Big 12 Preview: Kansas, Wildcard

Last season's biggest rags to riches story, Kansas is hoping to buck history and assemble another top 10 team. Hard enough to do in basketball, but nearly impossible in football. To heck with that though, they'll sure try but things get tougher with Oklahoma and Missouri both expected to be improve.

WHY THEY'LL WIN

Crafty quarterback Todd Reesing is back. Expectations are high but in a place like Kansas, the pressure isn't out of control. Last year taught them how to win consistently and a projected 15 starters are back. Lots of good indicators there.

More importantly, Kansas can run the ball (4.8 yards/carry last year) and stop the run (just 3.1 yards/carry). Three defensive line starters return, but bruising tailback Brandon McAnderson who was tremendous late last year, is gone. Jake Sharp has some nice bounce and totaled 800 yards of his own on the ground but he could use some help from a yet-unknown stablemate.

WHY THEY'LL LOSE

Because it's Kansas. The low pressure to win allows the guys to relax, but it can also be counterproductive if team leadership isn't loaded with self-starters.

The pass offense was amazing to watch at times last year, but it didn't hurt to have two capable runners of contrasting styles. Brandon McAnderson must be replaced to give Kansas that toughness on the ground any finesse passing team needs to get over the hump.

Star receiver Marcus Henry is also gone, although there are some decent replacements to be found there.

Complacency and lack of overall talent is probably the big thing working against Kansas here. Their scheme helps them compete and dominate particularly on offense, but guys have to remain sharp in running it and not lose focus now that they've had some success.

HOW TO BEAT THEM

Keep their offense in check. Easier said than done. A small handful of times, Kansas' offense was slowed down last year. Their defense met the challenge each time, particularly grinding down opponents' run game. It was uncanny.

In their lone defeat against Missouri, Kansas ran for just 42 yards (1.9 average), by far its lowest output of the season. Kansas still posted 28 points and lost 36-28.

Several foes did have their shots, though. Rival Kansas State lost on a late interception, 30-24. Colorado lost 19-14 and Texas A&M lost 19-11, all in the middle of the season. Kansas then went on another tear until the Missouri game.

PROGNOSIS

If last year is any indication, Kansas will be much better than people expect (again!). I don't know if another 12-1 season is in order unless they bottled last year's magic, but Kansas should be really good. They know how to stop the run and play defense which you wouldn't expect, and have nine starters returning on that side of the field.

The offense is dynamic and fun to watch as well, and there are high hopes for JUCO transfer back Jocques Crawford, listed at 6-1/230. They'll be scary good if he is anything like McAnderson.