KANSAS OFFENSE

The Kansas offense was dreadful last year, ranking 117th in the S&P rating. Despite losing projected starting QB Michael Cummings to a knee injury in the spring game, and despite every single experienced receiver from 2014 either graduating or leaving, expect this offense to look slightly better in 2015.

A lot of the Jayhawks’ offensive issues in the past few years were due to Charlie Weis’ inability to put together an offense that could succeed at the college level. Shortly after Weis was dismissed and the offense moved to a pass-oriented spread attack, they were finally able to make some progress.

With a full off-season to implement the air raid, and with a coordinator who understands the importance of creativity when dealing with a depleted roster, the offense should look a little better in 2015.

KANSAS DEFENSE

The defense will simply have to take a step back in 2015. Kansas lost two NFL draft picks at the cornerback position, and both starting safeties moved on as well. Throw in the graduation of all-Big 12 linebacker Ben Heeney (NFL 5th round), front line anchor Keon Stowers, and pass rushing specialist Michael Reynolds, and you have one depleted defense.

Defensive coordinator Clint Bowen has brought in some transfers to shore things up, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see even more when fall camp starts. Still, this defense, which was average last year, will struggle at times as they deal with depth and experience concerns.

BUY OR SELL?

In terms of wins and losses, you have to sell on Kansas football in 2015. That’s not a critique on new head coach David Beaty or the overall direction of the program. It’s just reality.

Charlie Weis’ plan of recruiting 20+ juco transfers two years ago backfired badly, and left the roster so depleted that all available scholarships couldn’t be filled in a single recruiting cycle due to NCAA guidelines. The Jayhawks return only a handful of starters from a team that went just 3-9 last year, so expecting anything big in year one of Beaty’s career would be unrealistic.

I’m going to predict a 2-10 season in 2015. But honestly, this season will be judged less on wins and losses, and more on whether signs of progress and development can be seen on the field.

David of Rock Chalk Talk provided the information for our Kansas Football 2015 Spring recap. For more Kansas football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow David on Twitter @rockchalktalk.