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Quarterback change benches senior captain
By Michael Rigg sports@kansan.com Kansan sportwriter
It was the end of one era and the beginning of another at Memorial Stadium Saturday
Rumors circled throughout the past
week that a quarterback change was in the cards. On Saturday, Kansas coach Terry Allen played his ace in junior Dylan Smith and folded on Zac Wegner, who was sent to the bench.
Allen said he chose athleticism instead of experience, choosing the mobile Smith to be the Jacouhawk's starter.
Wegner: Demoted to backup quarterback
instead of Wegner, the team's senior captain, for the remainder of the season.
"We just thought that Dylen had the
athletism to help us a little more." Allen said. "You're always one snap away from using another quarterback, but Dylan's going to start."
In his first start as a Jayhawk, Smith, transferred from Santa Monica Community College, connected on 19 of 34 passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Allen said after the game that he was pleased with Smith's reading of Southern Methodist's defense.
Despite the positive statistics, Smith threw three interceptions against the Mustangs and Allen said that number must decrease.
"One of those was obviously one that goes through a guys hands and ends up in the other guy's hands," Allen said of Smith's second quarter interception that bounced off of tight end Sean McDermott's torso and into Mustang Tracy Hart's hands. "The other two were a little disappointing because he tried to force them in there."
Overall, Smith was pleased with the results of his first starting assignment.
"I could have played a lot better, but I feel I can play better every week." Smith said. "On a scale of one to 10, I would probably give myself a seven."
Saturday's game ends a tumultuous week for both Smith and Wagner. Allen informed the two quarterbacks last Tuesday that Smith would be starting
against Southern Methodist, and Smith and Wegner showed a mix of emotions during the week leading up to the game.
"Conch Allen told me on Tuesday, and I was a little nervous at first," Smith said. "But the players were behind me and confident in me. And if they were confident, then I had to be confident."
For Wegner, the past week simply has been about coming to terms with the fact that he is now the Jayhawks' backun quarterback.
"I've accepted my role," Wegner said. "I'm one play away from going back in,
and it's important for me to be really supportive, especially on the sidelines."
Allen said that Smith would remain the starter until he announced otherwise and that Wegner would be relied on heavily on the sidelines. Overall, Wegner has taken the demotion in stride. Allen said.
"I're extremely proud of Zac in this situation," Allen said. "He could have very easily gone into a shell and quit. But he's been very active in practice, trying to help Dylen, and he's another set of eyes for us. I'm just really proud of him."
Wegner said that the switch to backup didn't really sink in until he headed out for the pregame coin toss.
"It wasn't fun, and it wasn't easy." Wegner said about his pregame duties as captain. "If it hit me at any time that I wasn't going to play, it was probably right then. But it happens, and none of that affects me as a person. Obviously, it's a good thing because we pulled out a win."
— Edited by Katrina Hull
Bruised Jayhawks break losing streak
Continued from page 1B
"I don't know if the coaches enthous on doing that the rest of the year, but I hope so." Norr is said.
The first quarter notwithstanding. Southern Methodist never established a rhythm on offense, unable to run or throw the ball.
"We placed a lot more emphasis on pressuring the quarterback and making him uncomfortable with what we do," said linebacker Tim Bowers.
"It felt good as a defense to go out there and put together a complete defensive game."
The Mustangs were just what Kansas needed. Winless and hapless, they now have scored 28 points in four games and provided a rebound for Kansas.
"I can't complain. The win feels good, but it's not the same as a Big 12 team. That's a WAC team," said defensive end Dion Rayford. "It's not going to get any easier now."
That's a given with games at No. 9 Kansas State on Oct.
9 and No. 13 on Texas A&M Oct. 16. Right now, Allen just wants to get his players healthy and enjoy a win.
"It's been a long couple of weeks," Allen said. "I think the frustrations and disappointments are behind us, so let's just go see what can happen."
Edited by Jennifer Roush
Dylen Smith rumbles for a huge gain against Southern Methodist's defense. Smith rushed for 31 yards against the Mustangs and completed 19 of 34 passes for 215 yards. This was his first game as starting quarterback.
Photo by Aaron Lindberg/KANSAN
Wide receiver Michael Chandler leaps above defender Brent Briggs to catch a 47-yard pass. Chandler led receivers with 78 yards. Photo by Jay Sheperd/KANSAN
Kansas 27, SMU 9
Carl Nesmith is swarmed by defenders after a 24-yard kickoff return to the Kansas 31-yard line. The second quarter return set up Kansas's first successful scoring drive. Photo by Jay Shepard/KANSAN
Defensive back Quincy Roe attempts to intercept an overthrown pass in the first quarter. Photo by Jay Sheep/KANSAN
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