What Is 1987 Kansas Jayhawks football team

Overview

The 1987 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas in the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season. Competing in the Big 8 Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Glen Mason, who took over after the departure of Mike Gottfried.

The Jayhawks struggled to find consistency, finishing the season with a 4–7 overall record and a 2–5 mark in conference play. Despite the losing record, the season marked the beginning of a rebuilding phase under new leadership and laid the foundation for future improvements.

• First-year head coach Glen Mason took over the program in 1987, bringing a new offensive philosophy and emphasis on player development to replace departing Mike Gottfried.
• The team played its home games at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, a venue with a capacity of approximately 50,000 and a long-standing tradition in college football.
• Total points scored: 217, averaging 19.7 points per game, reflecting moderate offensive output compared to conference peers.
• Opponents scored 268 points against the Jayhawks, averaging 24.4 points per game, indicating defensive struggles throughout the season.
• One of the highlights was a 31–17 win over Iowa State, showcasing the team’s ability to dominate in select matchups despite an overall losing record.

Season Performance and Game Results

The 1987 season featured a mix of close losses and competitive performances, with the Jayhawks often within reach of victory. Several games were decided by a touchdown or less, underscoring the team’s potential despite inexperience.

• September 5, 1987: Opened the season with a 24–10 loss to Colorado State, setting a tone of early offensive inconsistency.
• September 12: Suffered a 24–10 defeat to No. 12 Oklahoma, highlighting the challenge of facing top-tier Big 8 competition.
• October 3: Secured a 24–14 win over Kansas State in the Sunflower Showdown, a key rivalry victory that energized the fanbase.
• October 24: Lost 31–24 to Missouri in a tightly contested matchup, demonstrating improved competitiveness in conference play.
• November 14: Concluded the regular season with a 31–24 loss to Iowa, finishing 4–7 and missing postseason play.
• Defensive standout: Linebacker Mike Davidson recorded 98 tackles, leading the team and showing promise for future seasons.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 1987 Kansas Jayhawks compared to other Big 8 teams in key statistical categories:

The table illustrates that Kansas ranked near the bottom of the Big 8 in both overall and conference records. While their scoring output was comparable to Missouri, their defense allowed more points than all but one team, revealing a need for improvement in stopping opponents.

Why It Matters

The 1987 season is significant as a transitional year for Kansas football, marking the start of Glen Mason’s tenure and a shift toward modernizing the program. Though the record was underwhelming, it provided valuable experience for young players and coaching staff.

• Glen Mason’s first season initiated a five-year rebuilding effort that eventually led to a bowl appearance in 1992.
• The team’s performance highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that led to increased focus on recruiting defensive talent in subsequent years.
• Competitive games against ranked teams showed resilience and hinted at future competitiveness within the Big 8.
• The season underscored the importance of quarterback development, as inconsistent play at the position limited offensive production.
• Despite no bowl bid, the year helped stabilize the program after coaching changes and declining performance in the mid-1980s.
• Memorial Stadium remained a key part of the fan experience, with average attendance around 45,000, reflecting strong local support despite the record.

The 1987 Kansas Jayhawks may not have achieved winning results, but the season played a crucial role in setting the stage for gradual improvement in the early 1990s, making it a foundational chapter in the program’s history.