When Kansas has the ball
Kansas rush offense vs. Texas rush defense
Last year, the Jayhawks nearly pulled off the upset of Texas by pounding the ball with their rushing attack and never letting up. James Sims carried the ball 28 times and logged 176 yards, and the rest of the KU runners chipped in another 93 yards and KU averaged nearly five yards per carry. Things don’t figure to be quite so easy this season, as UT has improved against the run, but the Longhorns still surrender more than 200 yards a game to opponents and also have given up 12 rushing touchdowns. Largely because of a new offensive line and their struggles with the passing game, the Jayhawks have not been as potent on the ground this year (133 yards per game and seven touchdowns), but they figure to take a lot of confidence into this game because of last year’s performance. Add to that the run threat of true freshman quarterback Montell Cozart, and it’s easy to see how KU could find success again in Austin. Edge: Push.
Kansas pass offense vs. Texas pass defense
Things were better through the air for the Jayhawks last week, as both Cozart and starter Jake Heaps threw touchdown passes and junior Rodriguez Coleman broke out a little with 75 yards and a touchdown. A good chunk of that production, however, came with the game out of reach, so it remains to be seen if KU’s quarterbacks and receivers can get going from start to finish. The Jayhawks enter today’s game averaging just 157 yards per game through the air, and the offensive line still lacks consistency in pass protection. The Longhorns enter giving up 203 passing yards per game but with a lot of experience and talent in the secondary. In addition to several upperclassmen in coverage, defensive ends Jackson Jeffcoat (six sacks and two pass break-ups) and Cedric Reed (three, four) also have put their stamp on UT’s pass defense. Edge: Texas.
When Texas has the ball
Texas rush offense vs. Kansas rush defense
A few weeks ago, the Texas offense was built behind the spread style of quarterback David Ash, who could move around well, get rid of the ball quickly and get the Longhorns’ long list of playmakers involved in the passing game. But that all changed when Ash was hurt and Case McCoy took over, which inspired the Longhorns to go more to a power running game and a conservative passing game. Running backs Johnathan Gray (656 yards, four TDs) and Malcolm Brown (234, three) have created a potent 1-2 punch and UT enters the game averaging 200 rushing yards per game and nearly five yards per carry. KU assistant coach Scott Vestal said earlier this week that Texas’ offensive line is as improved as any unit in the Big 12, and KU’s front seven, which has given up an average of 204 rushing yards per game, figures to have its hands full this week. Edge: Texas.
Texas pass offense vs. Kansas pass defense
In seven games this season, McCoy has thrown for 992 yards and five touchdowns while completing 59 percent of his passes. But it’s not necessarily McCoy’s statistics that make the UT passing game tick. It’s the way others play around him. McCoy is averaging just 12 completions and 20 attempts per game and has made his biggest impact by elevating the play of those around him and forcing Texas into finding its identity as a power-running team that takes its shots down the field only occasionally. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, McCoy has the size needed to hang in there and make plays. And wide receivers Jaxon Shipley (368 yards, 33 receptions), Mike Davis (381, 29), Kendall Sanders (273, 26) and Marcus Johnson (257, 10) give him plenty of options in the passing game. McCoy and Johnson appear to have strong chemistry. The Jayhawks’ cornerbacks have been good all season, and the secondary as a whole has picked up seven interceptions so far this season. This match-up will be a challenge for both sides. Edge: Push.
Special teams
For the second game in a row, the Jayhawks figure to be without one of their biggest special-teams play-makers in Josh Ford, but KU will have its most dangerous special-teams weapon in punter Trevor Pardula, who continues to hang in there as one of the nation’s leaders. During last week’s loss to Baylor, Pardula punted 11 times and averaged more than 46 yards per kick. While the KU kicking game has been a strength for the Jayhawks, it’s the return game that’s been a strength for the Longhorns. Returner Daje Johnson averages a 14.1 yards per punt return (KU’s Connor Embree sits at 15.1), and four Longhorns average 16.5 yards or more per kickoff return. Texas kicker Anthony Fera, though experienced, ranks near the bottom of the Big 12 in punting and third in place kicking, having hit 11 of 12 field-goal attempts, including a long of 50 yards. Edge: Push.
Kansas rush offense vs. Texas rush defense
Kansas, which ranks 31st in the country in rushing yards per game (188), seems to have narrowed its attack to a three-back approach that includes sophomore James Sims (485 yards, 7 touchdowns) and true freshmen Darrian Miller (320, 4) and Tony Pierson (285, 2). Red-shirt freshman Brandon Bourbon (162, 1) remains in the mix and seems to be ready whenever he’s called upon, but the bulk of the carries in recent weeks have gone to Sims and Miller, with Pierson receiving the change-of-pace touches. KU has 15 rushing TDs so far this year and has run 65 more rushing plays than its opponents this season and is averaging four yards per rush.
Edge: Kansas.
Quietly, KU quarterback Jordan Webb continues to perform well week after week. Aside from a couple of games early in conference play in which Webb tossed multiple interceptions, the sophomore QB has completed a high percentage (67.1) of his passes and taken advantage of the team’s solid rushing attack setting up the play-action pass. In seven games, Webb has thrown for 1,408 yards and 12 touchdowns. But Webb is facing a different animal this week. With their relentless blitzing and impressive team speed, the Longhorns have limited opposing QBs to 204 yards per game and have surrendered just eight TDs through the air.
Edge: Texas.
Texas rush offense vs. Kansas rush defense
Behind a strong start to the season by true freshman Malcolm Brown, the Longhorns enter this one with the 37th-best rushing attack in the country. Brown is averaging five yards per carry and 86 yards per game. The 6-foot, 217-pound back has rushed for three TDs. Brown’s numbers likely would be higher if not for the presence of senior tailback Fozzy Whittaker, who also averages five yards per carry and has 220 yards and four TDs so far this season. UT’s top two tailbacks lead a unit that averages 182 yards per game.
Edge: Texas.
Texas pass offense vs. Kansas pass defense
Although the Longhorns are working with two rather inexperienced quarterbacks, the UT passing game has been good enough to get the nod in this one. Texas is averaging 204 yards per game through the air, but may have found a lift in freshman QB David Ash. At 6-foot-3, 222 pounds, Ash has good size, good mobility and a good arm. He also has shown he can throw on the run. The Texas wide receivers, though young, also have above-average size and speed. With that going for the Longhorns and Kansas’ 119th-ranked pass defense (319 ypg) going against the Jayhawks, UT should find success when it takes to the air.
Edge: Texas.
Last week, Kansas gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown and damaged its own chances at a solid day in the return game with multiple penalties. The Longhorns simply have too much speed and too many weapons not to get the edge here. Experience also is on UT’s side as the kicking game is handled by senior punter and place kicker Justin Tucker.
Edge: Texas.
