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Kansas football: Jayhawks better than 9 other teams

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 23: Khalil Herbert #10 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs past Adam Shuler II #88 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 23: Khalil Herbert #10 of the Kansas Jayhawks runs past Adam Shuler II #88 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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A new list that ranks all 130-college football team provides few surprises. It should provide some motivation for David Beaty and Kansas football.

I saw the headline in USA Today and knew what to expect.  There were few surprises for Kansas football fans on the post spring football list of the nation’s 130 college football teams. On the other hand, it is nice to know David Beaty’s Jayhawks are ranked ahead of nine other programs. That is a positive to build on.

Kansas football is listed at No. 121 just below the East Carolina Pirates and just ahead of Ball State.  Former Kansas football head coach Turner Gill’s Liberty Flames made the list three spots above the Jayhawks. This fall, Gill’s team will play their first season of FBS football.  Yet, they are ranked ahead of the Jayhawks.

One team on the Kansas football non-conference schedule is also ranked outside the top-100. Central Michigan is listed at No. 107. That provides some hope. On the other hand, the Chippewas who finished second in the Mid-American Conference last season outplayed the Jayhawks in September.  They finished 8-5 and played Wyoming in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

The Jayhawks host Rutgers of the Big 10 Conference a week after the trip to Central Michigan. USA Today ranks the Scarlet Knights No. 93. Author Paul Myerberg indicates that may be too low. He believes Rutgers, coming off a 4-win season, will play in a bowl game in the near future.  This home game will tell us a lot about the Jayhawks.

There is hope with the season opener

Next: Former Jayhawk Ben Johnson has rare opportunity in LA

The USA Today poll includes five Big 12 schools in the top 25. A sixth is listed No. 26. Other than Texas at No. 33, no other conference school made the top 50. David Beaty’s team has plenty of work to do to prepare for the season opener against FCS Division Nichols State.

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