CFB analyst predicts major Kansas football upset in showdown with top-10 BYU Can Kansas keep their season alive?
Sep 23, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws a pass in the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Sep 23, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws a pass in the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Kansas football supporters had been waiting for the team to perform cohesively, which finally happened last week with their upset over Iowa State. Although not ideal timing for the 3-6 Jayhawks, Lance Leipold’s team is now playing its best football of the 2024 season.
Many Kansas fans see this season as disappointing, and for good reason. They entered the season with College Football Playoff and Big 12 championship aspirations but now may not qualify for a bowl game. However, KU has shown they can challenge any opponent on any day and will put up a strong fight. This resilience led ESPN analyst Greg McElroy to predict Kansas will defeat No. 7 BYU at their home field tonight.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy calls for a major Kansas football upset “I’m taking Kansas. I think it’s just one of those spots that is terrible for BYU. I think they’ve been playing with fire. I think this is the type of offense that could burn them as long as Kansas doesn’t turn it over. So, if Kansas has zero turnovers, they win the game. But that’s a huge if given how many mistakes Kansas has made this season.”
Greg McElroy McElroy’s confidence seemed measured, noting Kansas could win if they avoid turnovers. Jayhawk fans are familiar with the error-prone offense under coordinator Jeff Grimes. Still, McElroy believes Kansas will secure an upset tonight.
Most college football fans agree Kansas is the strongest 3-6 team in the nation. With a +52 point differential and near-wins against Illinois, UNLV, West Virginia, Arizona State, and K-State, the Jayhawks could have been competing for a conference title if a few moments had gone their way. This makes their struggles all the more frustrating.
While BYU has had an impressive season, they’ve faced some tight situations. They nearly lost to a weak Baylor team, needed a late touchdown against a struggling Oklahoma State, and won with a last-minute field goal against Utah in a comeback. Their season contrasts sharply with KU’s.
Facing the undefeated Cougars in one of the most challenging environments in sports won’t be easy. This is undoubtedly the toughest matchup Leipold and his team will face this year. Yet, the Jayhawks have a chance to salvage their season with an unexpected upset in Provo.
dark. Next. Surprisingly, Kansas football has never faced these FBS teams. Surprisingly, Kansas football has never faced these FBS teams.