I don't like to do record predictions, because like Mark Mangino, I think we should try to win them all. So, I offer the following 2008 Kansas football schedule with degree of difficulty per contest:
It didn't go well for the 1-11 Panthers last year in Lawrence. A nice tune-up.
The 5-7 Bulldogs from the WAC lost 44-45 to Hawaii last year. An appropriate upgrade in preparation for the roadie.
The word is that USF loses a lot of players (14 starters), but Matt Grothe will be back and this is an early season roadie. Either way, KU will learn a lot from this game.
The obligatory FCS game. The Bearkats were 7-4 last year with a 3-39 loss at OSU. It's Band Day!
We've won three in a row, but it is in Ames. We better be ready to play.
Colorado may be ready to join the discussion in 2008, but this one is in Lawrence. The Hawks have two-straight over CU.
At some point, Mangino will beat Stoops. I'm okay if we do it here, but I definitely want to get one this cycle.
This is in Lawrence, so this should be a win. However, we have really struggled to slow down the Leach offensive machine. Nice prep for the Mizzou game.
Who knows? So many JUCOS coming in -- if they pan out, KSU could be a challenge, but how often does that plan work? Even most 'Cat fans are skeptical. Still, this is a rivalry game. Should be an awesome atmosphere.
I believe there is discussion of another streak on this one. The challenge is that if Nebraska's defense becomes even mediocre and the offense retains just a little of the explosion from last year, Pelini really is set up to give the Huskers a bounce back year. No matter what, the Huskers will fight hard at home. Still, this is a big one on the list of "to dos."
Is it Senior Day or the 2004 Justice Game? BCS II? The Dollar Signs Bowl? This one's for Charles G. A lot of people say let it go, but this one ranks up there with the 1968 Orange Bowl 12th man debacle.
This one's all on Clint Bowen. The standard defensive game plan has failed two seasons in a row. We will score on these guys, but you've got to stop CD.