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As we continue to look ahead to the 2018 season on a game by game basis, we’re ready to take a look at the early portion of the Big 12 slate.
So far, I’ve got the Jayhawks with an 0-3 record after nonconference play. Is David Beaty still the coach if that happens? That’s probably another article for another day.
Athlon Preseason Rank in Parenthesis (Kansas is 107 out of 130, and the worst P5 team):
at Baylor (78)
So, we lost to these guys at home last year when they were shorthanded by 29 points? Wow. Oh, and Baylor brought in the #32 recruiting class back in February, the fourth-best class among Big 12 teams. Baylor is allegedly ascending under Matt Rhule, who was under consideration for the Indianapolis Colts job during the offseason. Is Kansas ascending? We don’t know, but even if they are, it’s obvious that they aren’t doing it as quickly as Baylor is. Baylor 55, Kansas 21.
vs Oklahoma State (39)
Did you know that OSU has won 10 games in four of the past five seasons? Cuz I just figured that out. Mason Rudolph is gone, so the Cowboys will be starting either a grad transfer or a true freshman. Will this be the game where Kansas can surprise someone at home? If so, at least there might be people there to see it, as it is Homecoming, set for the day after Late Night in the Phog. The Cowboys may take a small step back this year with big departures on offense and defense, but probably not enough for KU to take advantage. Oklahoma State 41, Kansas 35.
@ West Virginia (21)
The Big 12’s worst rushing defense in 2017 was gashed by Khalil Herbert last year to the tune of 291 yards on 36 carries. However, KU has not fared well in Morgantown, losing there by an average of 31 points (since the Mountaineers joined the Big 12). Will Grier is back and torched the Jayhawks last year. I’m guessing a $10 bet on the Jayhawks would net a pretty big payout if they were to pull the upset. West Virginia 52, Kansas 20.
vs Bye
Uh oh. Kansas couldn’t even muster enough offensive lineman for a spring scrimmage, how are they going to compete against Bye?
@ Texas Tech (49)
Every year, ambitious Kansas fans point to Texas Tech as a team ripe for an upset against the Jayhawks. Well I’ve got news for y’all - KU is 1-18 all-time vs Tech. The lone win came in 2001 in double OT with Mario Kinsey at quarterback after Coach Bro left the game with a thumb injury. (And I thought the Texas game in 2016 was a fluke win.) Additionally, Tech has pasted KU each of the past two seasons. What makes you think the ‘Hawks can run with the Raiders, especially in Lubbock? Texas Tech 58, Kansas 28.