Kansas Football: Jayhawks show promise against formidable opponent

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 1: Wide receiver Kerr Johnson Jr. #14 of the Kansas Jayhawks scores a touchdown against defensive back Tyler Green #4 of the Nicholls State Colonels at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

One week after Kansas Football was embarrassed at home against an FCS team, the Jayhawks looked like a completely different team against Central Michigan.

Kansas Football has been living at rock-bottom for quite some time. Still, last week the Jayhawks managed to dig even deeper. This week was a whole different story, with a few surprises.

The Jayhawks had not won a road game since 2009. They had lost a record 46 straight road games. You should probably know this by now.

Last week was the lowest of the lows for David Beaty. After the loss, he said, “the sun will come out tomorrow”. It literally rained in northeast Kansas every day afterward. It seemed to be a bad omen.

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The Jayhawks that showed up to play against Central Michigan was a totally different bird. The defense looked like one of the best in the country against a team that had attended more bowl games in the last six years than the Texas Longhorns.

On Central Michigans first nine possessions the Jayhawks only allowed 62 total yards. They forced six turnovers total, four interceptions, and two fumbles.

Peyton Bender had an efficient game, throwing for 130 yards and a touchdown.

The newest star in Lawrence, Kansas goes by the name of Pooka Williams Jr. The freshman running back ran for 125 yards on 14 carries. He scored two touchdowns averaging 8.9 yards per rush.

This potential freshman phenom can potentially carry this downtrodden team on his back. There is a reason for excitement in Lawrence, Kansas other than good food and hoops. Many, including myself, wanted to see competition from this Jayhawks team. They went above and beyond against the Chippewas, completely dominating the game on their way to a 31-7 victory.

Beaty’s job is still on the line, but for the first time since their upset against Texas there is a spark of hope, dare I say, that these Jayhawks can be competitive.

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Central Michigan isn’t TCU or OU, but they are much better than, say, the team that beat Kansas last week. There is definitely a reason to keep an eye on Kansas as they face Rutgers on September 15th.

*Note: All statistics are credited to ESPN.com

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