The No. 22 nationally ranked Kansas Jayhawks will kickoff a season filled with optimism on Thursday night. The Jayhawks begin the 2024 season against the Lindenwood Lions, who will be starting their third season as an NCAA DI program.
This year, head coach Lance Leipold will have the opportunity to get his overall KU record to .500 since he took over in 2021. Last year's 9-7 bowl-winning Jayhawks had their best season since 2007. Now, they are looking to improve from that and compete for their first conference title since 1968.
Stats are pointing in favor of Kansas having a memorable season. According to ESPN's Football Power Index, which forecasts a team's results based on strengths, Kansas is ranked first in the Big 12 with a score of 11.2, followed by K-State at 10 and Arizona at 9.2. Kansas finished 2023 fifth at 9.2.
The schedule seems easy, with Kansas State as the only ranked opponent, but that can drastically change as the season unfolds. Late-season games against Iowa State and Colorado could pose threats.
Jalon Daniels returns to his starting spot after injury issues have plagued his promising collegiate career. Across four seasons, Daniels has played in 25 games and only three last year.
When Daniels is healthy, he can be electric as a dual-threat QB. Kansas also heavily relies on running the ball, picking up 2,678 yards on the ground last season. Devin Neal led the KU rushing department with 17 touchdowns in 2023.
While last year's offense slightly declined, last year's defense was greatly improved from 2022. KU went from giving up 35.5 points per game in 2022 to 26.5 in 2023, which was still middle-of-the-pack in the Big 12.
KU was among the best in the Big 12 last year in sacks and interceptions. One improvement should be fourth down conversion defense, where KU allowed 12 conversions in 20 tries last year, third worst in the conference. The KU offense was not good on fourth downs either, only converting seven of 19 attempts.
The gameday atmosphere is going to be something new for KU as they move into homes away from home. With the rebuild of KU's Memorial Stadium, all six home games will be played off-campus. Kansas will play twice at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. and four times at Arrowhead Stadium.
This season's home environment will definitely be different in the alternative venues. Those that still want a Lawrence experience on Thursday evening can join STATSDraft at Johnny's Tavern North to participate 30 minutes before kickoff of the KU football season opener.
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