Print edition: 
In 2007, the Kansas Jayhawks rode a soft schedule to a 12-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech.
In 2010, the schedule is favorable once again. Only this time, with a young team and a coaching staff still learning its personnel, making it to a bowl game at all should be viewed as a success.
KU's slate is the No. 1 reason that the Jayhawks could turn in a positive result on the field in Year 1 under Turner Gill. There are unknowns at every position on the field and in the coaches' booth, but what is clear is that Kansas should be able to hang around in a majority of its games.
Look at the schedule, and there are only two games — Georgia Tech and at Nebraska — that are likely losses. And even those two opponents don't inspire the fear of Oklahoma and Texas, which are off the menu for two seasons. There are two likely wins — North Dakota State and New Mexico State.
As for the other eight games, KU should at least be competitive. Wins could be had at Memorial Stadium against K-State, Colorado, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State, which, like KU, is rebuilding. The idea that the Jayhawks could steal a road win or two at Southern Mississippi, Baylor and Iowa State seems logical. And, certainly, anything can happen in the Border War against Missouri on the neutral field at Arrowhead Stadium.
The best-case scenario, then, is probably something like 8-4. The worst-case scenario is probably something like 4-8. Certainly, a lot of things will have to go right to get the Jayhawks to eight wins. Things like:
* Sophomore quarterback Kale Pick not making too many costly rookie mistakes and living up to his reputation of making plays with his feet.
* Sixth-year senior running back Angus Quigley not getting injured and rushing for 1,000 yards. KU does not have the depth at this position to afford losing Quigley.
* The offensive line, which currently is going without two-year starters Jeff Spikes (injury) and Jeremiah Hatch (performance), jelling with inexperienced guards Duane Zlatnik and Trevor Marrongelli.
* Senior defensive end Jake Laptad getting a partner on the other side from redshirt freshmen Tyrone Sellers and Kevin Young and senior Quintin Woods. Odds are, KU won't be strong up the middle.
* Starting linebackers Steven Johnson, Drew Dudley and Justin Springer staying healthy. There is no proven depth behind them.
* And, lastly, KU's secondary replacing the leadership of graduated players Darrell Stuckey and Justin Thornton.
Whew. That's a long list. But before getting intimidated, just remember: KU was picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 North in 2007 with a new quarterback named Todd Reesing under center. A friendly schedule can go a long way.
