Will KU football hang close with Baylor, RG3 on Senior Day?

By Staff     Nov 12, 2011

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III throws over the Kansas pass rush to the flat during the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. The pass was caught by Baylor receiver Josh Gordon and ran for a 94-yard touchdown.

**Jesse Newell:** Welcome back to the GameDay Cram Session, as Kansas is taking on Baylor on Senior Day at Memorial Stadium.

Tom, what stands out to you most about Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III after watching him against KU last season?

**Tom Keegan:** He’s as quick mentally as he is physically and he’s every bit the thrower he is a runner. Griffin’s the whole package.

The tendency with a quarterback that quick is to think that he’s a better runner than thrower, but Griffin’s got the cannon to throw long and puts just the right touch on the screen passes, which killed KU last year. He makes good decisions or at least it looks that way. For all I know the decision he made to throw for a 15-yard completion might have been the third-best outcome on that play. Talking to him after the game was enjoyable as well because he has a lot of humility and handles himself with a ton of maturity.

**JN:** RG3’s numbers are almost unbelievable when you look at them.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) against Oklahoma State in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011.

He’s third nationally in yards per attempt (10.1), tied for third nationally in completion percentage (74.1 percent) and sixth in passing yards per game (347.6). And he’s thrown for that many yards despite being 41st nationally in passing attempts (274).

There was some talk in the press box at the Chiefs game last week that the Miami Dolphins — with their win — had ruined their chance to “Suck for Luck.” Supposedly, they’re now “Sniffin’ for Griffin,” which might not be a bad strategy, either.

Switching to KU, if you had to pick, which KU senior would you say had the most impact on the KU football program?

**TK:** I guess I’d have to say Tim Biere, a four-year starter, but Jeremiah Hatch has to rank a close second.

**JN:** Though he only was a starter during his last two seasons, I will miss talking to KU linebacker Steven Johnson after this season is over.

Kansas tight end Tim Biere tosses back a pass during warmups before taking on Texas Tech outside at Kivisto Field on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011.

Prayers answered: Steven Johnson’s strenuous journey leads to rewarding opportunity to start at linebacker for KU

He’s always friendly, thoughtful and willing to give interesting answers. It’s the reason Johnson oftentimes finds himself surrounded by cameras and recorders after games.

Somewhere along the way, I think he’s turned into KU’s best player as well.

All right, Tom, what’s your prediction for this game?

Kansas linebacker Drew Dudley turns to cover as Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III throws during the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas.

**TK:** Baylor 44, Kansas 31. The two worst defenses in the Big 12 play in this one and the team that has Robert Griffin III has the advantage.

**JN:** I’ll go with Baylor 56, KU 21.

When I think about Baylor, I can’t help but think about the 678-yard performance it had against KU last season.

Baylor’s offense is better this year, and KU’s defense is worse. The Bears should pile up the points once again.

OK, Tom, who’s your Hawk to Rock?

Kansas cornerback Greg Brown tails Baylor receiver Kendall Wright as he reaches for a deep pass during the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco.

**TK:** Darrian Miller.

“He’s down, oh wait, no he isn’t. He’s still on his feet. He just turned a 3-yard gain into an 8-yard gain.”

**JN:** I’ll go with Tim Biere.

The tight end hasn’t caught a pass in KU’s last two games, but I have a feeling that KU will try to get him heavily involved in the offense, especially in his last home game.

Predictions tally (through nine games)
—————————————

Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein warps up Kansas running back Darrian Miller during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Also pictured are KU tight end Tim Biere and ISU defensive end Jake Lattimer.

Tom: 8-1 record.
Jesse: 8-1 record.

Hawk to Rock
————

**Tom Keegan**
McNeese State: Toben Opurum (3rd in Keegan ratings)
Northern Illinois: Darrian Miller (7th in Keegan ratings)
Georgia Tech: Bradley McDougald (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Texas Tech: Tony Pierson (7th in Keegan ratings)
Oklahoma State: Tim Biere (1st in Keegan ratings)
Oklahoma: Tyler Patmon (9th in Keegan ratings)
Kansas State: Darrian Miller (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Texas: Tony Pierson (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Iowa State: Tim Biere (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)

**Jesse Newell**
McNeese State: Brandon Bourbon (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Northern Illinois: Darius Willis (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Georgia Tech: Kale Pick (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Texas Tech: James Sims (3rd in Keegan ratings)
Oklahoma State: Brandon Bourbon (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Oklahoma: Steven Johnson (1st in Keegan ratings)
Kansas State: Toben Opurum (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Texas: Greg Brown (2nd in Keegan ratings)
Iowa State: JaCorey Shepherd (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)

Kansas tight end Tim Biere is shoved out of bounds by Northern Illinois defender Demetrius Stone on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 at Memorial Stadium.

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