Terry Allen sounded more like a riverboat gambler than Kansas University’s football coach while discussing tonight’s scrimmage.
“The one thing that we probably have going for us with the new staff members is that we do have an element of surprise,” Allen said. “You know as well as I do that with the scrimmage-type, game-type setting that there’ll be more than a few people that are anxiously taking that opportunity to view the Jayhawks from a little different perspective than a normal fan.
“And so consequently, we don’t want to go out and show our hand.”
Instead of playing a traditional spring game to close the 15-practice spring session, the Jayhawks will conduct a controlled scrimmage tonight following the Kansas Relays. Allen estimated the event would begin around 7:15 or 7:30 and last for about 75 plays.
Tonight’s scrimmage should be similar to last weekend’s in Shawnee Heights.
“I think it’s important for the fans to understand that we’re still in the coaching/teaching process,” Allen said. “The irony of the situation, it’s kind of funny, you go to the scrimmage over in Topeka on Saturday and when we score a couple touchdowns, the fans cheer. Well, you know the fans ought to be cheering when we sack the quarterback or when the ball is batted down.
“I think it’s important to put things in perspective as far as we’re working on the schematics and the personnel, not putting on a show.”
Offense certainly ruled last weekend, scoring 23 points, but none against the No. 1 defense. KU’s top defensive unit, which hasn’t allowed a point this spring, had four sacks and forced four fumbles.
“I think that people can come away from it and watch the team speed out there,” Allen said. “I think that’s one thing that we rally to the football and run very well, as far as the defensive football team. I think that people will be genuinely excited if they know enough of the game to watch what the quarterbacks are getting at and what Reggie’s capable of doing.”
KU sophomore running back Reggie Duncan, who’s all-but-cemented a starting job, might not see many carries tonight, but hopes to make the most of them.
“We’ve got something to prove out there on Saturday night,” said Duncan, who has 27 carries for 80 yards in two scrimmages this spring. “I know I want to score. I haven’t scored all spring and that would be exciting if we were to score.”
Of course, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks tonight as sophomore Zach Dyer and red-shirt freshman Mario Kinsey continue to spar for the top spot.
Dyer, who has been working with the No. 1 unit, has completed 11 of 18 passes for 96 yards this spring. Kinsey is 6-of-17 passing for 62 yards, but he has scampered for 84 yards on 14 carries.
“Will we name a starter after Saturday’s scrimmage? I doubt it,” Allen said. “But I think that we’ve seen separation and we’ve been able to focus in on the things that we believe the quarterback position can do best for us. It’d be great, but a little bit unrealistic to say so-and-so is our quarterback.
“But I think in the minds of the coaches, there’ll be some additional clarity there in the situation.”
Other positional battles to watch will be at tight end and weakside linebacker.
“Knock on wood, I think as long as the rain stays away, we’re going to have a really pleasant evening,” Allen said. “I think it’s forecast for the highs that day to be in the 80s. So it’s going to be a pleasant, short scrimmage.”
Fans have been asked to bring canned items, which will be donated to the Salvation Army of Lawrence. The cans can be dropped off outside Memorial Stadium.