Bill Self: No sport is more important than Kansas football

The Kanas football season is set to kick off Saturday. I think success this season is critical to the university in many ways.

Kansas football fans are patient but also tired of disappointment. It’s been too long since the last time the Jayhawks came close to a bowl game. I am not suggesting the team’s only measure of success in 2017 is a bowl game.  On the other hand, Kansas football coach David Beaty knows reaching that goal would have a huge impact on his program and the university.

Kansas Jayhawk fans live and die for Bill Self’s basketball program.  Thirteen straight conference titles say it all.  There is nothing like attending a game at Allen Field house.  As a matter of fact, Big 12 Conference basketball titles and the beloved field house say little about the world of college athletics. Jayhawks are proud. The rest of the sports world pays little attention and for one reason.

College football is the king.  Like it not, football generates the dollars, gets the television attention and runs the show.  Every coach of any sport know that is the case. On August 18, Bill Self said as much during an appearance at KU Traditions Night.

"No sport is more important to this university than the football program is. We need football to be good."

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Some fans simply do not understand the importance of college football to a community, the university and beyond.  Some who remember the excitement of the 2007 Jayhawk run to the Orange Bowl recall the enthusiasm on campus and the rest of the country.  It’s been ten years. I think Beaty’s 2017 Jayhawks can create a little excitement this season.  I know fans can’t wait to see it happen.