Kansas Gameday

By Jayson Jenks

Thursday, October 29, 2009

photo

Photo by Jerry Wang

Senior quarterback Todd Reesing rushes up-field away from an Oklahoma defender. Reesing rushed for a total of 38 yards during the 35-13 loss to Oklahoma.

Offense

Kansas struggled against Colorado two weeks ago, and that seemed surprising to most. Then the Jayhawks had an encore performance against the Sooners last Saturday. Suddenly Kansas’ sure-thing offense isn’t looking quite so sure. The worst part? Senior quarterback Todd Reesing has five turnovers in his last two games. The Jayhawks need to click from their opening snap tomorrow.

Defense

Kansas’ defense has been criticized and the focus of plenty of worrisome conversation so far this season. But in its last two games, the unit has played well enough to give the Jayhawks a legitimate chance of winning the game. The difference? Young starters such as freshmen Lubbock Smith, D.J. Beshears and John Williams.

Special teams

Junior kicker Jacob Branstetter booted two field goals to cut Oklahoma’s halftime lead to 14-6 last Saturday, including a career-best 57-yarder as time expired in the second quarter. Still, the return games have yet to significantly impact a game. Against Oklahoma, freshman Bradley McDougald replaced junior Dezmon Briscoe after Briscoe was smacked by two defenders on a kick return.

Coaching

Kansas enters tomorrow’s game with plenty of questions: Will the offense finally click from the first snap? Can the defense slow Texas Tech’s pass attack? Offensive coordinator Ed Warriner said Tuesday that it’s his job to get the offense in gear early. That must happen to give Kansas a chance against Texas Tech.

Momentum

Well, at this point, neither Kansas nor Texas Tech seems to be riding waves of momentum into Saturday’s game. Kansas has suffered two consecutive losses. Texas Tech dropped a disappointing game to Texas A&M. Call it a toss-up.

AT A GLANCE

Kansas is 5-2, and is now just 1-2 in the Big 12. Luckily for the Jayhawks, nearly every other team in the conference has faltered already this season, too. Kansas has lost two consecutive games and can’t afford to keep slipping in the Big 12 North standings.

photo

Photo by Jerry Wang

Freshman running back Toben Opurum prepares to fight off an Oklahoma defender during the first quarter. Opurum led the team in rushing with 62 yards.

Player to watch

Freshman running back Toben Opurum

With senior running back Jake Sharp still at less than 100 percent, Opurum should continue seeing more carries this week against Texas Tech. And he’ll play a significant part in the outcome. Controlling the clock — and possessing a balanced offense — is always important. Facing an offense such as the Red Raiders’ only adds to the need for a successful run game.

Question marks

Will the young secondary hold up?

There aren’t many teams that challenge a secondary quite like Texas Tech does. Even with an uncertain situation at quarterback, the Red Raiders are capable of putting up big offensive numbers. It will be a true trial-by-fire test for Kansas’ secondary.

Will senior Todd Reesing come out firing?

Reesing tossed three interceptions in the first half against Oklahoma, including one that was returned 85 yards for a touchdown. He has never shied away from the home-run play. Will he continue to carry that mentality with him?

By the numbers

3

Number of quarterbacks that have played for Texas Tech this season

4

Kansas freshmen who started against Oklahoma on defense

63

Points Texas Tech scored against Kansas last season

321

Rushing yards by Texas A&M against Texas Tech last week

2006

Last year in which Kansas lost three consecutive games

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