Fresno State has been competitive in the Mountain West the past few seasons.
The Bulldogs have appeared in bowl games each of the last four years. They haven’t had a losing record in conference play since 2019.
But Fresno State is entering a new era with Matt Entz as head coach. When he was the head coach at North Dakota State, he had an overall record of 60-11 and led the Bison to two FCS national championships.
How will he fare in the FBS? Only time will tell. But the Bulldogs won’t have an easy test to start out.
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Fresno State vs. Kansas Betting Odds
Kansas is a -12.5 college football betting odds favorite against Fresno State at BetMGM, with the Over/Under being 50.5.
The moneyline for Fresno State is +375, while it’s -500 for Kansas.
Fresno State vs. Kansas On TV
The matchup between Fresno State and Kansas will be televised on FOX.
The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 23. The contest is taking place at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.
Fresno State vs. Kansas Prediction
I predict Kansas will win but Fresno State will cover the spread at +12.5. I also project the game will go Under 50.5 total points.
In Fresno State’s very first game under a new coaching regime – against a Power Four opponent on the road – I don’t think it would be fair to expect the Bulldogs to pull off an upset. But I do think it’s reasonable to think Fresno State will keep this thing close.
And I say that in part because I believe in the Bulldogs’ offense with EJ Warner at quarterback. He’s thrown for 8,814 yards and 58 touchdowns over the past three years at Temple and Rice. But he’s also thrown for at least 12 interceptions each of the past three years, and turnovers may prove crucial in a contest like this.
But I especially like Fresno State’s defense. It was top four in the Mountain West in terms of yards and points given up last season, and it’s possible Entz only improves that unit with his defensive background.
I’m anticipating Kansas will ultimately win, but even with a new coach, Fresno State has the talent to keep this matchup close.
