South Dakota @ Kansas preview

Charlie Weis tries to take his first step toward improvement when Kansas opens its season against visiting South Dakota on Saturday. The Jayhawks are coming off a dreadful 1-11 season in the first year of Weis' five-year contract. Starting quarterback Jake Heaps is one of a slew of junior college and FBS transfers expected to help boost the team’s record this season. Heaps transferred from Brigham Young in 2011 before sitting out last year.

The Coyotes are coming off a 10-7 victory over UC Davis in their season opener. Trevor Bouma, Jordan Roberts and quarterback Josh Vander Maten combined for 196 rushing yards on 43 carries while the South Dakota defense kept UC Davis off the scoreboard until the 3:50 mark of the fourth quarter.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: Kansas -23.5

ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA (1-0): Redshirt freshmen Bouma and Roberts paced the Coyotes' rush-heavy offense, tallying a game-high 95 yards and 66 yards, respectively. Vander Maten proved his ability to both throw and run, completing 9-of-17 passes while also running for 35 yards, including a 3-yard score. South Dakota held UC Davis to just 110 yards through the air.

ABOUT KANSAS (2012: 1-11, 0-9 Big 12): The Jayhawks' offense will still likely be led by senior running back James Sims, who rushed for 1,103 yards and nine touchdowns as an All-Big 12 selection last season. Playmaker Tony Pierson will also be highly involved after scampering for three 100-yard rushing games in 2012. The Kansas defense returns four starters, including star junior linebacker Ben Heeney, whose 112 tackles ranked second in the conference last year.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Kansas is 8-1 in season openers since 2004 and 69-47-7 all time.

2. The Jayhawks are 25-3 in non-conference home games since 2003.

3. Kansas’ secondary features four new starters in JaCorey Shepherd, Dexter McDonald, Isaiah Johnson and Dexter Linton.

PREDICTION: Kansas 35, South Dakota 17