Nick Krug2:30 p.m., Memorial Stadium — Game-time forecast: 52 degrees, cloudy, 15 percent chance for rain, winds 5 mph from the northwest — TV: FOX Sports 1
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1 . Protect Willis
Last week, against the top-rated defense in the Big 12, freshman quarterback Ryan Willis was beat up and badgered all afternoon by the ferocious Oklahoma State pass rush. Hit on two of the game’s first three plays, Willis never looked comfortable against the Cowboys and was forced to endure his roughest day as a starter. With the conference’s second-ranked defense in town today, giving Willis more time to operate will be key to KU having a chance to compete with OU, which ranks first in the Big 12 in pass defense and pass defense efficiency. “If we protect him a little bit better (early last week), we’ve got a couple of wide-open guys, (and) maybe it’s a little bit different,” KU coach David Beaty said. “So that’s a big deal. We’ve got to do a better job of protecting him. Because when that guy gets protection, he’s pretty accurate. He makes some pretty dadgum good throws.”
2 . Remember Mixon
Nick KrugWith so much of KU’s defensive game plan focused on slowing down sophomore tailback Samaje Perine, who last season set an NCAA single-game record with 427 rushing yards against the Jayhawks, it’s important for the Jayhawks to remember that the Sooners have another back who can be just as dangerous. Red-shirt freshman Joe Mixon, who entered last season as one of the most highly touted players in the Big 12 and ahead of Perine on the depth chart, can kill opponents who worry too much about Perine. The key to stopping Samaje (638 yards and seven TDs on 116 carries) is wrapping up and getting him to the ground. The key to hanging with Mixon (396, 4, 64) is not letting him get too comfortable in the open field. It’s a heck of a challenge for any defense and one that will require KU’s defenders to be sharp with a couple of different sets of fundamentals from start to finish and sometimes within the Sooners’ same offensive series.
3 . Run for coverage
Paging Marnez Ogletree, Tyrone Miller Jr. and Brandon Stewart. Please pick up a red courtesy phone for an important message: Be ready to run. In senior Sterling Shepard and junior Dede Westrbook, the Sooners’ offense features two of the Big 12’s top wideouts. Both are burners, who like to stretch the field and create more running room for Perine and Mixon, and if KU’s trio of top cornerbacks is not ready to lock up with these two vertically all afternoon, the Sooners may not have to give the ball to their backs that often.
KU defensive end Ben Goodman vs. Oklahoma right tackle Dru Samia
KU coach David Beaty said earlier this week that senior co-captain Ben Goodman had shown severe disappointment over his no-show last week against the Cowboys. “He didn’t have his best game the other day,” Beaty said. “And I know he took that personally.” Combine that redemption mentality with the fact that Goodman, 6-foot-3, 253 pounds, likes his match-up this week, and you’re looking at a guy who could be in for a big week. Despite its youth and lack of experience, Oklahoma’s offensive line has been solid this season both in keeping OU quarterback Baker Mayfield clean and blowing open holes in the run game. The 6-4, 284-pound Samia has been a big part of OU’s success up front, but Goodman likes his chances to bounce back this week. “I’m looking forward to that match-up,” he said. “I’d keep your eyes on that match-up. It’s going to be pretty interesting. I would love to go against a true freshman, and I finally get my opportunity.”
1 . You lead the team and rank second in the Big 12 Conference with 65 tackles so far this season. What does it take to be a good tackler?
It’s really before you get to the ball. A lot of people think it’s just at the point of attack, but, really, it’s before. It’s the angle and then your body position. Run down, set your feet and then explode through the defender. There’s just a lot of things, technique-wise, before you get to the guy with the ball.
2 . What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever seen or worn?
It wasn’t something that I threw on, but I remember one that my cousin threw on. It was like a Chucky doll. He went around and acted like he was Chucky, but it was funny because he was short and he looked exactly like Chucky.
3 . Have you ever dressed up as a fish for Halloween?
Nick KrugOh, man. Never. I’ve never even thought of that. I probably should do that. That’s a good one. I like that.
4 . What was your favorite Halloween candy to get in your trick-or-treat bag?
Probably a Reese’s cup. I just like the mixture of the peanut butter and the chocolate. I usually went through my bag and pulled those out first.
5 . What was your philosophy on eating your Halloween candy? Make it last or eat ’til you’re sick?
I remember in high school, my coach was always trying to keep my Halloween candy away from me because in the state championship playoff game, I had like 40 Reese’s cups, and I ate like 20 the night before, and it slowed me down. On one play, I almost scored, but I got caught at the one. When I went to the sideline, my coach made sure I didn’t forget. He said, ‘If you wouldn’t have eaten those 20 Reese’s, you probably would’ve scored.’
The Jayhawks return to the field looking to bounce back from, arguably, their roughest outing of the season, a 58-10 loss at Oklahoma State. Rather than sulk and stew about falling flat after an encouraging effort against Texas Tech the week before, the Jayhawks have vowed to regroup and make a run at 14th-ranked Oklahoma. Like the Cowboys, the Sooners bring to town an aggressive defense and potent offense, both of which figure to provide a number of challenges for the home team. Rather than dreading the showdown with the 6-1 Sooners, the Jayhawks, as they have done all season, are looking forward to another chance to hit the field. Win or lose, respectable or embarrassing, these guys are looking to learn lessons and make progress. “We’re playing really good opponents,” Beaty said. “And we have another great one coming in here that’s going to be a good opportunity. So we’ll get back to work today on the very foundation of what we have to do to get better, which is work on our craft, improving our fundamentals.”
