Kansas

Offense

Heading into the season opener, Kansas’ offense remains a mystery. New offensive coordinator Ed Warinner installed a new system this offseason, coach Mark Mangino recently named a new starting quarterback and the offensive line underwent a major makeover during the summer. Mangino said Kansas would set up its running game by establishing the passing game. If that is the Jayhawks’ game plan, quite a bit of pressure is riding on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Todd Reesing.

RATING: 3/5

Defense

This much is certain — Kansas is strong at defensive tackle and cornerback. Outside of those spots, youth and inexperience reign. Senior defensive tackle James McClinton and junior cornerback Aqib Talib are team captains and the cornerstones of the defense. If McClinton can apply pressure to the quarterback it will help true freshman cornerback Chris Harris stay out of trouble. The Jayhawks’ linebackers shuffled positions this offseason but juniors Mike Rivera and Joe Mortensen are impact players.

RATING: 4/5

Special Teams

Punter Kyle Tucker and kicker Scott Webb are not flashy, but they get the job done consistently. Tucker and Webb, both seniors, have played a vital role for the past three seasons and should be above average once more. Kick returns should be a strong point for the Jayhawks. Junior Marcus Herford was outstanding enough to warrant All-Big 12 Second Team honors last season, and thanks to an NCAA rule change moving kickoffs back, he’ll get more chances this season. Sophomore Raimond Pendleton and freshman Dezmon Briscoe are untested as punt returners.

RATING: 4/5

Momentum

Things did not end well for Kansas in 2006, but the team and coaching staff is optimistic — with good reason. An exciting new offense and feisty new starting quarterback have brought some life to a program that was nothing more than average in recent years. Reesing’s contagious confidence and vocal leadership could jump-start the Jayhawks. If Reesing’s encouragement is not loud enough, the Memorial Stadium crowd should help — Kansas has won its last 10 home non-conference games.

RATING: 3/5

Coaching

Head coach Mark Mangino has turned what was an absolutely atrocious program into one that should at least finish at .500 and could win eight games. The team’s rise to relevance has been slow and a bit painful at times, but Mangino has made obvious progress. Defensive coordinator Bill Young has proven he knows how to stop the run. This year — and especially this week — he needs to prove he can hinder the passing game. Offensive coordinator Ed Warinner brought a new offense that is bound to be more exciting than what Kansas fans saw last season.

RATING: 3/5

University of Central Mighican

Offense

Quarterback Dan LeFevour set Central Michigan records in passing yards, touchdown passes and total offense last year. That was when he was a freshman. LeFevour should be even better this season with the Chippewa’s leading rusher, junior Ontario Sneed, and leading receiver, sophomore Bryan Anderson, each returning. Central Michigan loses one of its most important players, though. Left tackle Joe Staley was dominant in college and was a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Without Staley, the offensive line is an area for concern.

RATING: 4/5

Defense

The Chippewas defense wasn’t exactly great last year, but it wasn’t terrible either. They allowed 341.6 yards per game and 22.3 points per game. The defense could be better this year with seven returning starters. Senior linebackers Red Keith and Ike Brown are the leaders and will be eager to send a message to Kansas running backs early in the game. The defensive line is a vulnerable unit as only one player, senior defensive tackle Steven Friend, has started an entire season.

RATING: 2/5

Special Teams

The Chippewas have a new kicker this year, sophomore junior college transfer Andrew Aguila. Aguila was a first-team All American at Compton junior college last season. Senior Tony Mikulec will handle the punting duties for the fourth straight year. Sophomore kick returner Eric Fraser is solid with 23 yards per return but lacks ideal speed and the ability to make spectacular plays that returners often posses. He will also be counted on as a punt returner for the first time.

RATING: 2/5

Momentum

There’s no question that Central Michigan wins in this category. The Chippewas are returning fresh off of a season in which they won the MAC Championship for the first time since 1995, won their first bowl game, and were led by a quarterback good enough to make this season’s Davey O’Brien Award watch list, a prize given to the nation’s top QB. Central Michigan believes it can play with anyone and will be looking to make a statement at Memorial Stadium Saturday.

RATING: 4/5

Coaching

West Virginia’s offense has been arguably the best in the nation during the past two years. Butch Jones was one of its assistant coaches in that span; the same Butch Jones that will be making his head coaching debut for Central Michigan in Lawrence Saturday. Jones has certainly tinkered with the offense just as he did the coaching staff. The Chippewas also have new offensive and defensive coordinators, which makes the Jayhawks unaware of what exact formations and plays will be thrown at them.

RATING: 3/5