Skinny - Kansas is one team I expect to sneak up on people this season and they'll make my list of potential surprise teams. Kansas will overshadowed by the Big Three in the South, but the core of their team from last returns including Dezmon Briscoe and Todd Reesing. Kansas shocked the nation two years ago, but faded back a step last season but not to the bottom where they've been. They finished 8-5 and the losses were to USF, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. USF is replaced by Southern Miss, which should provide a win. While Texas Tech is on the road, Tech has lost the main components of the offense that dominated the Jayhawks a year ago. Oklahoma and Texas will still be difficult games, but anything can happen in college football. Within the division, Missouri loses a lot of offensive firepower and the game with Nebraska is at home this year and Nebraska is looking for a quarterback and a new linebacking unit. Kansas could realistically win 10 games in the regular season and make the Big 12 title game.
Strength - Passing Game
The return of Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier, and Dezmon Briscoe is huge for the Jayhawks and scoring should not be a problem through the air for the Jayhawks. Briscoe and Meier almost combined for 2500 yards receiving last season and the two are only more experienced this year. Meier is getting more accustomed to the wide receiver position, while Briscoe still has more potential to tap entering his junior season. Reesing watched the two completely different paths the two senior quarterbacks in the Big 12 spotlight last season fared. Chase Daniel went from a Heisman candidate to a middle of the conference quarterback, while Harrell thrived and led Texas Tech to a big season and 11 regular season wins. Reesing's statistics weren't all that hyped last season with the Harrell/McCoy/Bradford talk. Although he threw 13 picks, he threw for 3,888 yards and 32 TDs. Those aren't measly numbers and he returns all three receivers and his running back Jake Sharp to reduce the pressure on him.
Weakness - Pass Defense
The unit ranked 114th in the nation last season in pass defense. Thats a pretty horendous stat, but it is to be noted Kansas played the following quarterbacks: Grothe, Bradford, Harrell, McCoy, and Daniel. Grothe, Harrell, and Daniel are all gone (at least off the schedule) and several other teams are starting new quarterbacks this season in the Big 12 including Kansas State and Nebraska. Darrell Stuckey led the team with 5 picks last season and was second team All Big 12 last season and may be first team this season. Justin Thornton and Philip Strozier also return for the Jayhawks in the secondary and should be aided by the experience from last season. The numbers will improve for the Jayhawks with the easier schedule, especially in the passing categories but they need to prove they can at least give the offense a chance in the big games against teams like Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Key Game - 11/14/09 Nebraska
Without a doubt this is the big game for both teams. Nebraska and Missouri should be the clear favorites in the North. Nebraska gets the easier road in the schedule avoiding Texas, but the have a dangerous game versus Baylor, who could surprise people this season and make a similar, but lesser impact of the way Oklahoma State did last season behind Robert Griffen. Even if the two teams only lose to Texas and Oklahoma, the tiebreaker would be this game for the trip to the Championship. The difference in this division and game may ultimately come down to QB and in the preseason Kansas has the clear advantage.
Key Player - Todd Reesing
There are a bunch of players more important to the team's success this season, but the play of Reesing will be impactful particulary in the big games. Reesing fell a little more under the radar last season but still had very good stats. Kansas was 2-2 last season in games decided by 10 or fewer points and this is where quarterback play could dictate a game, especially in a league dominated by shootouts. Reesing may have a new line, but he returns his receivers and his running back and should be comfortable on his options. Reesing has the chance to take the road of Graham Harrell or the road of Chase Daniel. All three had have big time receivers (Briscoe, Maclin, and Crabtree), but Harrell stepped up while Daniel fell back. Kansas won't have the best defense, but it should be improved from last season and allow Kansas to at least have a chance to win games.
Impact Freshman - Prinz Kande
Predicted Big 12 finish - 1st (North)
Top 5 Players
1. WR Dezmon Briscoe
2. QB Todd Reesing
3. SS Darrell Stuckey
4. DE Jake Laptad
5. WR/QB Kerry Meier
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