Three wins would be just fine for KU…do not bet on it…….
The basement of the Big Twelve football conference in 2017 will still be occupied by the Kansas Jayhawks. Sure, Coach David Beaty (2-22, 3rd year) has his team better equipped to win some games, and on a lucky day, beat a Big 12 team. Nobody in the conference has forgotten KU’s upset over Texas last year. But to expect more than one conference win would be pushing it. The program in Lawrence is going to undergo a major renovation infused by millions of dollars to make it more in tune with a other conference schools, but that will not help this current team.
Offense: Will improve enough to give the Kansas defense a slimmer margin win games. Averaging about 21 points a game last year, 25 or more this year is expected. We have “air raid light” with Kansas, in that Beaty’s passing game is satisfactory with some good wideouts and a probable upgrade at quarterback. Washington State transfer Payton Bender has plenty of experience in this offense and will give the Hawks a much needed signal caller if 2nd year man Carter Stanley can not do the job. Both are working to start the season opener. The offensive line is so-so but should be better than last season. Grade: C
Defense: Improvements along the front line as KU allowed too much yardage last year on the ground. Still, not a totally bad line. 45 points a game against the team last year should improve and give KU a better chance in close games. Grade: C
Kicking game/special teams: Not very good and improvement iffy. Grade: D
In total: Kansas has an opportunity to win more than two games. A win at home in the season opener against SE Missouri plus a victory over Ohio or Central Michigan combined with an upset in conference would do the trick. Do not put money on it.
Head Coach Beaty has his cup full of losses. His recruiting in Texas is better but not what it needs to be to win in this league. The assistants he put on staff last year will be into their second year but losing will get old. Beaty is a better coach than his record shows, but it still a losing situation in Lawrence.
Kansas will finish 1-11 and will not win a conference game.
