PAGE 8
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
KANSAS RESULTS 23-14
RICE
KANSAS
GLASS HALF FULL
While the offense struggled Saturday, the Jayhawks defense held Rice to fewer than 200 yards passing and held Trevor McHargue, the dual-threat Rice QB, to -3 yards rushing. The defense also came up big with two turnovers, both INT's by Isiah Johnson and Dexter McDonald. A&M gave up 21 points in just one half to the Owls last week and the Jayhawks yielded 17 over the course of the game, so a silver lining is sort of there.
GLASS HALF EMPTY
The offense was a little lethargic and then some. Besides a 77-yard catch and dash by Tony Pierson, the Jayhawks mustered just 193 total yards of offense. Heaps accuracy and poise just wasn't there as he was flushed out of the pocket and the disruption in the Rice defense caused Heaps to throw 2 INT's including one pick six. The offensive development just wasn't there and even the rushing attack, while piling up 100 yards, averaged a meager 2.9 yards per carry as Rice stacked the box throughout the game begging for Heaps to beat them. He didn't, finishing the night 13-for-28 total ing 157 yards passing with two picks and just one score.
This was a chance for Kansas to alter some thoughts around the program that they're heading in the right direction, but that was almost the polar opposite on Saturday. They had a chance to break the road losing streak and beat an above average opponent, but none of that happened as another disappointing Kansas road loss is in the books.
GOOD, BAD OR JUST PLAIN STUPID
While the offense certainly didn't amount to much, the defense really made a statement by showing that they have some talent returning and some new faces that can play. Ben Heeney was all over the field, and when he wasn't making tackles he was always near the ball. He finished the night with 15 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for a loss.
DELAY OF THE GAME
The game plan that Charlie Weis laid was rather weak and didn't seem to make much sense. Weis, who said last week he wanted to pound the ball, seemed like that's what he wanted the teams' identity to be. However, he went away from that on Saturday, only handing the ball off to James Sims, Darrian Miller and Tony Pierson a combined 22 times. Not a good showing for Weis, who clearly wanted to be an offense that sets up the run with the pass, instead of vice versa.
LOOKING AHEAD
Kansas now faces Louisiana Tech, who finished the season 9-3 last year. But now, without Sonny Dykes, the new coach Skip Holtz has gotten off to a rocky start already compiling two losses to NC State and Tulane. While Louisiana Tech may be worse than Rice, they are certainly no pushover, proving that with their record last year. It should make for a close one in Lawrence on Saturday.
FINAL THOUGHT
Did Kansas fans expect to beat Rice? No, probably not, but they at least expected a little more fire. The Kansas football program had a chance to take a step forward, but they failed to do that with some regretful coaching decisions and some sloppy QB play. They didn't take a step backwards however, as they were in the game most of the time, showcasing some good defense, but the offense certainly hasn't done much to inspire a whole lot of confidence so far this season. Once Big 12 play comes around, they better be more sensible and well-prepared, because it will only get harder from here.
MICHAEL STRICKLAND/KANSAN
Sophomore cornerback Brandon Hollomon attempts to block a catch by Rice. The Owls beat the Jahawks in Saturday's game.
MICHAEL STRICKLAND/KANSAN
Junior lineback Ben Heeney dives past Rice freshman Joe Ballard for a pass.
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