Consider all the issues raised in Kansas University’s sometimes-sloppy 40-10 season-opening victory against Florida International, and then note what they have in common.
Based on the unproductive run game and the heat put on quarterback Todd Reesing by FIU’s blitzing defense, the readiness of the inexperienced offensive line remains a concern. Red-shirt freshman Jeremiah Hatch, who had earned the starting right tackle spot, did not play.
And then there is the issue of Dexton Fields’ health. Smoked when going up for Reesing’s too-high delivery, Fields did not play the rest of the game and was held out of practice Sunday.
Third-string running back Angus Quigley was the leading rusher.
The performance of the punt- (allowed a touchdown) and kickoff-coverage teams so underwhelmed head coach Mark Mangino he said in the postgame media session that personnel changes would be coming.
The common denominator? None of the issues involved the defense, which made a rock-solid debut and allowed just a field goal at the end of the first half.
Coordinator Clint Bowen’s defense stopped the run (66 yards) and the pass (73 yards in 29 attempts) and kept the heat on the quarterbacks (three sacks).
Two key performers called attention to the defense’s depth of talent.
Nickel back Phillip Strozier, a third-year sophomore from Rockhurst High in Kansas City, Mo., came up with the first two interceptions of his career. Jake Laptad, a 6-foot-4 sophomore end from Tulsa powerhouse Jenks High, contributed two sacks, including an early one on fourth down.
“We’re trying to get as much pressure on the quarterback as possible,” Laptad said. “We haven’t had that much in the past, and we just keep on working to get as much as possible. Every D-end has to be able to get pressure on the quarterback, so I’m just trying to get as much as I can.”
Laptad competes for playing time with Russell Brorsen and John Larson, last year’s starters, and Jeff Wheeler and Max Onyegbule, who made big strides in the offseason. Jamal Greene, Richard Johnson, Caleb Blakesley and Darius Parish share the time at defensive tackle.
“We have four guys in the middle and five guys on the outside who are all worthy of playing time, and they’re all going to play,” Bowen said. “That helps to keep them fresh and keep their energy up high.”
Players like to play, but whining about not playing enough isn’t the path to more time.
“We have a lot of good players, which makes for good competition, and that makes everybody better,” Laptad said. “When you get in there, you take a lot more pride in it, and you try to go all-out, and you’re not really tired.”
The secondary and linebackers showed enough last year to make everyone confident they would excel. The first look at the defensive line was an encouraging one.
“We were able to get to the quarterback with four guys rushing, which is a point of emphasis for us,” Bowen said.
The Jayhawks didn’t take risks on defense in the opener. They didn’t need to gamble. Playing straight-up, they dominated a weaker opponent.
