Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Kansas Football: Can Les Miles turn Jayhawks around in 2019?

By Phil Poling

(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
MORGANTOWN, WV – OCTOBER 06: Hasan Defense #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks intercepts a pass in the end zone against David Sills V #13 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first quarter of the game at Mountaineer Field on October 6, 2018 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV – OCTOBER 06: Hasan Defense #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks intercepts a pass in the end zone against David Sills V #13 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first quarter of the game at Mountaineer Field on October 6, 2018 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Predictions

The Kansas Jayhawks have experienced plenty of turnover since the 2018 football season – coaches, players, etc. And with a new regime, a few bumps in the road are expected. But that’s why ball control on offense and a bend-but-don’t-break approach on defense are the perfect recipe for success.

Nobody’s expecting the Jayhawks to win the Big 12. But with a quick glance at their schedule, having their best season this decade wouldn’t be a surprise. Take a look.

  • Aug. 31: vs. Indiana State
  • Sept. 7: vs. Coastal Carolina
  • Sept. 13: at Boston College
  • Sept. 21: vs. West Virginia
  • Sept. 28: at Texas Christian
  • Oct. 5: vs. Oklahoma
  • Oct. 19: at Texas
  • Oct. 26: at Texas Tech
  • Nov. 2: vs. Kansas State
  • Nov. 16: at Oklahoma State
  • Nov. 23: at Iowa State
  • Nov. 30: vs. Baylor

Like every other Big 12 member, Kansas will play nine conference games. In addition to those Power Five opponents, Kansas travels to Boston College for a road game in ACC territory. Opening the season against a non-major like Indiana State and the Sun Belt’s Coastal Carolina wouldn’t be ideal for an Alabama or a Clemson, but the Jayhawks will welcome the early-season opportunity as a challenge.

There’s no reason that Les Miles’ Jayhawks can’t put together a 5- or 6-win campaign during his first year at the helm. He’s failed to reach five wins in a full season only once — 2001 in Stillwater. That was Miles’ first head coaching job, and Oklahoma State finished 4-7. Will the former Cowboys’ coach have a similar start his second time around in the Big 12?

Next. Each Big 12 school's best 2020 NFL Draft prospect. dark

Prediction: 6-6, 4-5 Big 12

Kansas is going to surprise people in 2019, especially with the shifting landscape in the Big 12. Who is West Virginia going to be under Neal Brown? What about Kansas State under Chris Klieman? The Jayhawks will find a way to 2-1 in non-conference play before stealing a couple Big 12 matchups. Bowling might not be just an offseason hobby in Kansas, anymore.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks