I really believe KU can be in the game the final three contests of the season. But they have to get there first.
This is still a building process. Although there have been definite signs of progress the next two weeks will set up the next three. They are a 40-point underdog tomorrow night and will probably be a 30-plus dog at West Virginia. Let's call it what it is.... the next two weeks may be rough ones.
But the last three against Iowa State, Texas, and Kansas State are games they can compete. The talent gap isn't that far off with Iowa State and it is at home. Texas only win on the road was against Rice and by the time that games comes around who knows what will be going in the Longhorns program. Manhattan has been a bad place to the Jayhawks. But the fact that Kansas State doesn't put up points at a rapid rate and if the defense can get stops it has the possibility of being a game played in the 20-30 point range. Playing in Manhattan isn't easy for KU. But that game has a chance to play more into their favor than some of the past match-ups.
I'm not predicting wins in any of those three games but they will be a lot better than what the Jayhawks face the next two weeks.
I think two things are key here:
If they can get through those two parts I think the last three games will give people a lot to look forward to.
This is still a building process. Although there have been definite signs of progress the next two weeks will set up the next three. They are a 40-point underdog tomorrow night and will probably be a 30-plus dog at West Virginia. Let's call it what it is.... the next two weeks may be rough ones.
But the last three against Iowa State, Texas, and Kansas State are games they can compete. The talent gap isn't that far off with Iowa State and it is at home. Texas only win on the road was against Rice and by the time that games comes around who knows what will be going in the Longhorns program. Manhattan has been a bad place to the Jayhawks. But the fact that Kansas State doesn't put up points at a rapid rate and if the defense can get stops it has the possibility of being a game played in the 20-30 point range. Playing in Manhattan isn't easy for KU. But that game has a chance to play more into their favor than some of the past match-ups.
I'm not predicting wins in any of those three games but they will be a lot better than what the Jayhawks face the next two weeks.
I think two things are key here:
- Finding a way to keep the games competitive and closer than the Vegas oddsmakers predict. That will help with the psyche. This is still a growing process and there will be fragile moments. It also will be a coaching challenge for Beaty. He needs to find a way to keep the team ready to go for the last three games no matter the outcome of the next two.
- Avoid the injury bug. Oklahoma and West Virginia are very physical teams. The Jayhawkws need to go to the last three games healthy as possible.
If they can get through those two parts I think the last three games will give people a lot to look forward to.
