Lindenwood takes on Kansas in its first-ever game against FBS competition tonight. Will the lights be too bright? We'll find out at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Kansas enters this game as a -44.5 favorite, while the total sits at 59.5.
The spread is massive, but is that where the value's at in this Midwest matchup? Let's take a look at my Lindenwood vs Kansas prediction below.
Lindenwood vs Kansas Prediction
- Lindenwood vs Kansas Pick: Kansas -44.5
My Lindenwood vs Kansas prediction is on the Jayhawks to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at FanDuel, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Lindenwood vs Kansas Odds
| Lindenwood Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+44.5 -105 | 59.5 -110 / -110 | N/A |
| Kansas Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-44.5 -115 | 59.5 -110 / -110 | N/A |
- Lindenwood vs Kansas Point Spread: Lindenwood +44.5 (-105) · Kansas -44.5 (-115)
- Lindenwood vs Kansas Total: Over/Under 59.5
- Lindenwood vs Kansas Moneyline: Lindenwood N/A · Kansas N/A
Lindenwood vs Kansas Preview
Lindenwood Lions Betting Preview: Bad News for Lions
Lindenwood comes into this game off a 3-7 season in which it really struggled in Year 2 of its transition to FCS.
Jed Stugart is back for Year 6 here, and many of his coordinators are long-tenured coaches he brought over from Sioux Falls, where he took over for Kalen DeBoer in 2011.
They defeated a weak D-III opponent in UW Stevens and also squeaked by FCS bottomfeeder Western Illinois to go along with a win over Tennessee Tech.
However, the remainder of their games saw them get blown out badly. Losses by 38, 31, 42, 23 and 35 points show that this team still has a long way to go to consider its FCS transition a success.
The Lions return eight starters on offense and have a receiving threat in Jeff Caldwell. Lindenwood also brings in former Jayhawk receiver Reece Thomas, which is interesting for this game, in particular.
LU returns three running backs with FCS experience, all of whom are prone to injuries and have missed time. All five starters on the offensive line return after the Lions rushed for 77 yards per game in OVC play and allowed 31 sacks. That means there's obvious work to be done.
Defensively, seven starters are back, and they bring in two players in the secondary from Northern Colorado who have experience. The back seven looks to be a liability. The Lions were also weak against the pass last year with box scores revealing a ton of explosive pass plays allowed.
It's also concerning that, factoring out the D-III opponent, Lindenwood was outgained by 177 yards per game and gave up 460 yards or more in six games against competition that's not nearly as talented as KU.
It's going to be impossible for this defense to have much success against Kansas in this matchup.
Kansas Jayhawks Betting Preview: Expect Plenty of Points
Kansas is an exceptionally talented team; it's head and shoulders above Lindenwood.
Recent history shows that the Jayhawks start fast and fade as the season progresses, but that could be due to the schedule toughening up in Big 12 play and injury attrition — both of which KU has seen.
Returning at quarterback is do-it-all signal-caller Jalen Daniels, and I'm sure he's going to wow us with highlight-worthy plays in this game.
The offensive line will need to reload, as only two players are back from last year’s team. However, the unit still brings back 130 starts, so it's experienced.
The skill group is loaded with talent across the board, including Devin Neal at running back and three stud wide receivers in Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm and Quentin Skinner. Plus, Jared Casey is a name to watch at tight end.
Defensively, KU has a solid linebacker corps full of experienced rotational players. Veteran experience is also plentiful in the secondary with two returning cornerbacks in Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson, as well as a returning safety in O.J. Burroughs.
The defensive line is in decent shape, but as the competition levels increase, it will be interesting to assess whether or not the Jayhawks have an adequate pass rush to replace Jereme Robinson, Devin Phillips and Hayden Hatcher.
While it won’t factor into the decision here, defensive line play will almost certainly determine how far the Jayhawks climb up the Big 12 ladder.
Lindenwood vs Kansas Prediction and Pick
Last year against FCS Missouri State, Kansas was in a much closer game than anticipated without Daniels under center. The Jayhawks were up 17-10 at halftime before scoring three touchdowns in the final 10 minutes of the fourth quarter to blow it open.
In 2022 against Tennessee Tech, KU racked up 502 total yards on only 49 offensive plays. I would expect that type of performance in this matchup against a severely outclassed Lindenwood team.
I expect Kansas to work its second-stringers onto the field early in the second half. The Jayhawks should get them some work to see what they have at backup quarterback, and given recent FCS performances, we can still count on effort and intent to score deep into the fourth quarter.
New co-offensive coordinators Jim Zebrowski and Jeff Grimes will want to make a statement here — even with the reserves in.
I have this game power-rated at an absurd -56.5 and could only support a position on Kansas. I would play the Jayhawks at -44.5 all the way up to -47.5.
Pick: Kansas -44.5 (Play to -47)
How to Watch Lindenwood vs Kansas Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS |
| Date: | Thursday, Aug. 29 |
| Kickoff Time: | 8 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
Lindenwood vs Kansas Betting Trends
- Kansas has been the clear sharp side in this matchup. Despite garnering only 29% of the bets, the Jayhawks have accrued 68% of the money.
- The under has landed 81% of the tickets but only 75% of the money.
Lindenwood vs Kansas Weather
