Jayhawks Football: Twitter Reaction and Imagery for Season Opening Loss

The Kansas Jayhawks football team lost their season opener at home against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 41-38.

Losing this matchup can’t be what David Beaty had in mind for his first game as head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks. South Dakota State looked more experienced, more physical, more athletic, and more talented, especially in the first half.

There is no doubt the Jayhawks are in full rebuilding mode, as they have been since Mark Mangino was fired after the 2009 season. Kansas won 12 games under Mangino in 2007, but the program only has 11 total since the beginning of the 2010 season.

Things may get worse before they get better. While the Jayhawks displayed some talent on offense, defensively they were man-handled. If South Dakota State can push you around, what is going to happen when faced with the brutal upcoming schedule?

Still, Beaty looks to have a plan. His team played hard and never gave up against the Jackrabbits, despite the bleakness of the outlook for the 2015 season. Fans can be proud of they way the battled back in the second half.

It's obviously going to be a long year for #kufball, but it seems like Beaty has a direction. Let's just have a sense of humor this year.
— Joshua Brisco (@jbbrisco) September 5, 2015

The Jayhawks have many areas where they will need to get significantly better if they hope to compete at all in the Big 12 Conference. The inability of the Jayhawks to tackle may be the biggest worry. They looked better in the second half, but they were thoroughly outgunned on defense.

The first half was more painful to witness than it was downright unwatchable, but the point is well taken.

Beaty also showed he was a gambler. The Jayhawks went for it on fourth down five times (converted on four of those), even when it was not the best idea.

Still don't get why #KUfball didn't try the 42-yard FG to cut the lead to 2 scores before half. Especially after all the talk of Wyman's leg
— Matt Tait (@mctait) September 5, 2015

The Jayhawks have to be smart at all times. The new coach made a poor decision toward the end of the first half that may have cost his team some much-needed points.

After the intermission, the Jayhawks look so much better. The offense clicked, and the defense made some good adjustments. The coaches did a good job rallying the team, and making this a ball game.

Really great adjustments this half. Bowen on D and Beaty on O both doing some very different things, and they're working. #kufball
— Rock Chalk Blog (@RockChalkBlog) September 5, 2015

Clint Bowen changing looks and bringing blitzes from different areas. Lugan looks confused the last few drives #kufball
— JayhawkSlant (@JayhawkSlant) September 5, 2015

The Jayhawks made a valiant attempt at a comeback; they just fell short. There are not going to be many, if any, wins for the Jayhawks. Fans just need to be patient once again with this program. Beaty had them playing hard. That is the first step.

Enjoy some images from the first Kansas Jayhawks game of the 2015 season. Click on the images for a better view.

If the Jayhawks show marked improvement and compete with heart all season, they will be on the right track.

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