Kansas football is on the verge of making history this upcoming weekend against Baylor. With a victory, the Jayhawks would reach bowl eligibility in three consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. While the path was improbable, Lance Leipold's squad has been playing at a high level lately, upsetting three ranked opponents in as many weeks.
The narrative surrounding Lawrence has been inspiring, but Saturday's game will ultimately define its significance. A loss could overshadow everything, making it the final test to determine whether the Jayhawks have the ability to rise to the challenge when it matters.
Kansas vs. Baylor is a must-win game for the Jayhawks
The term "must-win" is often overused in sports, but it couldn't hold any truer heading into this week. If the Jayhawks defeat Baylor, the season will extend and the team will be designated to play a bowl game sometime in December. If Baylor wins, Kansas finishes the year at 5-7 and each of the seniors' college football careers will immediately end. Lance Leipold and Co. are walking on a tightrope right now.
Their record might not reflect it, but the Bears might be playing the best football in the Big 12. They have won five straight games against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia, and most recently Houston. After overcoming a few early-season losses, Baylor is finally where it wants to be.
Kansas has proved it can overcome tough road environments, as evidenced by its win over BYU in Provo. However, the stakes are high in Waco since the Bears can make the conference championship game in an unlikely scenario. BU certainly won't view it as a trap game.
The importance of KU's final matchup of the regular season cannot be overstated. For seniors like Devin Neal and Cobee Bryant, who have poured everything into rebuilding this program, it’s one last chance to leave their mark and finish on a high note. Leipold’s squad must rise to the occasion, not just for themselves, but for the future of Kansas football. It’s do-or-die time in Lawrence.
As Kobe Bryant once said...
