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Will Kansas Football get back to the postseason in 2023?

By Dante Pryor

Nov 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold gets ready to lead the team onto the field before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold gets ready to lead the team onto the field before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas Football
Oct 1, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Hunter Dekkers (12) is sacked by Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Lonnie Phelps (47) during the fourth quarter at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Kansas football defense improve?

The offense had to score 30-40 points every game because the defense allowed just as many points. Can the defense not be a liability in 2023? The defense allowed 30 or more points nine times last season, finishing 126th in total defense and 124th in scoring defense.

There were some positives, however.

Defensive lineman Lonnie Phelps had 11.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Cornerback Cobee Bryant led the team with three interceptions. Safety Kenny Logans led the team with 106 tackles and was second on the team with two interceptions. Suffice it to say; there are some pieces; they need to put them all together.

Leipold and the defensive staff hit the portal hard for the defensive line and secondary help. Dylan Brooks (Auburn), Patrick Joyner (Utah State), and Austin Booker (Minnesota) were brought in via the transfer portal to bolster the pass rush.

Devin Phillips (Colorado State) and Gage Phillips (Minnesota) were brought in to help a run defense that finished 125th in the country—the secondary returns all four starters, including Bryant and Phelps.

It is not easy playing defense opposite an up-tempo, big-play offense. The defense will be on the field often so you will give up yards. The Jayhawks hope for more pressure on the quarterback and more turnovers.

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