Our Long National Nightmare Is Over: Kansas Beats An FBS Team For First Time Under Charlie Weis

Sep 21, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jake Heaps (9) hands off to halfback James Sims (29) against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t pretty, but the Kansas Jayhawks beat an FBS opponent for the first time under second-year head coach Charlie Weis. KU’s 10 fourth quarter points put away Louisiana Tech, 13-10.

The Bulldogs are a long way from the high-tempo, air raid squad that scored 52 points per game en route to nine wins in 2012. Their 10 points Saturday mark two consecutive weeks they have failed to reach 20. Nevertheless, this counts for a struggling Kansas football program.

Since Mark Mangino was fired after the 2009 season, the Jayhawks have an overall 7-31 record. KU’s 23-17 loss at Rice last week extended its losing streak to FBS competition to 22 games. The dubious record prompted Weis to refer to his team’s play as “a pile of crap.”

Despite an above-.500 record, the Jayhawks are likely headed for another trying season. La. Tech is in decided rebuilding mode, and KU needed a 52-yard field as time expired to avoid overtime. The Kansas offense is still very disjointed as well. Quarterback Jake Heaps passed 46 times and threw two interceptions. His one score was to tight end Jimmay Mundine, continuing a trend last season wherein Jayhawk receivers had no touchdown receptions.

But at 2-1, Weis has his most wins in Lawrence. Baby steps.