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Brett McMurphy projects Kansas football to face former SEC powerhouse in bowl game

By Joshua Schulman

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Lance Leipold of the Kansas Jayhawks walks around the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 52-42. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Lance Leipold of the Kansas Jayhawks walks around the field before a game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 52-42. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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College football analyst Brett McMurphy has high expectations for Kansas football heading into the 2023 regular season.

The Kansas Jayhawks are coming off their first bowl game appearance since 2008. Although they fell short against Arkansas in an overtime thriller, KU’s growth last season goes to show how much head coach Lance Leipold has improved the program.

With the regular season beginning in less than two weeks, Kansas football fans are anxious to watch some action on the gridiron again. Expectations are high for this team as they return the second-most offensive production in the FBS (91%), including superstar quarterback Jalon Daniels.

Although concerns about the defense persist, the talent of this year’s Jayhawks squad is undeniable. It has led analysts to believe Kansas could finish in the top half of the Big 12. Brett McMurphy, one of the most well-known insiders in the industry, thinks highly of KU as well.

Brett McMurphy projects Kansas football to play Florida in the Birmingham Bowl

On Brett McMurphy’s website, The Action Network, he predicts the Birmingham Bowl to be between Kansas and Florida. He favors the Gators by 2.5 points.

It is a lofty expectation for the Jayhawks, as UF is rated 18th in the nation according to ESPN’s FPI formula. Kansas, on the other hand, is ranked 68th. That would suggest McMurphy thinks KU will perform much better than expected.

Florida is not the powerhouse they once were despite winning the 2006 and 2008 national championships. However, they are just four seasons removed from a New Year’s Six bowl win and are entering the second year of Billy Napier’s tenure. It would also mark the first team these two schools have met in a college football game.

The Birmingham Bowl is not the most prestigious of bowl games — East Carolina and Coastal Carolina squared off in it last season — but gaining exposure against a recognized SEC school would be an excellent experience for the team.

Next. Jalon Daniels talks back injury and Week 1 availability. dark

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