Kansas began Week 5 atop the AP Poll, basking in early-season dominance. But by Week 6, the Jayhawks’ perch at the summit crumbled. A shocking loss to Creighton, spurred by Pop Richards’ late-game heroics, exposed cracks in Kansas’ armor. Days later, a relentless Missouri Tigers team exploited those weaknesses, dealing Bill Self’s squad a second consecutive defeat. The chatter about Kansas potentially dodging a matchup against UConn morphed into serious concerns about its NCAA title hopes. Could this herald a deeper crisis?

Speaking on Field of 68: After Dark, analyst Rob Dauster asked the uncomfortable question, “Is Kansas cooked?” When pressed for specifics, Dauster emphasized, “The number one team in the country loses two games in a week to unranked opponents? How? How? Worried should you be about them?” He added, “You go back, you watch that Missouri game. Look how much space they have in the paint. Missouri is just saying, ‘I don’t give a shit about that shooter.’ What are you gonna do? There’s no space. I think it’s officially a concern for me.”

The numbers support Dauster’s concerns. While both teams struggled from beyond the arc, Kansas’ inefficiency at the free-throw line was glaring. The Jayhawks managed just 9-of-11 attempts, compared to Missouri’s massive 26-of-31 performance. This disparity is even more baffling given Kansas’ dominance on the boards, out-rebounding the Tigers 40-29. Yet, as Dauster pointed out, the game was settled in the paint and at the charity stripe, where Missouri’s relentless aggression proved decisive.

John Fanta offered a tempered take but acknowledged similar issues in the podcast “They’re not cooked, but I am worried about them. They’re not a national championship team today. In fact, they’re far from it, and here’s why: they can’t shoot. Dajuan Harris the last two games is 11 for 35 from the floor… AJ Storr? Five for 20. Zeke Mayo? A magic act in Missouri yesterday—couldn’t find him. Their transfer class has not lived up to expectation.”

He also called out Kansas’ lack of elite rim protection, saying, “Hunter Dickinson’s an All-American player, but not an All-American defender. This is a team that is not a top-10 team right now. They’re not playing well.”

Turnovers and defensive lapses leave Self’s Kansas reeling to the Tiger’s offense

The numbers bear out these criticisms. In their 76-67 loss to Missouri, Kansas committed a staggering 22 turnovers—14 in the first half alone. Missouri capitalized with 23 points off turnovers and built a 24-point lead early in the second half. Despite a spirited 30-8 Kansas run that narrowed the gap late, the Tigers’ Tamar Bates sealed the win with a decisive layup and five steals. Missouri’s defensive intensity suffocated Kansas, exposing their inability to create space or convert under pressure.

Hunter Dickinson, Kansas’ marquee transfer, posted a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds but also had seven turnovers. His struggles epitomized the Jayhawks’ broader woes. While Kansas out- rebounded Missouri 40-29, their offensive inefficiency—highlighted by a mere 39.7% shooting from the field—nullified that advantage.

Missouri’s Mark Mitchell, who drained a clutch three-pointer to halt Kansas’ comeback, emphasized the Tigers’ confidence. “We knew if we stayed disciplined and pressured them, we’d get our opportunities,” he said post-game.

For Kansas, the road ahead is fraught with questions. Their largest lead against Missouri was a mere two points, compared to the Tigers’ 24-point advantage. Self must address his team’s lack of shooting consistency, reliance on Dickinson, and defensive lapses. With another tough matchup looming against North Carolina State, the Jayhawks are at a critical juncture.

Bill Self’s squads are known for resilience, but this year’s journey to the NCAA title feels more precarious than ever. Can Kansas regroup in time, or will mounting doubts define their season?