West Virginia vs. Kansas Odds, Player Props and Matchup Preview

The West Virginia Mountaineers host the Kansas Jayhawks at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium on November 14 at 3:30 PM ET. Oddsmakers list West Virginia as a 3-point home favorite, with the moneyline at -143 and the total set at 67.5 points. Ahead of kickoff, we analyze the featured player, prop angles on the quarterback, receiver and running back leaders, and a special teams rundown.

This Week’s Matchup

Both programs enter following narrow one-score defeats last week. West Virginia fell 53-48 to Texas Tech, while Kansas dropped a 33-32 decision to UCF. Statistically, West Virginia holds the clear offensive edge for this Week 11 matchup. The Mountaineers average 37.2 points and 480.8 total yards per game, compared to 29.2 points and 441.4 yards for the Jayhawks. West Virginia also features a superior 47.4% third-down conversion rate, extending drives to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Kansas counters with a defense yielding an average of 157.8 rushing yards and 186.0 passing yards per contest.

Featured West Virginia Player

Sophomore quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. serves as the primary engine of the West Virginia offense. Through nine games, he has compiled 2,825 total yards and 31 combined touchdowns. Through the air, he has completed passes for 1,901 yards (211.2 per game) and 12 scores. His legs remain his primary weapon, turning 182 carries into 924 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. He faces a Kansas defense ranking 88th nationally against the run (157.8 yards allowed per game) but 28th against the pass (186.0 yards allowed). Given his heavy rushing volume and the Jayhawks’ ground vulnerability, Hawkins’ consensus rushing yards prop of 98.5 (Over -115) presents a logical angle resting slightly below his 102.7 per-game average. His passing yards prop sits at 201.5 (Over -114).

West Virginia Quarterback

With Michael Hawkins Jr. covered above, West Virginia’s quarterback room remains highly centralized. Hawkins has taken 97.2% of the team’s pass attempts this season, leaving limited opportunities for the reserves. Backup Scotty Fox Jr. has completed 2 of 4 passes for 27 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions, while adding 21 rushing yards in relief. Fellow reserve Jyron Hughley threw a 27-yard touchdown on his lone pass attempt. Should they see the field, they face a Kansas pass defense that ranks 28th nationally, allowing 186.0 passing yards per game.

West Virginia Receiving Leaders

DJ Epps leads the West Virginia receiving corps with 23 receptions for 564 yards, averaging 24.5 yards per catch with five touchdowns. As the primary deep threat, his anytime touchdown prop sits at +136, and his receiving yards line is 45.5 (Over -115). Prince Strachan adds 17 catches for 345 yards (20.3 per reception) without a score. His consensus receiving yards prop is also 45.5 (Over -115). Jaden Bray rounds out the leading trio, securing 12 receptions for 174 yards (14.5 yards per catch) and zero touchdowns, with his anytime touchdown prop listed at +305.

West Virginia Rushing Leaders

Cam Cook commands the Mountaineers’ backfield with 209 carries for 1,072 rushing yards, averaging 5.13 yards per attempt with eight touchdowns. He adds 124 receiving yards, handling a heavy workload that aligns well against a Kansas defense yielding 157.8 rushing yards per game. Amari Latimer spells Cook in the rotation, turning 55 carries into 214 rushing yards (3.89 per attempt) and four scores, alongside 87 receiving yards. Facing the Jayhawks’ permeable defensive front, Latimer’s consensus rushing yards prop sits at 21.5 (Over -117).

West Virginia Special Teams Leaders

Placekicker Jack Cassidy anchors West Virginia’s special teams, connecting on 9 of 10 field goals (90.0%) with a 54-yard long. He has converted all 43 extra-point attempts for 70 total points. Punter Bryan Hansen has logged 36 punts, maintaining a 43.2-yard gross average. In the return game, Matt Sieg maintains a 23.8-yard average across five punt returns, and the kickoff unit averages 19.2 yards per return. Remember that lines fluctuate, so confirm prices at your sportsbook before the 3:30 PM ET kickoff.