Through the Phog
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Can Kansas football go on unexpected run to close out 2024 season?

The Jayhawks have finally hit their stride.

By Joshua Schulman

Nov 16, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; The Kansas Jayhawks huddle before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Nov 16, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; The Kansas Jayhawks huddle before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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The Kansas football season has largely been considered a disappointment to Jayhawk fans. Coming off a 9-4 record and a win in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the path was set for Lance Leipold to lead his group to unprecedented heights. However, all the preseason hype has since died down following an abysmal 1-5 start.

While the team's performances did not result in victories, they remained competitive in nearly every contest. The talent was clearly there and the narrative might have been different if not for a few late-game mistakes. KU finally put it together in its upset over Iowa State, following that up with a massive road win against undefeated BYU. Don't look now, but Kansas would be bowl-eligible if it finishes the year an even 6-6.

Kansas football has quickly turned the course of its season

The Jayhawks have won back-to-back games for the first time in 2024. More surprisingly, they have both come against ranked opponents. Despite holding a losing record, Kansas holds an encouraging +55 point differential.

It appeared KU was going to blow the game in typical fashion. A costly fourth-quarter interception by Jalon Daniels was reminiscent of so many losses this year. But for the first time all year, the defense held its own when it mattered, even while the offense was stagnant and struggled to move the ball.

Things do not get any easier in the final two games on the schedule. Kansas will head back to Arrowhead Stadium to face No. 17 Colorado on Saturday. The Buffaloes have arguably played the best football in the Big 12, and Coach Prime is rolling in Boulder. Could Kansas halt another school's College Football Playoff hopes?

When fans look back at this season, they'll likely have more negative memories than positive ones. It will be viewed as the 'what-if' with a group of talented seniors who could not achieve their goals. However, if the Jayhawks can string together two more wins and make a low-end bowl game, the program will restore some of its respect.

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