The Kansas Jayhawks had a great 2005 season winning 7 games, and toppling Houston in the Fort Worth Bowl under the guidance of head coach Mark Mangino. Not too long ago prior to head coach Mangino taking over the Jayhawk program in 2002, the Jayhawks were the Big 12 Conference's whipping boy. Not anymore.
Last year's team was driven by its defense that only allowed 22 PPG and a little of 300 YPG. The defense will not be as good this year with only three returning players, but the offense on the other hand should improve their 22 PPG averaged last year. Four quarterbacks saw action last year and it looks like Adam Barmann and Kerry Meier will compete to be the starting Jayhawks quarterback. Canadian running back Jon Cornish is back for his senior finale, and he is looking to become the first 1,000 yard rusher since 1997. The offensive line looks like the best it has ever been under Coach Mark Mangino and should unleash both the air attack and ground attack.
The defensive and secondary units both have starters coming back this year but the line backing unit loses its 3 best guys and best sack man. The defensive line's numbers are expected to drop but the coaching staff has done a great job recruiting so that should help. Special teams look great with 2 talented kickers in place kicker Scott Webb and punter Kyle Tucker.
Coach Mangino has taken this program two out of the four years he has been there. The schedule is much easier this year and the Jayhawks get to play three of the not so top teams from the South. Another bowl game might be in the cards for the Kansas Jayhawks as long as the defense can hold their own and the offense lives up to it's expectations.
