’t see it as a problem. He claims that with his players not having to go full pads in practice this week, it shouldn’t be a problem to make a quick transition and be prepared for the Jayhawks to come to town. South Florida seems to have a knack for winning the big games. The Bulls upset then-No. 17 Auburn and then-No. 5 West Virginia last year, and South Florida will be seeking its fourth consecutive victory over a ranked opponent when Kansas shows up at their door step Friday.

Related Articles You May Be Interested In: