Know Your Enemy: What Texas must do to beat Kansas

By Adam Sweeney

Change comes in fits and starts, and the Texas Longhorns learned the hard way that progress takes time. The Longhorns’ 24-0 loss to Iowa State reminded the team just how much work has to be done for them to return to the ranks as a national title contender. Saturday’s matchup against 0-8 Kansas provides a small stepping stone because teams like Texas have to beat lesser opponents before taking aim at better opposition. The lingering question of the 2015 season is, “who are the Texas Longhorns?” We will hopefully get some answers against the Jayhawks. Texas currently sits as a 28.5-point favorite. It sounds crazy to call this a must-win, but it certainly feels that that is the case. I can’t stress this enough; Texas can not lose this game if [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]there is any hope for Charlie Strong to have time to turn things around.

And We’ll Never Be Royals

First-year Kansas head coach David Beaty doesn’t have to look far for inspiration. Matt Tait, writer for the Lawrence Journal-World, says Beaty is using the rise of the World Series champion Kansas City Royals as motivation for the Jayhawks.

Beaty and his staff have preached patience and reminded their players that the easy fix isn’t necessarily the best fix. Perhaps he can send some of his speeches to Strong, who is dealing with his fair share of critics at the moment. Slow and steady wins the race, and the Longhorns can gain an edge by following the sentiment of Beaty’s message.

What You Talking ‘Bout, Willis?

KU’s 6-foot-4, 211-pound freshman quarterback, Ryan Willis, has had to carry the lion’s share of a struggling offense. The Jayhawks have found it hard to run, as evidenced by their 120th-ranked rushing offense, but that will have to be the focus if they are going to help Willis escape pressure this week. The Texas defense should be hungry and take advantage of the green Willis. Running back Ke’aun Kinner, the 5-foot-9 former junior college offensive player of the year, should play a big role in the offense, though it has been tough treading lately for the junior.

KU’s options are limited. The Jayhawks only average 338 yards of total offense and 16.5 points a game (121st nationally) per game, so Texas defensive coordinator Vance Bedford can release the hounds on Willis. It would make sense to dial up the rush with linebacker Malik Jefferson and defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, keep the safeties back and trust that Willis won’t be able to move the ball down the field for long drives. If Willis and the Jayhawks could only put up 20 points against Texas Tech, which gives up an average of 43.5 points a game, then you have to believe that, in spite of its struggles, the Texas defense can hold the Jayhawks down. The Jayhawks give up 2.88 sacks a game (tied for 111th nationally, oddly enough, with Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas State), so there will be moments when the UT defense can wreak havoc. Let’s hope they make the most of it.

Hall Pass

Heard has only thrown for 172 yards and an interception in the past three games. He has only thrown the ball 111 times this season and it is clear that he has little to no confidence throwing the ball. If anything, we have seen a regression since he lit up the Cal Bears on way to a 364-yard passing display. Common sense would dictate that Heard should get a pass in this game as the Longhorns punch Kansas in the mouth with a running game, and that is smart … to a point. I think, however, that this game is the perfect chance for Heard to get his passing groove back. Hear me out.

The Jayhawks have given up 23 passing touchdowns already this season. (H/T To Yahoo for the stats.) Their weak offense likely can’t muster what it takes to get into a shootout. If there is any game that offers a chance to instill some needed confidence for Heard as a passer, it is this one. Start the game out running so that the secondary has to honor the run, and then tell Heard fire away to John Burt … and please, Jay Norvell, work in at least ONE screen and ONE slant pattern. The best way for Heard to get his swagger back is to get him in a rhythm. Short routes will be in his wheelhouse because right now, he refuses to throw anything in the intermediate area. Kansas hasn’t shown it can stop anyone, so why not take a chance before facing teams like Texas Tech that will put pressure on the UT offense to put up points?

Third Degree
In the 21 games Strong has coached Texas, the Longhorns have scored 50 offensive points in the third quarter. It should go without saying that this is unacceptable, but let’s say it anyway. Texas should be better than this and, contrary to a popular saying, it is about how you start. The Longhorns must set the tone for the game in the first and third quarters. Good teams impose their will, and right now the Longhorns are failing to do that.
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