Kansas rush offense vs. UNC rush defense
The Jayhawks struggled to run the ball at times last season (83rd in the country in rushing offense), and their offensive line features a slew of new players. But this year, Jake Sharp knows he’s the No. 1 option in the backfield. Last year, Angus Quigley and Jocques Crawford cut into Sharp’s playing time in the nonconference schedule. Quigley switched positions to linebacker, and Crawford is no longer with the team. Kansas should be able to run with Sharp, Toben Opurum and Rell Lewis against a Northern Colorado defense that was respectable last year (39th in the nation among Championship Subdivision teams at 132.27 rushing yards given up per game). But the Bears aren’t used to seeing Bowl Subdivision teams on a weekly basis.
Edge: Kansas
Kansas pass offense vs. UNC pass defense
If there’s a glaring advantage for Kansas, it comes in this category. Passing is the Jayhawks’ strength, while defending the pass could be the Bears’ weakness. UNC gave up an average of 265.09 passing yards per game last year, which ranked sixth-worst among Championship Subdivision teams. Safety Max Hewitt is a name to keep an eye on for Northern Colorado, but expect a monster day from Todd Reesing, Dezmon Briscoe, Kerry Meier and Johnathan Wilson. It could also be a chance for KU freshman receiver Bradley McDougald to crash the scene and display the talent that has coaches raving.
Edge: Kansas
UNC rush offense vs. Kansas rush defense
Northern Colorado had difficulties running the ball last season (81st in country). Their primary ball-carrier graduated, and Andre Harris is expected to get the most calls out of the backfield. Harris, a juco transfer from El Camino (Calif.) Community College, rushed for 312 yards and eight scores last season. Kansas ranked 28th in the nation in rush defense last season (123.08 yards given up per game), but that number could be skewed a bit since most offenses in the Big 12 air it out. Still, the Jayhawks shouldn’t have a problem in this area today.
Edge: Kansas
UNC pass offense vs. Kansas pass defense
The Bears passed with effectiveness last year, averaging 245.09 passing yards per game, good for 21st in the country. UNC senior quarterback Bryan Waggener, a transfer from Florida who was a fourth-stringer behind Tim Tebow two seasons ago, leads the Bears’ aerial attack. If Kansas has a weakness, it’s defending the pass. The Jayhawks were sixth-worst in the country last year. They figure to be better this year. It’s tough to give Northern Colorado, coming off a 1-10 campaign, the edge here.
Edge: Kansas
KU coach Mark Mangino made the decision before the season to put standout receiver Briscoe at kick returner. Briscoe returned only eight kickoffs last year, but he averaged an effective 27.4 yards per return. Patterson averaged 11 yards per punt return last year and should only improve in his sophomore year. Junior place-kicker Jacob Branstetter is solid. He made nine of 12 field-goal tries and converted 51 of 52 extra points last season.
Edge: Kansas
