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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
CRYSTAL FOOTBALL
Kansas to see improvement on offense, defense
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Running back James Sims carries the ball against Texas Tech Oct. 1, 2011. Sims finished the game with 84 yards and a touchdown. Sims comes into the 2013 season 1,359 yards from breaking the team career rushing record held by June Henlev.
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1) THE DEFENSE IS GOING TO BE A LOT MORE COMPETITIVE AND WILL PUSH THE TEAM TO A FEW MORE WINS THAN EXPECTED
The Jayhawk defense failed to muster any pressure on the up-tempo, feverish offenses of the Big 12 in 2012 because of a lack of depth. This year, Kansas has depth with a plethora of physical bodies to go along with the eminent leadership of junior linebacker Ben Heeney and a blossoming secondary that features the most rawn-about Kansas defensive player, junior nickelback/cornerback Cassius Sendish. While the defense might not shut any teams down, it's going to cause some disruptions in the Big 12, which currently has one of its weakest quarterback classes in the last five years.
2) HEAPS IS GOING TO EXPERIENCE SOME GROWING PAINS AND THEN SOME
While the Big 12 is a passing conference, quarterbacks can struggle, especially with the spread offense and its intricacies. Even the more-than adequate West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith struggled. The quarterbacks that don't necessarily catch up to the fast game and struggle early on can mask the problems with the barrage of playmakers around them. Kansas has playmakers, but not any more than what the top half of the league will have. The team has wide receivers junior Justin McCay and senior Christian Matthews who are speed demons, but still haven't produced a sample size to ease any doubt. Junior quarterback Jake Heaps will certainly be an upgrade from last season's quarterback quarrel, but it's hard to believe he'll jump in there and make an immediate impact.
3) JAMES SIMS WILL BECOME KANSAS' ALL-TIME LEADING RUSHER THIS SEASON
Senior running back James Sims has worked extremely hard this offseason. Sims has shown he can carry the load game after game. He needs 1,359 yards to surpass June Henley on the all-time rushing list, which is just a little more than 300 yards short of the 1,013 he compiled last season in nine games.
In some out of reach games, look for Weis to pad his stats. With a bolstered offensive line, Sims will obtain the record by a slim margin.
KANSAS WILL LEAD THE BIG 12 IN RUSHING
white Kansas will be in the cellar passing the ball, rushing the ball is obviously going to be its forte. With added depth this year, the rushing attack will stretch its game even further. Also, an upgraded quarterback threat – at least at first – will only help matters, erasing a couple of defenders out the box and allowing more running room for the backfield, which wasn't the case last season.
5) EITHER BRANDON BOURBON OR TONY PIERSON WILL ECLIPSE THE 800-YARD MARK
The captivating addition to the offense was announced early on when Weis decided to move junior Tony Pierson to the flanker position, also known as the slot receiver. That was embellished by the fact that senior Brandon Bourbon, previously a running back, was added as the No. 2 flanker. While Heaps may experience some anguish from the gate, Pierson and Bourbon are going to be his security blankets. When Pierson and Bourbon run in space, they are an ensuing nightmare. They are Heaps best friends no matter what he tells you.
6) THIS DEFENSE IS FILLED WITH LEADERS
Whether anybody wants to believe it or not, intangibles matter in football and even more so in reference to the Kansas defense. With the new nickel-based system being implemented this season, leaders are imperative for a youthful defense. The defensive unit could blossom in leaps and bounds, and that all hinges on the leader of this defense. Defenders like junior lineman Maruel Combs, junior lineman Keon Stowers, Cassius Sendish, senior safety Dexton Linton and the incumbent Ben Heeney. For all the "Dream Team" aspirations to come to fruition, these defenders are the anchors to success and the rest are the guiding crew to the ship.
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7) WEIS WILL GIVE EVERYONE AT LEAST TWO NOTEWORTHY SOUND BITES
Once something emanates from coach Charlie Weis' candid mouth, you certainly will be able to tell. And with a team abundant with more personalities and storylines than last season, at the bare minimum, Weis will create two hashtag worthy moments for the season.
8) MEMORIAL STADIUM WILL BREAK THE 50,000 BARRIER ATTENDANCE MARK AT LEAST ONCE THIS SEASON
rernaps it will be the first game or the second, but Memorial Stadium has to be close-to-full for at least one game. Last year no game eclipsed the 50,000 mark in a disarray season, but every game but one passed the 40,000 mark. You have to think there is a glimmer of hope to spark the fans to fill Memorial once, which will probably be the Kansas State game, when you won't be able to discern if you're in Manhattan or Lawrence.
9) THE OFFENSIVE LINE IS GOING TO BE DEMONSTRABLY BETTER
Before sophomore Pearce Slater arrived in Lawrence, the offensive line was experienced, gifted and had guys that were ready to step into their role. Now that Slater - who offensive line coach Tim Grunhard said is one of the biggest guys he's ever coached - is on the depth chart and practicing, the offensive line is a group that has gelled well so far and has seen some major transformation. Including a well-documented, 75-pound weight shedder senior Aslam Sterling and junior Pat Lewandowksi playing at center for the first time, they've shown they can commit to their roles and be the unit that the offense needs to propel the team forward.
10) KANSAS WILL FINISH BETTER THAN LAST PLACE
For how quickly last season derailed and went up in flames, the vibe of this pack of players is different. With the fraternization of the "Dream Team" mantra, as cliche as it may sound to everyone, this demeanor is different than last season. Kansas has players that are truly invested into the program. Not saying that last season's players didn't, but this season's team seems to be more. This season's team is encouraging and has a huge influx of raw talent compared to the season before. I think Kansas can get a couple of low-scoring games to swing in their favor for four wins in the Big 12.
Edited by Dylan Lysen
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