KU run game vs. Oklahoma run D — edge: OU
KU pass game vs. Oklahoma pass D — edge: OU
Oklahoma run game vs. KU run D — edge: OU
Oklahoma pass game vs. KU pass D — edge: OU
Special teams — edge: OU
Charlie Neibergall/Associated PressKansas Jayhawks (3-7, 1-6) at No. 23 Oklahoma Sooners (7-3, 4-3)
11 a.m. Oklahoma Memorial Stadium – Game-time forecast: 62 degrees, 85 percent chance of rain, 16 mph winds out of the southeast – TV: FOX Sports 1
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Keys for Kansas
1. Slow down Striker
Charlie Neibergall/Associated PressJunior linebacker Eric Striker (6-foot, 221 pounds) is one of the top defensive players in the Big 12 Conference and often is the focal point of opposing offenses looking to attack the Sooners’ D. Striker’s athleticism and versatility allow the Sooners to use him in a number of different ways. His favorite, however, appears to be rushing the passer. Striker leads OU in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (11.5) and quarterback hurries (4) and also has 45 tackles, 32 of which are solo stops. KU quarterback Michael Cummings called Striker “the best pass-rusher in the Big 12 and probably one of the best in the country” and said KU would have to pay close attention to where he is on the field at all times.
2. Dig in up front
Whether you’re talking offense or defense, OU’s monsters in the trenches have a significant size advantage against the Jayhawks. The Sooners’ starting O-line averages 6-foot-4, 327 pounds, and the D-line isn’t much smaller. Interim KU coach Clint Bowen has preached toughness since taking over in late September, and the Jayhawks are going to need every ounce of toughness they have to survive this one. They also are going to need to negate OU’s size advantage by playing extremely smart and avoiding penalties and using their quickness to get OU’s big boys moving laterally.
3. Keep the offense rolling
It’s no secret that KU’s offense has been much more productive and efficient during the past few weeks, and whether you tip your cap to co-offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau, Cummings, the guys catching the passes or Bowen for making it all happen, plenty of people deserve credit for the offense’s rebirth. KU truly believes it can put up points again in the Big 12. Cummings said he and his teammates are playing free and loose and no longer worrying about making mistakes. That has led to them taking more chances and gaining greater confidence, and both will be key to the game plan if KU hopes to hang with the Sooners.
Richard Gwin— Matt Tait
Mega Matchup: KU’s front 7 against OU’s running game
With starting quarterback Trevor Knight out because of an injury and red-shirt freshman Cody Thomas starting in his place, look for the Sooners to rely a lot more on their running game. That was the recipe last week against Texas Tech, when the Sooners overcame a 14-7 halftime deficit to win 42-30. Freshman running back Samaje Perine ran 23 times for 215 yards and three touchdowns, putting him over 1,000 yards for the season. The 6-foot-4, 211-pound Thomas also carried eight times for 103 yards as the Sooners simply lined up and pounded away at the Red Raiders for most of the second half. That figures to be the game plan this week against Kansas, which means the big boys up front, particularly Tedarian Johnson and Keon Stowers, will have to be ready for the challenge, with Ben Heeney and company supporting them from the linebacker spots.
— Matt Tait
5 Questions with Senior WR Justin McCay:
“A lot less stress. My relationships with my little sisters and my granny have grown so much more with me being here. I can go see ’em and do little things with them. We got a lot tighter, and I’m glad about that. It’s definitely eased the pain a lot.”
“Man. I went in there as an 18-year-old and red-shirted, and my red-shirt year, I suited up for the first time, and it was 85,000 people screaming strong, and I was just, like, ‘Wow, am I even ready to play in this?'”
“No trash talk. Me and Julian Wilson have kept in touch throughout, so we’ve just had some fun. I just sent him a text, like, ‘Yo, get ready this week.’ It just makes it more competitive, and it’s, like, ‘You better bring it because I’m bringing it.'”
“It was probably at the end of high school, going into college, and I got a pair of Concord 11’s for Christmas, and I was just, like, ‘Man, these are nice.’ And then one of my friends started collecting retros, too, and I was just, like, ‘Oh, I need those.’ I don’t know how many I have exactly. Not triple digits, but it’s up there.”
“Like an uphill battle the whole way, just fighting adversity the whole time. I’m not saying feel bad for me, but when I look back on it, I know I just always tried to be strong for my brothers and sisters and do what’s best for everybody. Since I’ve been here, I’ve just been a lot less stressed and relieved and happy.”
Jayhawk Pulse:
Two weeks ago, KU picked up a much-needed victory over Iowa State, but it was last week’s near-upset of No. 5 TCU that really got people’s attention. The Jayhawks played what was probably their best complete game in the past five seasons and hung in there physically and on the scoreboard with a very talented team that entered the week in the thick of the national title picture. That performance restored confidence and pride in both the program and the fan base and left people feeling like KU might be able to compete with OU and Kansas State in the final two weeks of the season. Led by a revived passing game, KU collected 418 yards of offense and 30 points and also won the turnover battle on defense. While the showing was big for the pro-Clint Bowen crowd, it may have been even bigger for the young players on the roster, who next year, Bowen or no Bowen, will be charged with building on the strong finish turned in by this year’s bunch, provided it continues today and in Manhattan.
— Matt Tait
Tale of the Tape:
KU run game vs. OU run D – advantage Oklahoma
KU pass game vs. OU pass D – advantage Oklahoma
OU run game vs. KU run D – advantage Oklahoma
OU pass game vs. KU pass D – advantage Kansas
Special teams – advantage Oklahoma
