The other major difference in the turnaround has been the rushing attack. Redshirt freshman Bryson Washington has gained 100+ yards in three of the last four games, including 196 against TCU. Washington has 10 rushing touchdowns on the season and 812 yards. He’s supported by Dawson Pendergrass, who has 504 yards and four touchdowns of his own.

After years in the wilderness, the Jayhawks could be looking at consecutive bowl games and potentially a date in Birmingham, Frisco, or even Phoenix for their second straight Guaranteed Rate Bowl. For now, though, the focus is simple: Beat Baylor, make history, and extend the season.

Kansas needs to win Saturday at Baylor, which has beaten the Jayhawks 13 consecutive times, to gain bowl eligibility. KU has never played in a bowl game in three consecutive seasons.

Saturday, noon ET (ESPN) BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas by 1 1/2. Series record: Baylor leads 18-4. What's at stake? After becoming the first team in FBS history with a losing record to win three consecutive games against ranked opponents,