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GAME DAY
AT A GLANCE
So begins the most important stretch of the Jayhawks schedule. Beginning with Kansas State tomorrow, Kansas plays three Big 12 North opponents in four games. Since losing to Colorado on Oct. 17, the Jayhawks have continued to emphasize the possibility of winning the North title. Now is the time when talk must turn into reality if that goal is to be reached.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Senior quarterback Todd Reesing Reesing's poor performance and subsequent benching have been well
punitized in the days following Kansas' 42-21 loss to Texas Tech. After the game Reesing said he was surprised at the decision, and he struggled to pinpoint the root of his failure.
Reesing
his recent performances. If Kansas is to defeat K-State on the road, Reesing must return to his playmaking form.
QUESTION MARKS
How will Reesing respond?
Throughout his career, Reesing has been at his best when he has something to prove. Remember the 2007 Orange Bowl season? That same scenario has unfolded this week. Reesing undoubtedly wants to prove that his last three games have simply been a fluke.
Will Kansas finally be able to run the ball effectively?
For a variety of reasons — poor blocking, injuries and early deficits — Kansas has struggled to consistently run the ball the past three games. A productive ground attack would certainly take some of the pressure off of Reasing. Can Kansas successfully run the ball against a tough K-State defense?
BY THE NUMBERS
2. 2 Average yards per carry for Kansas against Texas Tech
Fumbles by Kansas against Texas Tech
37 Yards Reesing needs to reach 10,000 career passing yards
52 Points Kansas scored against K-State last season
2005 The year in which Kansas last lost to K-State
OFFENSE
The last three games certainly haven't been
pretty — or successful — for Kansas' offense. The Jayhawks have simply struggled in every aspect of the offense, from wide receivers to senior quarterback Todd Reesing to the offensive line. Reesing has struggled heavily in his last three games — he has seven turnovers in that stretch
— but the blame is not his alone.
Reesing
Kansas' offense hasn't played well for an entire game since defeating Iowa State on Oct. 10.
DEFENSE
In a surprising twist from what was expected
before the season, the defense
- not the offense - kept Kansas in the game last week against Texas Tech. Senior defensive end Maxwell Onyegebule and junior defensive end Jake Laptad consistently created pressure, and the secondary did its part by blanketing Texas Tech's
capable receivers. For three and
Onyeqbule
a half quarters, the Jayhawks' defense turned in its best performance of the season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Junior punter Alonso Rojas' right leg was frequently used against Texas Tech: He punted eight times during the game. And he was certainly effective, averaging nearly 48 yards per punt while pinning two punts inside Texas Tech's 20-yard line. True, Rojas kept Texas Tech from starting a drive with good field position. But it's not a good sign that he was forced to make eight punts.
Rojas
COACHING
The offense hasn't been crisp in three
games. Reesing has struggled to deliver the ball to receivers and the running game has been less-than-average in that same stretch. Offensive coordinator Ed Warriner is usually creative with his
adjustments, and the Jayhawks could use a spark at this point in the season.
Warriner
At this point, it's nearly impossible to say that Kansas has even the slightest bit of momentum. Kansas has lost three consecutive games for the first time since 2006. Reeing was benched in the fourth quarter with his team trailing by just two scores. And the Jayhawks haven't played a complete game in nearly a month.
Jayson Jenks
MOMENTUM
JAYHAWKS STARTING LINEUP
Offense
Pos. Name Number Year
QB Todd Reesing 5 Sr.
RB Jake Sharp 1 Sr.
WR Dezmon Briscoe 80 Jr.
WR Kerry Meier 10 Sr.
WR Jonathan Wilson 81 Jr.
TE Tim Biere 86 So.
LT Tanner Hawkinson 72 Fr.
LG Brad Thorson 76 Jr.
C Jeremiah Hatch 77 So.
RG Sal Capra 59 Jr.
RT Jeff Spikes 74 So
P Alonso Rojas 18 Jr.
Defense
Pos. Name Number Year
DE Jeff Wheeler 84 Sr.
DT John Williams 71 Fr.
DT Caleb Blakesley 94 Sr.
DE Jake Laptad 91 Jr.
LB Justin Springer 45 Jr.
LB Drew Dudley 49 Jr.
LB Huldon Tharp 34 Fr.
CB D.J. Beshears 20 Fr.
SS Darrell Stuckey 25 Sr.
FS Lubbock Smith 13 Fr.
CB Chris Harris 16 Jr.
K Jacob Branstetter 14 Jr.
Big Jay will cheer i
Kansas' defensive line continues ing a heavy rotation, the defensi pressured Texas Tech's quarterback the Red Raiders' rushing attack f Stopping the run will be even m Daniel Thomas, K-State's talente
Baby Jay will weep
The Jayhawks allow the Wildcats in the game. Sure, that's an import game. But it's even more importa Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium rocking tomorrow afternoon. To a Kansas must take control of the g
Prediction Kansas 24, Kansas
THE WAVE NOVEMBER 6,2009
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN