Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Kansas must be on upset alert heading into Colorado this weekend after its performance against Iowa State.
Yes, Todd Reesing posted incredible numbers again last weekend. Throwing for 442 yards is hardly a statistic one can frown upon. But watching the game told a different story. On Kansas’ second-to-last drive of Saturday’s seesaw battle, two of Reesing’s passes hit the dirt on a drive that could have sealed the game against Iowa State. Instead, as Iowa State threw one last pass to the end zone, thousands of freezing faces in the crowd were stuck in mirror images of Macaulay Culkin from “Home Alone.” One of Reesing’s errant passes came on third down, with only two yards to gain. Reesing threw a pass to wide receiver Jonathan Wilson that hit the ground before reaching Wilson’s hands. That type of throw can be the difference between victory or defeat in the Big 12, especially when traveling to Colorado, a place that feeds off of opponents’ little mistakes.
There’s something in the air, or lack of air, at Colorado’s Folsom Field that causes trouble for opposing teams. The high altitude at the stadium, the surrounding jagged mountains and the close proximity of the student section to the field can intimidate visiting teams. Colorado has been able to pull off big upsets in years past, even when its record is less than respectable.
In 2007 the Buffaloes beat the No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners 27-24 in a season when they only won six out of 13 games. Last year, Colorado beat No. 21 West Virginia at home 17-14 but finished the year with a record of 5-7. The Buffaloes have a knack for somehow pulling off victories in their home environment, and the Jayhawks must do everything they can to prevent that.
Colorado’s offense, which has struggled all year, has the opportunity to gain confidence against a Kansas defense that showed some uninspired play against Iowa State. If Kansas can stop Colorado early, take the fans out of the game and force the Buffaloes to rely on their passing attack, the Jayhawks will have a good chance to win.
Evidence of this came last week when Colorado led at halftime against the No. 2 Texas Longhorns IN Texas. Colorado, helped by some lucky plays, gained confidence in the first half and looked as if it might be able to pull off the impossible. But Texas, playing in front of a home crowd, came back in the second half.
Colorado will be starting a new quarterback against Kansas on Saturday. Tyler Hansen, who will replace Cody Hawkins, will pose a double threat to the Kansas defense with his ability to scramble as well as pass. Corralling Hansen and throwing him off rhythm will be the key to keeping Colorado off the scoreboard and out of Kansas’ way to the Big 12 North title.
— Edited by Nick Gerik
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