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Defense tops offense in unorthodox spring game
▶ MATT HOFFMANN
@MattHoffmannUDK
or a team that didn't care about the score.
there were certainly plenty of ways to put points on the board in the Kansas spring game.
A forced turnover was worth nine points; a first down was worth one point. And that's just the start of the list.
Just about the only normal part of the game was that a touchdown was worth six while a field goal was worth three.
"We weren't really concerned about the score," Kansas coach David Beaty said after the game.
Perhaps that was for the better, as the defensive side, the White team, defeated the offensive side, the Blue team, 49-42.
more. The Kansas defense forced four interceptions and two touch sacks.
The score was a mixture of forcing sacks, takeaways and three and outs, but the performance had much
"I'd say they won the day. They let up a couple more touchdowns than they're used to in our last scrimmage, and they came out fired up today," Beaty said.
The players agreed with that assessment.
"I just got hyped. All the people in the stands — it brings out my A game," sophomore cornerback Stephen Robinson said.
The thousand-plus people in the stands weren't in for a typical game.
both the first and second teams.
And it wasn't just the unique scoring method. The second half started with linemen from both the offensive and defensive lines fielding punts, while the rest of the team looked on.
No game clock was kept either. Instead, the team ran through different situations and sequences with
"It's a 'to each his own' kind of thing," Beaty said. "I got this idea from some of my old buddies and it allows us to work on certain situations."
Gracie Williams/KANSAN Wide reviever Steven Sims, jr. is tackled by linebacker Joe Dineen, jr. in Saturday's Kansas Football 2016 Spring Game.
I'd say they won the day. They let up a couple more touchdowns than they're used to in our last scrimmage, and they came out fired up today."
David Beaty head coach
While the game was mainly highlighted by the defense, the offense did score two touchdowns, both of which came through the air.
Steven Sims Jr. and transfer LaQuivonte Gonzalez hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions. Sims finished with 45 yards receiving while Gonzalez had 115.
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Willis was in uniform but did not play do to an ongoing wrist injury. Willis is
expected to compete for the starting quarterback role.
Another notable absence was that of senior running back Ke'aun Kinner, who is expected to start the season in the backfield.
on September 3 at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time is yet to be determined.
Kansas opens its season against Rhode Island (FCS)
Edited by..
Gracie Williams/KANSAN Kansas football coach David Beaty discusses a play with quarterback Montell Cozart during the Kansas football 2016 Spring Game on April 9.
KU football to hold open practice to view new team
► BRIAN MINI
@daftpunkpop
Kansas football welcomed fans to Memorial Stadium on Saturday for the annual spring game, but only a few days later, David Beaty and the Kansas Jayhawks will invite fans back for an open practice from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12.
The practice will only be open for students and the media and will feature a DJ, as well as opportunities for
fans to meet players and coaches, according to the KU Athletics press release.
Tuesday's practice will allow fans to become acclimated with some of the newer contributors to the team like junior transfer wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez and sophomore running back Taylor Martin.
These events will also give fans their first glimpses of new coaches, including running backs coach Tony Hull and defensive line
coach Michael Slater.
Offensive coordinator Rob Likens said this week he's feeling better about practices this season compared to last, but fans and media haven't yet been given a chance to take a look for themselves, as practices have been mostly closed to this point.
- Edited by Sam Davis
Is compromise a thing of the past?