It takes all of two words for Kansas University football coach Terry Allen and running back David Winbush to explain the Jayhawks’ recent success rushing.
Curiously, they picked two different words.
“Dylen Smith,” Allen said.
“Offensive line,” Winbush countered.
Truth be told, they’re both right. Heading into Saturday’s game with Texas Tech kickoff is 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium the Jayhawks are on a rushing jag.
They gained a season-high 210 yards two weeks ago against Missouri, then upped the season standard to 262 yards last week against Colorado.
How much the possible absence of fullback Moran Norris will affect the KU ground game Saturday remains to be seen. Norris sprained his left ankle against CU and did not practice again Thursday. Allen lists Norris, KU’s second-leading rusher, as questionable, but it’s rare for a player to sit out a Thursday and play a Saturday game.
KU has a plan in place to replace Norris if need be. Tight end David Hurst has shifted to fullback this week in practice and likely would be used as a blocking back if needed. Red-shirt freshman tailback Reggie Duncan would take Norris’ spot in one-back sets.
Of course, Norris’ availability might be a moot point, since KU ran wild over the Buffaloes with Norris sidelined the entire second half.
So, what has keyed the ground gain?
“The numbers that Dylen put up has made a drastic difference,” Allen said of Smith, KU’s senior quarterback. “He’s rushed for 77 and 84 yards in the last two games. That makes a drastic difference when you’re not giving up 40 yards in sacks and the quarterback is able to get out and run the option, make some plays and rush the football. I think that has definitely been a significant difference in the numbers we’ve put up.”
Winbush, who averages 66.9 rushing yards per game, isn’t about to disagree with his coach, but he’s noticed a marked difference in the offensive line.
“It all starts up front, and they’ve made great strides in the past two conference games,” said Winbush, who rushed for 89 yards at MU and 84 yards against CU. “We as running backs and Dylen at quarterback have the confidence to run behind them. I’m behind those guys 100 percent. And Dylen his running ability is something you have to deal with, and it helps me as a running back.”
While Winbush is impressed by Smith’s ball-carrying ability, he doesn’t think the QB is ready to shift to tailback.
“No. I don’t know. No. I don’t see it with Dylen,” Winbush said after a moment’s contemplation. “I don’t see him as a tailback. He just moves on reaction, when somebody’s in his face. He’s a quarterback. He’s not going to get critiqued on how he runs the ball. But he’s a great runner. He can make people miss. He does things that make me say, ‘Wow.'”
His blocking, however, leaves something to be desired, Winbush said.
“He got the opportunity against Colorado,” Winbush said. “I’d give him about a 70 (percent) on that one. But I shouldn’t talk. I’m not the greatest blocker in the world.”
KU’s ground game isn’t the greatest in the world, either, but it has been pretty darned good.
In all games, the Jayhawks rank 35th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 with 171.3 rushing yards per game. In Big 12 games only, the Jayhawks have averaged 175.8 rushing yards to rank second in the league behind Nebraska (387 rushing yards per game).
Winbush doesn’t want to graduate without a trip to the postseason, and the Jayhawks will have to win two of their last four just to become bowl-eligible.
“Texas Tech is a great chance to get bowl-eligible,” Winbush said. “We’re guaranteed four games. To get the fifth is up to us.”
