I'm probably getting way ahead of myself here, but...
I'll first answer my own question: probably not. However, in looking at their next few games, I see something very interesting. It is very likely that 3 of their next 4 opponents COULD be undefeated when KU plays them.
This week: Duke (3-0).
10/1: Iowa State (3-0; plays Baylor at home this week).
10/8: TCU (2-0; plays SMU this week, OU 10/1).
10/15: OU (3-0; has 4 straight weeks of KState, TCU, t.u., and KU -- not an enviable stretch of games).
Let's say for the sake of argument that KU wins all these games, including over a then-undefeated OU team. Where do you put them in the poll? I'd say top 5 for sure. Dog the Big 12 all you like but based on this year's results so far, that is a decent SOS right there.
So what happens after that? They have to go to Waco, Lubbock, and Manhattan. They have t.u. and OkSt at home. Even a loss in that group shouldn't hurt them. Once they're top 5, they'll be in the playoff discussion and someone will have to knock them out of that position. The thing is, that if OU can make the playoffs by winning the Big 12, even with a loss, can Kansas?
Probable? No, but interesting to think about.
I'll first answer my own question: probably not. However, in looking at their next few games, I see something very interesting. It is very likely that 3 of their next 4 opponents COULD be undefeated when KU plays them.
This week: Duke (3-0).
10/1: Iowa State (3-0; plays Baylor at home this week).
10/8: TCU (2-0; plays SMU this week, OU 10/1).
10/15: OU (3-0; has 4 straight weeks of KState, TCU, t.u., and KU -- not an enviable stretch of games).
Let's say for the sake of argument that KU wins all these games, including over a then-undefeated OU team. Where do you put them in the poll? I'd say top 5 for sure. Dog the Big 12 all you like but based on this year's results so far, that is a decent SOS right there.
So what happens after that? They have to go to Waco, Lubbock, and Manhattan. They have t.u. and OkSt at home. Even a loss in that group shouldn't hurt them. Once they're top 5, they'll be in the playoff discussion and someone will have to knock them out of that position. The thing is, that if OU can make the playoffs by winning the Big 12, even with a loss, can Kansas?
Probable? No, but interesting to think about.