Big 12 Power Rankings: Baylor, Oklahoma State Appear To Be Class of Conference

Sep 7, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks fans sing the alma mater after the game against the South Dakota Coyotes at Memorial Stadium. Kansas won the game 31-14. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Record: 1-0

Previous Ranking: 10 (Trend: –)

Last Week: Kansas 31, South Dakota 14

This Week: at Rice

Next Week: vs. Louisiana Tech

A win! A win! A win!

And what’s this I see in the box score? A touchdown reception by a wide receiver! Kansas football is unstoppable!!!

Okay, so while it is cool Kansas got their first touchdown reception by a wide receiver since October 22, 2011, KU has a long way to go. The Jayhawks allowed 219 yards rushing (5.1 per carry) to a team that finished 1-11 in the FCS last year. That’s not good.

Further, KU’s passing attack was putrid. Jake Heaps was 10-for-20 with 110 yards and the lone touchdown. Most of this was on his receivers, who had all kinds of trouble holding onto the ball. This is not what Kansas fans were hoping to see right out of the gate.

The good news is KU’s running game was still very good, racking up 280 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. If Kansas can keep their running game going – they were one of the better running teams in the Big 12 last year, so it is not impossible – and their passing game can tighten up, the Jayhawks may be able to pull off a conference win against Texas.