Kansas football vs. Baylor: Final game of the season will be telling
Kansas football wraps up the 2019 season next Saturday against a top 15 Baylor team. It’s going to be a tough win for the Jayhawks on senior day, but it may not be about whether they win or lose.
Kansas football is sitting at 3-8 so far this season, and with one game left, it’s unlikely the Jayhawks pick up that elusive fourth win. With Matt Rhule, Baylor has a chance to win the Big 12 this season after taking over as the Bears’ head coach back in 2016.
Despite being heavy underdogs last week, the Jayhawks put together an inspiring performance on the road against Iowa State. Although they ultimately fell to the Cyclones 41-31, Kansas football showed grit and tenacity in the loss that could translate to another close game if the Jayhawks bring it this Saturday against Baylor.
Quarterback Carter Stanley had a superb game, throwing for 328 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Running back Pooka Williams looked good too, rushing for over 150 yards and also catching a touchdown pass.
On defense, safety Mike Lee was all over the field, racking up 13 total tackles and an interception on the day; however, the defense struggled to put pressure on quarterback Brock Purdy. The Jayhawks didn’t record a single sack on the day, as Purdy picked Kansas apart for 372 yards and four touchdowns.
The lack of pressure can’t continue this week, as the Jayhawks will be facing another solid quarterback in Baylor’s Charlie Brewer.
Brewer and the Bears took down Texas last week 24-10 in a game that was dominated by the Baylor defense. The Bears sacked Sam Ehlinger five times, and also recorded three quarterback hurries, six tackles for a loss, and five passes defended.
It’ll be up to head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon to try and find a way through the tough Baylor defense, which ranks second in the Big 12 (total defense).
As of now, the Bears are a 14 point favorite over the Jayhawks, which actually seems a little low. Gamblers seem to agree, as 91% of bets have been placed on Baylor (odds courtesy of The Action Network).
One of the only advantages working in Kansas’ favor is the fact that Baylor has already clinched a spot in the Big 12 title game. The Kansas vs. Baylor game essentially means nothing for either team, yet the result will be telling for the future of Kansas football.
Even if the Jayhawks don’t get the win, playing the Bears close and going into the offseason with some positive thoughts would be huge for the program. Not only that but sending off the seniors is important to that group.
ku football. Why the Jayhawks are better off now than last season. light
The Jayhawks have a tough matchup this week in the season finale, and it’s going to take an offensive explosion for Kansas football to have a chance. Whatever happens, the Jayhawks laid a foundation this season that can be built upon next season, so don’t give up on Kansas yet.