What Is 1968 Kansas Jayhawks football team

Overview

The 1968 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas during the 1968 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Big 8 Conference, the team endured one of the most difficult seasons in program history, finishing with a winless 0-10 record.

Under the leadership of head coach Jack Mitchell, the Jayhawks struggled both offensively and defensively, failing to secure a single victory. The season marked a low point in the school's football history, both in terms of performance and morale.

• Record: The team finished with a 0-10 overall record, the first and only winless season in Kansas football history.
• Conference record: They went 0-7 in Big 8 Conference play, placing them in last place among the eight teams.
• Head coach: Jack Mitchell, in his seventh year as head coach, led the team through this challenging season.
• Scoring: The Jayhawks were outscored 285-100 over the course of the season, averaging just 10 points per game.
• Home stadium: All home games were played at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, which had a capacity of approximately 50,000.

Season Performance and Key Details

The 1968 season was marked by consistent struggles on both sides of the ball, with the Jayhawks failing to generate momentum in any game. Despite efforts to rebuild under Mitchell, the team lacked depth and consistency, resulting in a series of lopsided losses.

• Offensive struggles: The Jayhawks averaged only 10.0 points per game, the lowest in the Big 8 Conference, and failed to score more than 14 points in any contest.
• Defensive issues: They allowed an average of 28.5 points per game, including five games where opponents scored over 30 points.
• Season opener: Kansas lost to Washington State 28-10 in the first game, setting the tone for the year.
• Closest game: Their narrowest defeat was a 14-10 loss to Kansas State, the only game decided by fewer than 10 points.
• Rivalry game: The loss to Kansas State in the Sunflower Showdown was particularly disappointing for fans expecting a breakthrough.
• Final game: The season ended with a 38-7 defeat to Missouri, completing the winless record.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1968 season stands out in Kansas football history when compared to other notable years, particularly in terms of win-loss record and scoring differential.

The 1968 Jayhawks' 0-10 record remains the only winless season in program history. In contrast, the 2007 team achieved a 12-1 record and won the Orange Bowl, highlighting the dramatic swings in program performance over the decades. The scoring gap in 1968 was especially severe, with a point differential of -185, far worse than other losing seasons.

Why It Matters

While the 1968 season was a low point, it played a role in shaping future rebuilding efforts and coaching changes at Kansas. It serves as a historical benchmark for resilience and program development.

• The winless season led to increased scrutiny of the football program and coaching staff under Jack Mitchell.
• It highlighted the need for improved recruiting and player development in the Big 8 Conference.
• The struggles contributed to Mitchell's departure after the 1968 season, ending his seven-year tenure.
• It became a cautionary tale used in later years to motivate players and coaches during rebuilding phases.
• The season underscored the importance of competitive balance within college football programs.
• Memorial Stadium, despite the losses, remained a central part of Kansas athletics and tradition.

The 1968 Kansas Jayhawks season remains a significant chapter in the university's sports history, symbolizing both adversity and the potential for future growth.