KU shuts out Louisiana Tech in rainy matchup
KU rolls over LTU, 29-0
KU ready for Louisiana Tech
GameDay Cram Session: Louisiana Tech
KU prepares for Louisiana Tech
Fields to miss Louisiana Tech game
Mangino: Week 2 improvements extremely important
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Well Mother Nature didn't make it easy, but on Saturday the Kansas football team recorded it's 11th straight victory at Memorial Stadium.
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Podcast episode
Spodcasters
Spodcasters Pregame: Louisiana Tech
The guys (Kevin Romary, Matt Tait, Eric Sorrentino, Jesse Newell) preview KU's game with Louisiana Tech, give their predictions and also show off their limited knowledge of hurricanes and tropical storms.
KU vs. Louisiana Tech
When Kansas has the ball
Kansas rush offense vs. Louisiana Tech rush defense
None of Kansas' three running backs - with the possible exception of third-stringer Angus Quigley - was particularly impressive in the team's opening victory, combining for 128 yards on 36 carries. What's more, it's unclear whether transfer Jocques Crawford will be available today after tweaking his ankle in last week's victory over Florida International.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, held Mississippi State to just 91 yards of rushing offense in last week's upset victory, while forcing three fumbles (two of which resulted in turnovers).
Edge: Louisiana Tech
Kansas pass offense vs. Louisiana Tech pass defense
Quarterback Todd Reesing's debut wasn't spectacular, even if the stats disagree. He threw his first interception of the season (his first INT last year didn't come until the team's fourth game), and he was under fire for much of the game. Reesing will also be without one of his top weapons in Dexton Fields, who left last week's game early in the first half because of an apparent left leg injury.
Louisiana Tech's pass defense looked sharp in Week 1, applying ample pressure to Mississippi State quarterbacks Wesley Carroll and Tyson Lee. The Bulldogs finished with three sacks, while three different players recorded interceptions.
Edge: Kansas
When Louisiana Tech has the ball
Louisiana Tech rush offense vs. Kansas rush defense
The Bulldogs' Patrick Jackson, an all-WAC second-team running back in 2007, rushed 17 times for 62 yards and a touchdown in addition to picking up a receiving touchdown in the team's opener this year. Aside from that, however, the Bulldogs' running game didn't get off to a blistering start. The team finished with only 94 yards total (and a 2.9 yards-per-carry average).
Kansas' rush defense, on the other hand, was a high-point last week. The Jayhawks gave up just 66 rushing yards (for a 2.5 yards-per-carry average) en route to finishing with 11 tackles for loss.
Edge: Kansas
Louisiana Tech pass offense vs. Kansas pass defense
Taylor Bennett's first game as the starter at Louisiana Tech didn't go perfectly - he finished 14-of-40 passing with a touchdown and an interception - but it did go well enough to earn a victory over an SEC opponent. He connected with only four receivers in his first game since transferring from Georgia Tech, although receiver Phillip Livas proved to be a steady target, catching six passes for 85 yards.
If the performance of Kansas defensive back Phillip Strozier proves anything, though, it's that the Jayhawks aren't lacking depth in their defensive backfield. Strozier, a reserve, picked off two passes and broke up another.
Edge: Kansas
Special teams
While Kansas' lasting special-teams memory from week 1 came from true freshman Daymond Patterson's 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, the Jayhawks also gave up a punt-return touchdown of their own. Alonso Rojas shined in his debut, connecting on two of two field goals (47 yards and 37 yards), while averaging 46 yards on three punts.
Louisiana Tech features the WAC's top punter in Chris Keagle, who averaged 41.3 yards per punt last season. In addition, kicker Brad Oestriecher was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals last week, connecting on kicks of 50, 48 and 28 yards.
Edge: Push
Spring game highlights April 28, 2012
Charlie Weis Jr. helps lead the KU running backs in drills April 19, 2012
D.J. Beshears makes tough catch on deep pass from Dayne Crist April 19, 2012
Highlights from Charlie Weis press conference April 10, 2012
KU football's first spring practice under Charlie Weis March 28, 2012
Comments
troutsee (anonymous) says…
This article makes it sound like it is going to be a close game. Yet, the Hawks are 21 point favorites. I think I go with the odds makers.
OutlawJHawk (anonymous) says…
troutsee--I don't see the article the same way and thought it was a pretty accurate assessment. We will win and maybe by 21, but Arnett pointed out succinctly every strength and weakness for both teams.Arnett, I like this format each weak. Good sports journalism.
kranny (anonymous) says…
If our O-line doesn't show up, the Hawks will lose by 10. Reesing will need a lot more time and less pressure against this team than FIU. Much, much less margin for error today. If I were La Tech, I'd take a few pages from FIU's defensive scheme. We absolutely can't afford to have our defense try to win this game. I hope I'm wrong.
rev79 (Jeremiah Holcomb) says…
I think FIU is much improved from last year - we'll see that in their W column this year - As far as La Tech - I'm surprised with the odds giving us 3 TD's difference. I just hope we get in the endzone often and leave out the kicking game! Rock Chalk!
troutsee (anonymous) says…
Danger.....Iowa up on FIU 35 zip at half-time. Makes one worry about our game tonight.
Strikewso (anonymous) says…
This looks like a tough game. Why do we keep playing at night?? It's screwing with my surfing schedule.
bringheatwavewheat (anonymous) says…
messin up your surf plans? I would hate to have that prob..