14 FEATURE
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16 GAME DAY
AT A GLANCE
Kansas has rolled through its first three nonconference games without much resistance, but that should change this week. At the very least, Southern Miss possesses a handful of big-play athletes that should challenge Kansas. It will be a nice final tuneup before Big 12 play starts.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Senior running back Jake Sharp
Sharp carried the
ball just five times against Duke, and he looked to be a step or two slower than normal. After the game, Mangino said that Sharp suffered an undisclosed injury.
Sharp
during a noncontact drill in practice during the week. If he plays on Saturday, watch to see if Sharp possesses his normal explosive speed.
QUESTION MARKS
How will Kansas' defensive line fare against Damion Fletcher?
Fletcher, Southern Miss' talented senior running back, has rushed for more than 4,500 yards in his career. He's one of the most productive players in the country and he'll be the best running back Kansas defense has faced so far. Will the defensive line keep him from having a big day?
Will fans still be in Memorial Stadium in the fourth quarter?
This question is more directed at the game's final outcome. Kansas hasn't played a close game this season, sending fans fleeing for the exits by the time the fourth quarter rolls around. Southern Miss, though, is talented and easily the best team on Kansas' non-conference schedule.
BY THE NUMBERS
Number of sacks Kansas has this season which ranks them second nationally
26 Number of sacks Kansas had last season which ranked them 43rd nationally
Number of consecutive non-conference home games Kansas has won
22
Percent of successful third down conversions Duke had against Kansas last week
53. 3 Percent of successful third down conversions Kansas has made this season
Kansas (3-0)
OFFENSE
Kansas leads the nation in total offense, averaging
357. 7 yard per game. Still, the Jayhawks haven't played a complete game this season, at least not according to players. Senior running back Jake Sharp carried the ball just five times against Duke last week because of an injury sustained in practice, and coach Mark Mangino says that Sharp is questionable to play against Southern Mississippi.
Sharp
That would definitely hamper Kansas' attack.
DEFENSE
Except for two scoring drives in which Duke moved
the ball relatively easy, Kansas defense turned in another excellent performance last Saturday. The unit never allowed Duke's two quarterbacks to become comfortable throwing the ball, leading to errant passes. Senior Maxwell Onyegebule returned an interception 48 yards for a touchdown while freshman linebacker Huldon Tharm made 1
linebacker Huldon Tharp made 10 tackles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sophomore cornerback Daymond
Patterson ranks
11th in the nation with 9.5 yards per punt return. Mangino says Patterson still has a little fine-tuning to do, but he has provided Kansas with solid field position and a big-play threat in the return game.
Patterson
COACHING
After Kansas' game against Duke
players say that opposing defenses are continually unveiling new formations and schemes on game days. While the Jayhawks have struggled early against the different looks, they've eventually settled into a
Warriner
groove and moved the ball. That's a credit to Mangino and offensive coordinator Ed Warriner for being flexible.
Kansas Athletics announced on Monday that the game against Southern Miss was already a sellout. That right there is an indicator that Kansas is rolling in momentum. The Jayhawks haven't played in a close game yet and both sides of the ball are playing well right now.
Jayson Jenks
MOMENTUM
JAYHAWKS STARTING LINEUP
Offense
Pos. Name Number Year
QB Todd Reesing 5 Sr.
RB Toben Opurum 35 Fr.
WR Dezmon Briscoe 80 Jr.
WR Kerry Meier 10 Sr.
WR Jonathan Wilson 81 Jr.
WR Bradley McDougald 24 Fr.
T Tanner Hawkinson 72 Fr.
G Brad Thorson 76 Jr.
C Jeremiah Hatch 77 So.
G Sal Capra 59 Jr.
T Jeff Spikes 74 So
P Alonso Rojas 18 Jr.
Defense
Pos. Name Number Year
DE Max Onyegbule 90 Sr.
DT Richard Johnson 97 So.
DT Caleb Blakesley 94 Sr.
DE Jake Laptad 91 Jr.
LB Drew Dudley 49 Jr.
LB Justin Springer 45 Jr.
CB Daymond Patterson 15 So.
S Darrell Stuckey 25 Sr.
S Justin Thornton 46 Sr.
S Phillip Strozier 26 Jr.
CB Chris Harris 16 Jr.
K Jacob Branstetter 14 Jr.
Big Jay will cheer if.
Kansas' secondary continues playir The unit has experienced position swaps already this year, but it's still contain opposing offenses. The Go talented quarterback, Austin Davis talented wide receiver, DeAndre Brent a good test.
Baby Jay will weep i
The Jayhawks continue dropping p dropped too many passes this season would-be touchdowns against Duk Mangino says it's a trend that has to against better teams.
Prediction Kansas 38,Southern
THE WAVE SEPTEMBER 25,2009
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN