Despite crushing loss, Jayhawks remain hopeful

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Olaitan Oguntodu seemed to be holding back tears of frustration after Thursday’s loss to Kansas State University. The 59-7 slaughter by the arch-rival Wildcats left Oguntodu’s voice shaking as he reflected on what might have gone so wrong.

“We can play the proper alignment, the proper assignment and play hard,” senior safety Oguntodu said. “I know we can do that, I believe we can do that and that’s what’s so disappointing. Having that anticipation that we’re going to get it together this game and not doing that, that’s disappointing.”

Oguntodu had only six tackles in a game where the defensive line allowed the Kansas State offense to gain 460 yards, 276 of which were rushing. After forcing a three-and-out on the Wildcats’ first drive of the night, the defense suffered an uphill battle for the remaining three quarters.

The Wildcats controlled the game with a well-balanced offensive combination of passing and running. For a majority of the game, the defensive lined up out of position, enabling them to miss key tackles. The team looked sluggish and stunned by the energy the Wildcats took the field with, despite having 12 days to rest and prepare.

“Everything we practiced they did, but they just executed and we didn’t,” junior linebacker Steven Johnson said. “I felt fine going into this game, I felt re-energized. Now we just got to maintain staying positive. I’m trying my best to stay positive right now, but it hurts.”

Coach Turner Gill seemed to agree that the coaching staff had used the extra five days efficiently, giving the team the knowledge it needed to at least present a challenge to the Wildcat offense. No matter how many hours of tape the Jayhawks watched or how hard they practiced, the fact remains that Wildcat senior quarterback Carson Coffman completed 15 of his attempted 16 passes, gaining 184 yards and completing two touchdowns — not to mention the 43 yards he gained rushing that led to three touchdowns.

“It was so huge on defense to make sure we tackled well and created turnovers, and we did neither,” Gill said.

Regardless of which side of the line is at fault, the Jayhawks have been outscored 114 to 14 in the past two games. The team worries that might have something to do with their inability to take what they learn in practice and transfer that to the field come game time.

“Our coaches make sure we know what to expect, it’s up to us to take on the challenge and play,” Oguntodu said. “I have to look into myself and play between the lines and when I do that and my teammates do that we’ll all play together. When players play together, this program is in good hands.”

— Edited by Michael Bednar

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