Kansas Jayhawks
2012 Overall Rank: #68
#9 Big 12 Conference 
Kansas Team Page
Kansas has had a rough string of losing seasons, but is working on turning it around. They made a coaching move, letting go of Turner Gill and hiring a former standout, NFL caliber coach, Charlie Weis. The Jayhawks look to be a transformed team from 2011 to 2012, greatly improving in all areas of the game as their young players are starting to mature, but the Big 12 is a powerful conference so the competition will be stiff.
2011 Record: (2-10, 0-9)
2011 Bowl: None
Coach: Charlie Weis (0-0 at Kansas, 35-27 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Campo
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: James Sims, RB, 747 yards
Passing: None
Receiving: D.J. Beshears, WR, 437 yards
Tackles: Bradley McDougald, LB, 68
Sacks: Toben Opurum, DL, 4
Interceptions: Bradley McDougald, LB, 2
Other Key Returnees: RB Tony Pierson, DB Greg Brown, K Ron Doherty
Key Losses: LB Steven Johnson, QB Jordan Webb
Strengths:
The Jayhawks were trounced a season ago but they are returning many starters so the future is brighter. They also have an offensive juggernaut in Charlie Weis as their new Head Coach. Kansas already has a dangerous running attack, ranking 57th in the nation in rushing yards per game. That attack should continue to improve this season. Furthermore, quarterback Dayne Crist has been reunited with Coach Weis, who recruited him at Notre Dame. The 6-4 senior is the best passer KU has seen in a while and, paired with many returning weapons, should make the Jayhawks offense a dangerous one. They will need to score a lot of points as their defense, although it will be improved, will still be abused by many of the top offenses in their conference.
Weaknesses:
The Jayhawks defense leaves much to be desired. Although they are returning many key players, they lost their leading tackler, so they will be relying on Bradley McDougald to take charge of the linebacking corps and keep the defense intact. This defense was miserable a season ago, surrendering a nation worst 43.75 points per game. This number will clearly need to be improved if Kansas has any chance of winning a conference game or more than two games this season. They offered no resistance, allowing 516 yards of total offense per contest. The Jayhawks are hoping that the maturity of many young players will improve this defense in 2012.
The Bottom Line:
The Jayhawks defense cannot be any worse than it was a season ago but Kansas knows they need to improve their defense drastically to compete in the Big 12. Coach Weis has his work cut out for him. Kansas will still struggle in 2012, but should be a much improved team with the experienced arm of Crist and the offensive magic of Coach Weis adding to the potent offenses in the Big 12.
Projected Bowl: None
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 159.42 (57th in the nation, 8th in conference)
Passing Offense: 167.42 (101st, 9th)
Total Offense: 326.83 (106th, 10th)
Scoring Offense: 22.33 (95th, 10th)
Rushing Defense: 239.08 (117th, 9th)
Pass Defense: 277.33 (110th, 9th)
Total Defense: 516.42 (120th, 10th)
Scoring Defense: 43.75 (120th, 10th)
Turnover Margin: -.42 (91st, 8th)
Sacks: .83 (116th, 10th)
Sacks Allowed: 2.58 (96th, 9th)
