Tucson, AZ – Kansas travels to Arizona this Saturday wiht both teams vying for bowl eligibility, but a Kansas expert predicts a Wildcats victory. The Jayhawks are allowing over 29 points per game in Big 12 play, a significant concern heading into the matchup.
According to a Kansas insider, the team’s defense has struggled throughout the season, with limited radiant spots. “the defense has been a big problem this year, and it’s not improving,” the source stated.Edge rusher Bengally Kamara, safety Lyrik Walls, and linebacker Trey Lathan have shown promise, but the corners are frequently beaten and defending the middle of the field has been a consistent issue. The defense has also been vulnerable to long runs up the middle, though some adjustments have reportedly been made.
Head coach Lance Leipold’s tenure at Kansas is a subject of debate among fans. While he lifted the program from a prolonged period of poor performance, a 9-win season in 2023 has been followed by underwhelming results. “It’s really hard to summarize what the fans think of Leipold,” the insider explained. “There are fans who genuinely want him fired if Kansas doesn’t go bowling. Some are willing to give him another year but feel he should be on the hot seat.” The source added that recruiting challenges at Kansas create a natural ceiling for the program’s potential.
Despite the ongoing success of the Kansas basketball program – with a key game against North Carolina on Friday – football remains relevant, though concerns are growing about Leipold’s ability to consistently win.
The expert predicts Arizona will secure bowl eligibility with a 31-24 victory over Kansas, citing the Jayhawks’ defensive struggles and the challenge of winning on the road. ”I have a hard time seeing the jayhawks’ defense doing what it takes to win this game on the road,” the source said. “I think a higher scoring game is highly likely,but high-scoring games that come down to doing the little things right have not been games where Kansas succeeds in the last two years.”
