How will Kansas football fare in 2024? Here are our game-by-game predictions

LAWRENCE — Coming off of back-to-back bowl game appearances, and a bowl victory, there’s a lot of momentum around the Kansas football program.

Through the initial three years of head coach Lance Leipold’s tenure, the Jayhawks have accomplished things the team hasn’t achieved in more than a decade. That includes the Guaranteed Rate Bowl win last season. And now, ahead of the start of the 2024 campaign, they are set to contend for a Big 12 Conference championship.

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Here’s a game-by-game prediction for how the fall will unfold for KU:

Aug. 29: vs Lindenwood

Last season: The two teams did not play.

The buzz: Kansas has some things it needs to continue to figure out on both sides of the ball, but that doesn’t mean it will slip up in this matchup. With a new offensive coordinator and co-defensive coordinator, the Jayhawks enjoy the success they’re looking for in their first game inside Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.

The pick: Kansas wins to reach 1-0.

Sept. 7: at Illinois

Last season: Kansas won 34-23 in Lawrence.

The buzz: It’s a road game against a power conference program, and a Big Ten Conference program at that, so there’s a challenge in this matchup. However, while it might take some time in the game to get there, Kansas will take control and leave Illinois with another win.

The pick: Kansas wins to reach 2-0.

Sept. 13: vs UNLV

Last season: Kansas won 49-36 at the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix.

The buzz: However odd it may feel to play a team Kansas just beat in a bowl game, the Jayhawks have UNLV for their second and final game at Children’s Mercy Park this year. This matchup doesn’t go much different, as Leipold and company set themselves up for Big 12 play with momentum.

The pick: Kansas wins to reach 3-0.

Sept. 21: at West Virginia

Last season: The two…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kansas-football-fare-2024-game-170057038.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-08-24 17:00:57

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