One of the best parts of any football preseason are the numerous projections. As Kansas fans build up towards Fresno State just a few days away, fans finish their preseason scouring for the new season.
A few days ago we analyzed CBS Sports who dropped their first bowl projections for the season. Late last week Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach of ESPN previewed possible bowl projections and the Jayhawks were taken two separate routes by Bonagura and Schlabach.
Bonagura tipped the Jayhawks to take on Florida in a Big 12 SEC matchup in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. As it stands the Gators are managed by Billy Napier who has posted an even 19-19 record at Florida. Although expectations are raising with sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway under center.
This would be a great testament to show the progress seen under head coach Lance Leipold. Yes, Florida has taken a step back, as the last time the Gators totaled 10+ wins was 2019. But for Kansas, who was once a doormat in the Big 12 to be predicted for a team of Florida's status is still mind-blowing.
Schlabach awarded Kansas with the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl against Army. The Black Knights have been led by Jeff Monken over the last 12 years, where since 2016 Monken has made Army one of the more consistent schools in the nation, only once finishing below .500.
Kansas has a very limited history against both of these schools, Kansas has never squared off against Florida, and has only played Army once, in 1922 which saw the Jayhawks lose 13-0.
When looking at these early projections, if we had to estimate the Kansas win total to land against these sides, we figured seven or eight wins would be enough to place Kansas against these squads.
This would be a big improvement and a sign of continued success under Leipold who thus far has led Kansas to two bowl games in four full seasons thus far with the Jayhawks. While this season, there are a lot of moving parts with 16 freshman and 28 new transfers all looking for viable playing time along with Jalon Daniels who is looking for his best year yet as Kansas quarterback.