In a contested battle, Kansas Football secured a victory in the 2021 home opener against South Dakota by a score of 17-14, marking Kansas’s first win since October 26, 2019.
New head football coach Lance Leipold begins his tenure with a win, signaling positive developments within the program.
The last 18 months have been particularly turbulent for the Kansas Football program, navigating:
- COVID-19 protocols
- Pandemic financial struggles
- A winless 2020 season
- Countless transfers exiting the program
- The Les Miles controversy
- Athletic Director turnover
- Conference realignment talks
The Jayhawks desperately needed something to celebrate and be optimistic about. This win provided some of that, injecting energy back into the team and the fanbase.
Since Leipold was announced as the new head coach, there has been more enthusiasm about the program’s direction. Though the game was closer than many would have liked, the win confirms some of the optimism felt when the new head coach arrived in Lawrence.
Entering Week 1, the fanbase felt more energetic. Most still understand to place reasonable expectations for year one of a historical rebuilding project, but the energy in the stands for this game felt different.
The student section was electric, and there was a solid crowd on hand at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the opener. Compared to the COVID-19 seating restrictions and other previous seasons, the stadium felt much more alive.
The student section 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗨𝗧 last night!
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) September 4, 2021
Thank you for coming and making The Booth electric last night, let’s do it again September 18 👊 pic.twitter.com/ShhVxQnfiv
Now seeing a win, the students and fans have a better reason to come back for at least the next home game against Baylor on Saturday, September 18. Better fan support will energize the players and boost the school financially.
Though the Big 12 is more stable now than it was a few weeks ago, it remains important that KU position itself well for potential conference realignment.
As for the players, the win is a reward for the offseason’s hard work, especially for the players who have been here the longest. Now the team has reason to believe they can win together.
This feeling in the locker room becomes important when the schedule starts presenting tougher competition. The Jayhawks will develop better chemistry and can build a healthy, winning culture.
Some will snicker at and criticize Kansas for barely beating an FCS opponent, but the team and its loyal fans deserve to celebrate.
The remainder of the schedule will tell us if Kansas Football can carry the momentum forward, beginning Friday, September 10, on the road against Coastal Carolina.