Boulder, Colo. ? Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino noticed early in the Jayhawks’ 19-14 victory over Colorado on Saturday that quarterback Todd Reesing was the target of the Buffaloes’ defense.
That’s fine, Mangino says. Because KU (7-0) can run the ball a little bit, too.
“They like to box up, and we realized they were trying to take away some routes we were really good at,” Mangino said.
The result was a combined 29 carries by quarterback Todd Reesing and running backs Jake Sharp and Brandon McAnderson. Though it had mixed results early, it was critical in the second half as the Jayhawks ate clock and pulled away at the same time.
Specifically, Kansas took a 19-7 lead with 10:23 to go, the fruits of a time-consuming 15-play, 94-yard drive. That march included a 17-yard scramble by Reesing, a 12-yard run by McAnderson and a 10-yard dash by Sharp.
It didn’t kill Colorado’s chances, but it certainly crippled them.
“They came up and stopped our quick slants and things like that,” said Sharp, who had 15 carries for 53 yards. “That can open up our run game, and me and Mac (McAnderson) were able to get some things done there. We worked hard. The line fought great. I think we won up front today.”
The fact is, the run game’s numbers weren’t gaudy like they have been in the past. Reesing had an impressive 53-yard scramble and finished with 84 yards on seven rushes. McAnderson had 44 yards on seven carries.
But it was more than statistics, especially in a defensive battle. It was KU’s offense finding out what wasn’t working and using the versatility it long has claimed to have to find something that did.
“They gave us an opportunity to run the ball,” Mangino said. “We are not just a passing offense. I think we have proven that we have a decent offensive line and two quality running backs who can run the football.”