Through the Phog
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Kansas football: 5 things the Jayhawks must improve upon during their bye week

By Joshua Schulman

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 14: Jason Bean #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks launches an incomplete pass late in the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 14: Jason Bean #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks launches an incomplete pass late in the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Defensive end Xavier Ross #56 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys blocks a point after touchdown against kicker Seth Keller #91 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the first quarter only to have the play annulled for an offside penalty at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Defensive end Xavier Ross #56 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys blocks a point after touchdown against kicker Seth Keller #91 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the first quarter only to have the play annulled for an offside penalty at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

5. Special teams blunders

I had praised KU’s special teams all season, largely in part due to the addition of Sean Snyder. After the unit ranked dead last in the FBS in 2022, they opened the first five games as top-10 in the nation. But against the Cowboys, not so much.

Seth Keller, who had previously been perfect on extra point tries, was kicking it “low” last week according to Lance Leipold. His first attempt was blocked, but KU was saved by an offsides call. The next time the Jayhawks scored a touchdown, Keller’s kick was blocked again, and the coaching staff was forced to go for two since the kicking was so ineffective.

The punt team has been decent, and the return game has done very well, highlighted by Trevor Wilson’s terrific run back against UCF. However, there is still work to be done.

Last week was an uncharacteristically bad performance from special teams. During the bye week, the kickers, punters, and returners must ensure a showing like that doesn’t happen again.

Next. A look at our game-by-game predictions from preseason. dark

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