Bye Week Blues: Kansas Football Faces Crucial Turning Point

Don't count the Jayhawks out just yet—perhaps. At this point, it’s difficult to say for sure.

Mathey Gibson | 11 Hours Ago

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold looks on during the first half of the game against Lindenwood Lions Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Children's Mercy Park. / © Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Kansas Jayhawks

At 1-5, the Kansas Jayhawks find themselves at a crossroads during their bye week, desperately seeking answers to their early-season struggles.

After a promising start to the season that included a dominant 48-3 victory over Lindenwood, the Jayhawks have faltered, suffering five consecutive losses. Inconsistent play on offense and late-game collapses on defense have marred what many hoped would be a breakout season.

Last Saturday’s narrow 35-31 loss to Arizona State highlighted these issues.

While quarterback Jalon Daniels showed signs of improvement with 260 passing yards and two touchdowns, the defense once again let the game slip away in crucial moments. Under defensive coordinator Brian Borland, the unit has struggled to close out games, allowing the Sun Devils to score 21 points in the second half.

This pattern has become all too familiar, leading to frustration among players and fans alike.

The early-season optimism that had the Jayhawks ranked in the preseason top 25 and dreaming of a Big 12 title feels distant now.

Head coach Lance Leipold must find a way to motivate his team and instill a sense of urgency as they prepare for a challenging stretch ahead. With the offense inconsistent at best, it’s imperative that they find a rhythm.

Daniels appeared to improve against Arizona State, but the overall performance has been uneven.

Despite the disappointing record, there remains hope for a bowl game.

The path won’t be easy, as the Jayhawks face a tough schedule ahead, but every loss has been close, indicating potential for improvement. Their narrow defeats—38-27 against TCU, 32-28 against West Virginia, and 23-20 against UNLV—suggest they can compete, but they must transition from moral victories to actual wins.

The upcoming matchup against Houston presents a critical opportunity for the Jayhawks to turn their season around.

Both teams are struggling, and Kansas must seize this chance to build momentum. The Cougars are also near the bottom of the standings, making this a winnable game for the Jayhawks.

As the bye week unfolds, the focus will be on improving consistency on both sides of the ball.

The offense needs to establish a reliable game plan, while the defense must step up in high-pressure situations. With the season not going as planned, Kansas has a chance to right the ship and salvage their aspirations for a bowl game.

The hope remains that they can harness this week for self-reflection and preparation, turning their struggles into a stepping stone for success as they gear up for the remainder of the season.