At a glance: Kansas falls to Texas Tech

The Jayhawks struggled offensively against the Red Raiders

By Jayson Jenks

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Lubbock, Texas — Quarter by quarter analysis:

First quarter: Kansas’ offense didn’t do much of anything against Texas Tech. But it’s hard to argue with the first quarter performance. The defense forced three punts and scored a touchdown on Tech’s other offensive possession. In a surprising twist from what was expecting entering this season, the Jayhawks’ defense were the best unit on the field.

Second quarter: It wasn’t pretty but Kansas’ defense once again came to the rescue. Jake Laptad forced a fumble which Lubbock Smith returned the ball to the Texas Tech’s two-yard line. Kansas easily could have held a lead, but the Jayhawks couldn’t complain too much with a 14-14 halftime score.

Third quarter: Todd Reesing hadn’t played well – at all. But in the final seconds of the third quarter Reesing was nearly dragged to the turf before firing a pass to a wide-open Dezmon Briscoe for a six-yard touchdown. The defense continued to stifle Texas Tech. All in all, a good quarter for Kansas.

Fourth quarter: Ugly. Really ugly. Kansas couldn’t must anything on offense. Todd Reesing was benched for freshman backup Kale Pick. And a fatigued defense allowed Texas Tech to score four touchdowns. Things unraveled quickly for the Jayhawks in this one.

Trends:

  1. The defense is vastly improved from the disaster against Iowa State earlier in the season. The Jayhawks held in-check Texas Tech’s highly-capable offense, and they did so with a solid pass rush and good coverage down the field.
  2. Offensive line struggles again. After the game coach Mark Mangino said the offensive line has regressed in the last few weeks. That’s not a good sign for the Jayhawks.
  3. Defense continuing to improve. Kansas’ defense played three very good quarters. The unit just looked tired in the fourth. Still, it was a good outing.

It was over when…Todd Reesing fumbled on fourth and one, Toben Opurum couldn’t pick the ball up and Texas Tech’s LaRon Moore scooped it up for a 30-yard touchdown return. That gave Texas Tech a 35-21 and sent Reesing to the bench.

Key stat: Four. That was the number of fumbles Kansas coughed up and it was also the number of fourth-quarter touchdowns scored by Texas Tech. Yikes.

Stadium view: Texas Tech expanded its stadium with six additional sections. Unfortunately, the vast majority of those seats remained empty. A week after losing a disappointing game to Texas A&M, Texas Tech’s fans sure didn’t turn out very well on a beautifully sunny afternoon.

How they scored:

First Quarter:

KU: 8:13, Max Onyegbule returns fumble 3 yards for a touchdown. Jacob Branstetter kick. Kansas 7, Texas Tech 0.

Second Quarter:

TT: 14:22, Seth Doege completes 61-yard touchdown pass to Detron Lewis. Matt Williams kick. Kansas 7, Texas Tech 7.

TT: 3:05, Baron Batch 2-yard touchdown run. Williams kick. Texas Tech 14, Kansas 7.

KU: 0:47, Toben Opurum 2-yard touchdown run. Branstetter kick. Texas Tech 14, Kansas 14.

Third Quarter:

KU: 0:05, Todd Reesing 6-yard touchdown pass to Dezmon Briscoe. Branstetter kick. Kansas 21, Texas Tech 14.

Fourth Quarter:

TT: 11:06, Batch 1-yard touchdown run. Williams kick. Kansas 21, Texas Tech 21.

TT: 8:49, Batch 17-yard touchdown run. Williams kick. Texas Tech 28, Kansas 21.

TT: 7:05, LaRon Moore 30-yard fumble return. Williams kick. Texas Tech 35, Kansas 21.

TT: 2:05, Batch 11-yard run. Williams kick. Texas Tech 42, Kansas 21.

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