0-3, on the way to 0-12

This year marked the first since the late 1980s that Kansas had lost all its non-conference games. It is astounding, because those teams of 1986-1988 were among the worst college football had seen. But some players made some moves in the last week.

Offense

Montell Cozart Cozart didn't start because of a 104-degree fever, but played anyway after Ford's injury. He passed with precision not seen in the first two games.
Deondre Ford A ligament sprain in the thumb will sideline Ford for at least this week.
Tyler Patrick I thought Patrick looked the best among the receivers available in the spring game. He's catching balls in game action now, getting open, and getting yards after catch. Patrick may have claimed a starting spot.

Defense

Defensive line Linemen continue to struggle in all phases of the game.
Schyler Miles Miles had his best game, but the Rutgers offense also suited his style. Miles will struggle more when the passing attacks launch.

Special teams

Eric Kahn Oof.

Offense
Montell Cozart		Cozart didn't start because of a 104-degree fever, but played anyway after Ford's injury. He passed with precision not seen in the first two games.
Deondre Ford		A ligament sprain in the thumb will sideline Ford for at least this week.
Tyler Patrick		I thought Patrick looked the best among the receivers available in the spring game. He's catching balls in game action now, getting open, and getting yards after catch. Patrick may have claimed a starting spot.
Defensive line		Linemen continue to struggle in all phases of the game.
Schyler Miles		Miles had his best game, but the Rutgers offense also suited his style. Miles will struggle more when the passing attacks launch.
Eric Kahn		Oof.

This week's game at Iowa State presents the Jayhawks with the last realistic chance of winning a game this season. If it doesn't happen this week, mark 0-12 in ink. While ISU is clearly the next-to-worst team in the Big 12, and hasn't scored more than 24 points so far, the game is in Ames, where K.U. has typically struggled. Traveling to Ames feels like traveling north of the Arctic Circle. The natural grass field seems icy, even when the weather dictates it should not be.

Iowa State, though not high-scoring, has an experienced quarterback and bigger receivers to impose will on our small defense. On defense, ISU generates a good pass rush, which is usually kryptonite for Kansas. The Jayhawks beat a depleted Cyclone team last year, but looked baffled and unprepared the previous two seasons. Because of the road game, and the way Kansas has been playing so far, I see no reason to expect David Beaty's first win.

Prediction: Iowa State 27, Kansas 6