Know Your Enemy: Keys to the Kansas Jayhawks

Longhorn fans, let’s take a deep breath all together. Texas has already faced four offenses ranked in the top nationally in total or scoring offense, so it’s the least we deserve. I wouldn’t mind borrowing one of the neuralyzers from the Men In Black films to forget the struggles of the Texas defense, but we’ll focus on the positives.

The Kansas Jayhawks (1-6) are on the schedule this week, which sounds pretty grand at this point. They say there’s no place like home but Texas has to be more than thrilled heading into Lawrence Saturday. With that said, every team has their share of players and coaches worth highlighting. So, click those ruby slippers together and hang on for a Texas tornado. It’s time to “Know Your Enemy.”

What’s the Point?

Better yet, we should ask Kansas, “where are the points?” The Jayhawks average 17 points a game in the most… [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)] prolific scoring conference in the nation. They’re also ranked 89th in total offense. If the Texas defense gives up over 45 points to this team, which would make their fourth straight game this year, it might be time to bench some players.

Kansas’ single win came against South Dakota State, which is basically the same as saying they have no wins right now. Sorry to pile on, South Dakota State. At least your logo is kind of unique.

The Jayhawks have been competitive in spurts against Big 12 teams, but Kansas quarterback Michael Cummings summed up their overall performance this season best after last week’s loss to Oklahoma. “We need to play a complete game,” Cummings said. “Half a game, one-quarter of a game is not good enough in this league.”

The Weis One

Mack Brown loves him some Charlie Weis and stated that Weis is a great coach. We’ll stop short of bestowing greatness upon Weis, who is best known as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots during their mini-dynasty in the mid-2000’s, but he deserves a medal of valor for taking on the mess Turner Gill left in Lawrence. That said, Weis is already taking some heat for his strategy as the Kansas head coach. Such moves have included having practices without any seniors and getting into a public relations war with the school newspaper. It’s not exactly the way you win over fans at a new job.

If we played a six degrees of Longhorn Nation, the path between Weis and Brown would be short, as Weis served as the offensive coordinator on former Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp’s staff in 2011.

So Fresh and So Killeen

Killeen High football fans are in for a treat Saturday when redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Cummings gets the start against Texas. Cummings, as it seems is the case with every Big 12 QB except Landry Jones, possesses the ability to scramble or strike as a passer, and earned the starting nod after filling in late for highly touted senior transfer Dayne Crist against Oklahoma last week in a 52-7 loss. He’s undersized, at 5’11” and 201 pounds, but his mind and muscle over matter mentality help him overcome those limitations.

Crist was recruited by Weis before he left Notre Dame, so it speaks to the stature of Cummings game and lack thereof from Crist that he’s moving up. Charlie Weis loves the poise of Cummings, so don’t expect him to get rattled initially against Texas. He actually appears more comfortable when throwing on the run, since a broken play offers him a chance to use his natural athleticism.

Cummings’ laser arm and familiarity with spread offenses also give Weis a chance to open up the playbook. Let’s hope that happens later than sooner, as spread offenses have been confusing the Texas defense this season.

The Sims

James Sims has been the brightest highlight of Kansas’ season, ranking fourth in all-purpose yardage in the Big 12 (152.7 yards per game) and having rushed for over one-hundred yards in a game three straight times. He served a three-game suspension to start the season after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last April, so his 446 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season look a lot more impressive when you consider they came in just four games. After Texas gave up 255 rushing yards to Baylor, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sims continue his streak of 100-yard games.

Sims stated that he’s excited about Cummings landing the starting spot at QB, and who can blame him? Cummings is more of a threat at QB, while Crist is more of a prototypical pocket passer. More attention on Cummings means less focus on Sims, who has looked like a different back when Cummings is on the field.

Look for rushers Tony Pierson and Taylor Cox to also get in the mix. Pierson is averaging 5.8 yards per carry on the season.

A Glimmer of Hope

The Kansas’ defense rank 85th in the nation, not much to pound its collective chest about. That said, senior safety Bradley McDougald has shown enough promise to be an NFL prospect. McDougald’s history at Kansas becomes more captivating when you consider he switched positions, from receiver to safety, as a junior. McDougald had 33 catches for 318 yards as a freshman after being recruited as a safety by Ohio State. Now back to his natural position, McDougald averages nine tackles a game, tying him for sixth best in the Big 12.

Little Big Men

The Jayhawks won’t be blowing out any candles to celebrate their not-so-sweet sixteen losing streak in Big 12 games. Remember when Kansas and Lake Travis graduate Todd Reesing went 12-1 and won a BCS Bowl game in 2008?

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