For the first season in a LONG time, all 3 local D1 college football teams (Kansas, Missouri, Kansas State) are competitive again. With rosters and coaching being what it is for these teams, one has to wonder which team will perform the best? Which one will shock the world? Which one will underwhelm? For this week's burning question, I want to know your thoughts in regard to ALL of these questions. I'll give a short summary of each program and link my full in-depth summaries to each subsection. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and on social media!
Kansas (Full Preview)
Kansas is coming off their best year in over a decade. Years of ineptitude are seemingly coming to an end after the advent of star quarterback Jalon Daniels, head coach Lance Leipold, and athletic director Travis Goff. A 6-7 record from last year may not seem like much, but after years of 1,2, even zero-win seasons, it's a welcome sight for the Jayhawk faithful. The Jayhawks look like they will be improving on that record as well, as they return a whopping 91% of their production from last year, the highest in NCAA Division I football this year. With a chip on their shoulder and something to prove, expect this team to come out firing. One of the best offenses in the country from last year has a chance to become even better and this defense will have something to prove after being labeled the weakest link. If everyone stays healthy and Kansas can prove they're here to stay, be on the lookout for a new Big 12 juggernaut program and a dark horse Big 12 title run...
Kansas State (Full Preview)
The Wildcats will look to defend their Big 12 title this year with what should be hard-nosed, physical ball that we've become accustomed to with this team. With an experienced defensive front seven as well as a stellar offensive line, teams will have trouble getting anything started offensively and stopping a backfield to be reckoned with. Top that with a quarterback looking prove last year was no fluke with Will Howard, and you've got one of the most complete teams in the Big 12. They could potentially struggle defending the pass, but with Kobe Savage back there mentoring the young secondary that could improve throughout the season. Expect this team to finish in the Top 3 of the Big 12 and give Texas a run for their money.
Missouri (Full Preview)
This is a potential do or die year for head coach Eli Drinkwitz, though he may have bought himself a little more time after the Williams Nwaneri commit. Drinkwitz has the talent to potentially make a run at the SEC East. Luther Burden and Mookie Cooper make up an excellent wide receiver duo, however the big question for Missouri is who exactly will throw to this pair? Brady Cook underwhelmed last year and Sam Horn has played exactly 1 series for the Tigers so far. This is the biggest problem facing the Tigers this year, and if they can't figure it out, it could mean a season in jeopardy. This being said, the Tigers' strength is their defense, specifically their linebacking corps. Lots of returning production and production that's held some of the SEC's best offenses to only a few points. If Mizzou can find their QB and their defense can continue their success, the Tigers will make a case for the SEC East. If not, Drinkwitz may be packing his bags sooner rather than later.
Again, let me know your thoughts in the comments below or on social media. This is exciting times for the KC Metro with respect to college football. We'll just have to sit back and see how these programs perform, but for the first time in a while there's legitimate expectations. The air is sweet, and football is finally here, the world rejoices.
Burn Notice: 10/10 Burning questions!!!!
Okay, I know I am biased here, but I think KU will have the best chance to go far this season because of the returning players and the already-made chemistry with the team. Can everyone stay healthy through the season? Only time will tell. If they can't, then my next best bet would be K-State if they have similar team chemistry as last year.