Editor’s Note: This post comes from our good buddy and JHT Contributor, @TheLachmanTest. Give him a follow on Twitter. Also, props to him for picking the KU-ISU game right. This editor didn’t get the post up in time.
First and foremost, thank you for reading. This also means you are one of few dozen fans still interested in KU football, and we all know this program can use all the support it can get.
Let’s start with a recap:
Clint Bowen has taken over for 4 games now, but has nothing to show for it in the WIN column. KU had a competitive second half vs West Virginia, almost pulled the upset against Okie State, battled Texas Tech all game long, before predictably becoming cannon fodder for Baylor’s homecoming.
Michael Cummings has been serviceable at QB. Unfortunately, “serviceable” is considered an upgrade compared to Montell Cozart’s performance. Bowen has now handed off the play calling duties to WRs coach Eric Kiesau, hoping for an additional spark for the offense. Defensively, KU has hung tough, especially given the amount of time that unit spends on the field. Ben Heeney is transforming into an All-American in front of our eyes.
Off the field, AD Sheahon Zenger has put together a committee to find the next head coach. I have one suggestion for Shay-Z: Get Drue Jennings on the committee. Who is Jennings? Only the interim AD who hired Bill Self. #justsaying
On to the games:
11/8/14 vs Iowa State: You could call this one the “The Pillow Fight by the Hill” or “The Battle to not be in the Cellar” or “The Big ‘Gino Bowl.” The 2 worst teams in the league face off Saturday, marking the return of Mark Mangino to Memorial Stadium. Will he treat it as a business trip, as he has proclaimed to the media, or will he exact his vengeance against his former employer? Statistically, both teams are terrible on both sides of the ball, with KU being slightly better on defense, and the Cyclones slightly better on offense. This is KU’s best chance for a win for the rest of the year, and I think they make a serious run at it. New OC Eric Kiesau gets the offense to produce just enough to “out-saw” ISU, while KU’s defense chips in a score. To seal the deal, The Ghost of Uncle Lew will magically appear in the stands, scaring #1 crybaby Melvin Weatherwax back into his shell (you know that guy is making this trip).
Chance of a KU win: 55%
11/15/14 vs TCU: KU has played TCU close over the last 2 years. That was before they picked up the air raid offense and started averaging 48 points a game. I think a lot will depend on what happens in the TCU/KState game this week. If TCU wins that one, they’re locked in and roll through KU on their way to a playoff berth. If they lose to KST, there’s a chance for a lethargic start. Throw in a cold forecast and Senior Day for Ben Heeney and Co., and it gives KU a fighting chance.
Chance of a KU win: 15%
11/22/14 at Oklahoma: The last time KU beat OU in Norman was in 1996. The top song on the Billboard 100 at the time was Macarena by Los Del Rio. Yikes. I have nothing here to buoy any hopes of an upset, as OU looks as dominant as ever. If it happens, this would be an historical upset win for Clint Bowen and his staff, and, well, I hope they all do the Macarena afterwards.
Chance of a KU win: 5%
11/29/14 at Kansas State: The Wildcats have a rough ending to their schedule with road games at TCU, West Virginia and Baylor. Sprinkled in there is the Sunflower Showdown. It’s well known that Coach Snyder puts a lot of emphasis on this game and it shows, as the ‘cats have won the last 5 games. As Kstate navigates their road schedule, will they get caught up looking ahead to Baylor with a possible league title and playoff spot on the line? There’s a fainting goat’s chance of it happening, as Snyder’s teams are well disciplined, rarely losing at home, especially on senior day. But if it does happen, how sweet of an ending would it be to another sub-par KU football season?
Chance of a KU win: 5%
Rock Chalk!
