2008 Opponent Previews: Kansas
The Jayhawks went 12-1 a year ago and won the Orange Bowl. That won't happen again in 2008.
After the “diet� menu (no poke at Mangino, I assure you) of Big 12 South opponents (Baylor, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State), KU now must host Texas and Texas Tech and travel to Norman to face the Sooners. An 0-3 record against the South is a definite possibility. South Florida on the road is a far tougher game than any game on the nonconference schedule a year ago and the Jayhawks haven't won in Lincoln in close to 40 years.
Then factor in the losses of star cornerback Aqib Talib, All-American offensive tackle Anthony Collins, 1,000-yard rusher Brandon McAnderson and 1,000-yard receiver Marcus Henry, along with assistant coaches Bill Young and Tim Beck and you realize that this is a team that could take a step backward even without a tougher schedule.
The Jayhawks still have a very sound quarterback and some quality coaches. Their defense also appears sound and should keep them in games. But with Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa State all seemingly improved (and maybe Kansas State as well) the question for KU is whether the program will take a small step backward or a big one. It's not inconceivable that this team may not even become bowl eligible.
Last year, this team was a contender. But this year, forget it.
7/28/2008
Go ahead and doubt all you want.
This isn’t your daddy’s Kansas team.
KU will actually be better then last year as a team, but their schedule is much tougher, so in spite of that, they will lose more games—but only 2 or three.
Expect them to surprise you by beating Texas and Texas Tech.
South Florida is a toss up. They will lose to Mizzou and Oklahoma.
And yes, they will win at Lincoln for the first time in most of our lives.
7/28/2008
Unless USF has a turnover breakdown, they’ll beat Kansas by at least a TD. Kansas only hope is to run it straight at them.
7/28/2008
I don’t understand the infatuation that people have with KU this upcoming season. I couldn’t disagree with you more Mike. KU played very well last season, had the fortune of surprise, and lost some very talented players as well as coaches. I don’t see KU beating Texas or Texas Tech, and I don’t think they will win in Lincoln. NU is going to be better than they were last year and KU will probably be a notch down from last year. That in my eyes fairs well for the Huskers. I’m more concerned with CU late in the year more at this point than KU at mid-season. My guess is that KU won’t even be in the top 25 at the end of the year but will make another bowl. I don’t hate KU at all, I think their coaches are pretty good, but I just don’t think they have the depth in talent to bang heads with the big boys of college football.