Could WVU’s Final Score Projection Bring Another Nail-Biting Finish Against Kansas? SP Model Says 31-30

Kickoff moved earlier

West Virginia takes on the Kansas Jayhawks this afternoon, with a chance to earn its sixth win of the season. Kickoff was shifted from 5:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET after other Big 12 games were affected by the FAA’s nationwide ground stop. Although the game will start earlier, much of it is expected to be played under the lights.

SP+ projects a close game

The SP+ projection has WVU winning 31-30. The ESPN FPI matchup predictor also gives West Virginia better than a 50% chance to win, though it does not provide a score in the article.

Kansas has struggled to win this season but has been involved in several one-score defeats. Head coach Rich Rodriguez said earlier in the week that the Jayhawks’ record could easily be flipped.

A fourth-quarter test

The account expects a close, high-scoring game rather than a blowout, with the defense making a key stop in the fourth quarter potentially deciding the result. It also argues that both teams could score beyond the low 30s.

West Virginia must focus on Kansas before turning to its final two games, which will be against ranked teams. A win would put the Mountaineers at 6-4.

A chance to build momentum

Reaching six wins would make WVU bowl eligible and represent a two-win improvement over last year’s team, with three games remaining if the bowl is included. The season has not met expectations, but the team could still finish strongly. Retaining key players could help West Virginia carry momentum into 2027, though the account notes that success at the end of one season does not easily transfer to the next.