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AP preseason poll: Motivation for Kansas football

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach David Beaty of the Kansas Jayhawks prepares to lead his team onto the field prior to a game against the Ohio Bobcats at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 10: Head coach David Beaty of the Kansas Jayhawks prepares to lead his team onto the field prior to a game against the Ohio Bobcats at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Fans know the Kansas football schedule is tough. The Associated Press preseason poll out Monday just confirms the work ahead for the Jayhawks.

David Beaty and the Kansas football coaching staff have a lot of work to do. Everyone knows that. Monday’s preseason AP poll shows the Jayhawks face five teams in the top 25. After the three non-conference opponents, the Kansas football team faces their biggest test. West Virginia comes to Memorial Stadium in just over a month.  Will the Jayhawks be ready for an upset? The Mountaineers open the season at #22, according to Monday’s poll.

If Beaty and the Kansas football team survive the conference opener at Memorial Stadium, they get three weeks before facing another preseason ranked team, according to Monday’s poll.  A lot will probably change by that time. That is what makes it so much fun.

As a matter of fact, after an October road trip to Fort Worth to face one purple team, the Jayhawks will play the other Big 12 purple team the following week.  The guys in Manhattan received a gift Monday from the AP. They enter the season #20.  I don’t expect that when them come to Memorial Stadium.

After one week away from preseason ranked teams, the Kansas football rematch of the season is set for Austin. The Longhorns open at #23, on the reputation of a new coach. On the other hand, the AP may need move them up a notch or two.

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In addition, the Jayhawk regular season ends with three straight games against preseason ranked teams. Most of us expected the Sooners and Cowboys in the top 10 and they are. The Kansas football team has the talent to surprise a ranked team or two. It will be fun to watch.

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