The Kansas Jayhawks enter this weekend's game against New Mexico State as heavy favorites and, at 1-2 on the season, in a need-to-win position. KU has had their big win of the season against Georgia Tech so capitalizing on these other games -- ones they're supposed to win -- is a must.
SB Nation's Rock Chalk Talk has an excellent preview of New Mexico State and what the Jayhawks can expect. But more than anything, the Jayhawks have to win.
While last Friday was a fun test that taught us quite a bit about our team, this is simply a must-win. Hattiesburg taught us not to expect great things, or even marginally good things, in 2010, but a win here means we at least have our head on right and the win over Georgia Tech wasn't a total mirage. A loss, and the fan bases' mood goes back close to where it was following the North Dakota State loss and the season becomes mostly a lost cause. A win, and hey, a bowl game isn't out of the question.
I'm not sure it's fair to label it a "must-win" but in college football they'll all must-wins. The Jayhawks can still hope for a bowl game, as Rock Chalk Talk suggests, so doing the little things right -- like beating NMSU -- is necessary.
Check out the full preview of KU vs. NMSU at Rock Chalk Talk.