Analysis, commentary of KU Jayhawks vs. Iowa State Cyclones

David Beaty, since his debut as a football coach in Kansas, has repeatedly preached a mantra: "Win him".

He used the hashtag in tweets and often mentioned it at press conferences. If KU players were to regain respectability, they should deserve it through hard work. And if the team was hoping to reinvigorate a disinterested fan base … well, it should do it by posting results on the ground.

So, if it's the end for the KU coach – if he's actually sacked this weekend, as some media reports on Saturday – Beaty probably had to look aside for only one reason main.

More than half of the 15,543 fans announced in KU's 27-3 defeat against Iowa State were wearing the colors of the opposing team. In short: even after a surprise win against TCU last week, KU had not managed, in the fourth year of Beaty, to arouse the enthusiasm of his supporters.

For a day, it hurt a lot, especially for someone like linebacker Joe Dineen.

"I do not feel as bad for myself as for some new students who are new to this field and who say to themselves:" Where does everyone win a big win? Dineen said, "It's frustrating because it was a home game for Iowa State, especially in the second half, it was a home game for Iowa State."

Dineen, a Lawrence native whose parents are both KU graduates, emphasized the post-game talks by thanking the KU fans for a cool November day.

That did not mean he was happy with what he had seen the first time he ran on the pitch before the match.

"A lot of empty seats," said Dineen, "and there was a lot of red and gold inside."

The situation only worsened in the second half, after KU fell behind 20 to 3, many Jayhawks fans left early.

"Sometimes we needed changes of momentum and things, it became very strong for them, and it was not for us," said Dineen. "It's what it is, somehow. You get used to it. But that's the reason why I feel sorry for some young men who are not used to it yet. "

Recent social media publications seem to indicate some underlying serenity. Last week, rookie cornerback Corione Harris referred to a tweet showing Nebraska football fans filling the stadium at every game. saying, "It makes a difference" with a sad-faced emoji. Friday night, rookie Pooka Williams makes a call for fans to appear on Twitter, saying, "You come to support tomorrow" with a crossed fingers symbol.

"We did not talk about it or anything like that," Dineen said after speaking with first-year players about home attendance. "Of course, I live upset, I see, from my first year to now, as at the end of the season, no one comes to the games. Which is just a little sad. "

Even though the KU players wanted to ignore the reality, Dineen said it was difficult.

"We know that Kansas fans are great. I know we're in basketball and that sort of thing, but it's the same people, "said Dineen. "It's just frustrating. I obviously know that if we could win more and things like that, they would be more proud and more able to come, but win a big win … it's a bit frustrating. "

And so, the attention will turn to the future of Beaty. By Saturday night, The Star could confirm that no changes have been announced to the coaching staff of the KU.

Beaty, who fell to 6-39 in his fourth season at KU, largely blamed KU's offensive troubles on Saturday. It was his third match as offensive coordinator after Doug Meacham's dismissal in mid-season.

"We could not put enough points on the board … it's falling on me," Beaty said. "It's unfortunate for our team. I should have done a better job. "

Sports Director Jeff Long was sitting in the back corner for the entire Beaty press conference after the match. KU Deputy Sports Director Jim Marchiony made the statement on behalf of the KU on Saturday night:As Jeff said, the evaluation of the football program began on September 1 and continues. "

KU, now 3-6 and 1-5 in the Big 12, will play a win match at Kansas State next week.

Attention could quickly move away from this situation, if Long decided to take his first decisive step as KU Athletics' line manager.

Jesse Newell

Jesse Newell covers the sports of the University of Kansas for The Star.