Kansas Football: Can Lance Leipold build a winner out of the Jayhawks?

How will Kansas football fare in 2021?

The Jayhawks will have to find ways other than wins and losses to decide if Leipold’s first season has been successful or not. Despite Miles signing two consecutive high school classes comprised of primarily high school prospects, many of Kansas’ best players transferred, and the roster is not ready to compete in the Big 12.

If Kansas cannot eke out wins against either South Dakota, Baylor, or Duke, the Jayhawks will be hard-pressed to find a win elsewhere.

• Game 1: vs. South Dakota (W) — This game is truly a toss-up. The Jackrabbits are one of the best teams in FCS, fresh off of a title game berth. This won’t be an easy one out the gates. If Kansas loses, it won’t be an upset.
• Game 2: at Coastal Carolina (L) — Coastal will be as good as they were last year despite the loss of some of their best players. In addition, Kansas has to travel almost across the country for this one.
• Game 3: vs. Baylor (L) — Though this is the Jayhawks’ best shot at a conference win, expect Baylor to improve year two of the Dave Arranda experience down in Waco. Baylor only won two games last season. One of those wins? Yup, Kansas.
• Game 4: at Duke (L) — Duke likely will not be that good this season either. However, the Blue Devils get the not just because of how far Kansas has to travel. However, Wallace Wade is not exactly Death Valley or Doak Walker. Kansas could pull this one out.
• Game 5: at Iowa State (L) — This is a measuring stick game for Kansas in year one. It will let Leipold know just how far he and the Jayhawks have to go before they are competitive. Can they keep the Cyclones under 50 this season?
• Game 6: vs. Texas Tech (W) — This was a three-point game last season. The Red Raiders have a new starting quarterback, and many that talent at wide receiver is gone. This is the upset special of the season for the Jayhawks. They avenge the close loss from last season.
• Game 7: vs. Oklahoma (L) — Then they come crashing down back to earth, getting blown out by Oklahoma. It’s a win for Kansas if they can score a touchdown and keep the Sooners under 60. They likely do neither.
• Game 8: at Oklahoma State (L) — Leipold wants to see how they compete after getting crushed the week before by Oklahoma.
• Game 9: vs. Kansas State (L) — Kansas was absolutely destroyed in the Governor’s Cup last season. They lose again but make it a game for at least a half this season.
• Game 10: at Texas (L) — Coach Sark will have the ‘Horns rolling by this point in the season. This could be another blowout.
• Game 11: at TCU (L) — Much like the Oklahoma State game. How do the Jayhawks respond after a blowout loss?
• Game 12: vs. West Virginia (L) — The result of this game will likely be similar to last season’s 38-17 loss. The Mountaineers have one of the better defenses in the Big 12, and Kansas can’t score.

Prediction: 2-10, 1-8 Big 12

When anyone takes up golf, it is a while before you are competent at the game. However, there is always one shot that keeps you coming back to the course. The Jayhawks could lose every game on their schedule.

Their predicted wins could be considered minor upsets. However, Leipold will have this team playing hard and believing. Signing transfers from winning programs will help build the culture, and Leipold knows how to develop players.

This season, however, will be about how many games Kansas can actually stay in for at least a half.