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Kansas Game Day

By Jayson Jenks

Friday, November 6, 2009

Offense

The last three games certainly haven’t been pretty — or successful — for Kansas’ offense. The Jayhawks have simply struggled in every aspect of the offense, from wide receivers to senior quarterback Todd Reesing to the offensive line. Reesing has struggled heavily in his last three games — he has seven turnovers in that stretch — but the blame is not his alone. Kansas’ offense hasn’t played well for an entire game since defeating Iowa State on Oct. 10.

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Photo by Weston White

Junior receiver Johnathan Wilson stretches out for a ball that fell just through his fingertips Saturday afternoon against Texas Tech. Kansas lost 42-21.

Defense

In a surprising twist from what was expected before the season, the defense – not the offense – kept Kansas in the game last week against Texas Tech. Senior defensive end Maxwell Onyegbule and junior defensive end Jake Laptad consistently created pressure, and the secondary did its part by blanketing Texas Tech’s capable receivers. For three and a half quarters, the Jayhawks’ defense turned in its best performance of the season.

Special teams

Junior punter Alonso Rojas’ right leg was frequently used against Texas Tech: He punted eight times during the game. And he was certainly effective, averaging nearly 48 yards per punt while pinning two punts inside Texas Tech’s 20-yard line. True, Rojas kept Texas Tech from starting a drive with good field position. But it’s not a good sign that he was forced to make eight punts.

Coaching

The offense hasn’t been crisp in three games. Reesing has struggled to deliver the ball to receivers and the running game has been less-than-average in that same stretch. Offensive coordinator Ed Warriner is usually creative with his adjustments, and the Jayhawks could use a spark at this point in the season.

Momentum

At this point, it’s nearly impossible to say that Kansas has even the slightest bit of momentum. Kansas has lost three consecutive games for the first time since 2006. Reesing was benched in the fourth quarter with his team trailing by just two scores. And the Jayhawks haven’t played a complete game in nearly a month.

AT A GLANCE

So begins the most important stretch of the Jayhawks’ schedule. Beginning with Kansas State tomorrow, Kansas plays three Big 12 North opponents in four games. Since losing to Colorado on Oct. 17, the Jayhawks have continued to emphasize the possibility of winning the North title. Now is the time when talk must turn into reality if that goal is to be reached.

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Photo by Weston White

Senior running back Jake Sharp pushes off a Texas Tech safety for extra yards during Kansas' 42-21 loss. Kansas moved to 5-3 after the loss and will play Kansas State this Saturday in Manhattan.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Senior quarterback Todd Reesing

Reesing’s poor performance and subsequent benching have been well publicized in the days following Kansas’ 42-21 loss to Texas Tech. After the game Reesing said he was surprised at the decision, and he struggled to pinpoint the root of his recent performances. If Kansas is to defeat K-State on the road, Reesing must return to his playmaking form.

Will Kansas finally be able to run the ball effectively?

For a variety of reasons — poor blocking, injuries and early deficits — Kansas has struggled to consistently run the ball the past three games. A productive ground attack would certainly take some of the pressure off of Reesing. Can Kansas successfully run the ball against a tough K-State defense?

BY THE NUMBERS

2.2

Average yards per carry for Kansas against Texas Tech

4

Fumbles by Kansas against Texas Tech

37

Yards Reesing needs to reach 10,000 career passing yards

52

Points Kansas scored against K-State last season

2005

The year in which Kansas last lost to K-State

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