KU vs. La Tech: Head to head

By Dugan Arnett     Sep 6, 2008

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

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