...some of the hand wringing and melodramatics today is a bit over the top. I'm frustrated today too, particularly by the offense of course. But how traumatized should we be over finally dropping a game after winning 9 straight, beating the Utes, and climbing into the top 10?

Regarding Kalani and his ceiling--some counterpoints and questions (I mean the questions sincerely. If you have answers, fire away):

--We weren't supposed to get close to our current win total, and we have 3 more chances (at least) to exceed it some more. Losing after our improbable and rather amazing start to a talented Kansas team that is playing well right now doesn't signify our coach having peaked.

--He's in year 2 of having his best coaching staff by far. The YoY improvement has been rather impressive. Why then has he peaked?

--We've probably NEVER, with the possible exception of 2021, performed this well against a lineup of P5 schools. It's been precedent setting. How does losing to one of them at game 10 trigger a "reached his ceiling" discussion?

--We have done some AWFUL things regarding clock management and goal line play that are emblematic of deficiencies Kalani has that continue to manifest. The may not ever go away entirely. Doesn't mean they can't or won't get better. Also, while the awfulness in some specific regards has been at the top of the scale, other schools do dumb stuff. Even at elite programs.

--Kalani's recent accomplishments have come in the face of a dominant Utah program and without yet pulling in terrific recruiting classes. Both of these may in fact be changing. As one or both do, the ceiling should go up.

I'm gonna say "no." Ceiling approached at 9-1 but not necessarily reached. Even while our current record will be VERY difficult to exceed, as it will be for any Big12 team, I certainly believe Kalani can produce an even better team than the one we've seen thus far in 2024.