Kansas vs. UNLV odds: Guaranteed Rate Bowl point spread released

Kansas is going bowling for the second straight season, earning a spot in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl to face UNLV. The Jayhawks are still in search of their first bowl victory since 2008 after falling to Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl last season, but stand a good chance to achieve that according to Vegas.

FanDuel has Kansas as a 12.5-point favorite in its opening point spread for the game, as well as an over/under of 63.5. You can view below how to watch the contest as Lance Leipold aims to lead the Jayhawks to their first nine-win season since 2011.

How to watch Kansas vs. UNLV

Time: 8 p.m. CT on Dec. 26
Channel: ESPN, FuboTV (streaming)
Location: Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona

Kansas has been playing without starting quarterback Jalon Daniels since Week 3 of the regular season as he deals with a back injury. Jason Bean has taken over in his place to throw for 1,168 yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions across 11 games this season.

The Jayhawks have made up for the loss of Daniels thanks to a rushing attack that ranks ninth in the country with 211.3 yards per game. Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw have combined for 1,808 yards and 23 touchdowns, while Bean has also contributed 259 yards and three scores on the ground.

Kansas finished with a 5-4 record in Big 12 play to earn its first winning record in conference play since 2007. That included a 38-33 win against No. 6 Oklahoma that marked their first win against a top 10 opponent in Lawrence since 1984.

UNLV had one of its best seasons in several decades to finish with a 9-4 record. That is the highest win total for the Rebels since the 1984 season in which they went 11-2. They now have the opportunity to reach double digit victories for the first time since moving to Division I in 1976.

Led by former Missouri coach Barry Odom, UNLV rolled through Mountain West play to reach the conference title game for the first time in program history. Unfortunately, it fell short in a 44-20 loss against Boise State.

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The Rebels used a balanced offensive attack to rank first in the Mountain West with 34.3 points per game Quarterback Jayden Maiava runs the show with 2,794 yards, 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions. They also employ a three-man backfield with Vincent Davis, Jai’Den Thomas and Donavyn Lester to average 179.5 rushing yards per game.

It’s clear both teams have a lot to play for here, as UNLV is also in search of its first bowl win since 2000. We can only hope that leads to an exciting battle when the Rebels and Jayhawks kick off the day after Christmas.