**Jesse Newell:** Welcome back to the GameDay Cram Session, as Kansas is taking on Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlanta.
First off, Tom, what is something you like about the city of Atlanta?
**Tom Keegan:** It has all the bright-lights advantages of a big city but still has so much Southern Hospitality. Plus, when I think of Atlanta, I think of spending time with Bobby Cox before games when the Mets came into play the Braves. I’m sorry he didn’t postpone his retirement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3acKkbxrfI
**JN:** Nice to know he’s a good guy. He definitely was a great manager and will have to save a speech for his Hall of Fame induction in 2014.
Switching back to college football, though, what do you think will be the most important key for KU if it wants to stay close against Georgia Tech?
**TK:** The key will be to win the turnover battle because I think Georgia Tech’s defense has a better chance of slowing down KU’s high-powered offense than KU’s defense has of keeping Tech off the scoreboard.
**JN:** Turnovers should be interesting to track. KU’s offense has been superb in the first two games, partly because it has been able to avoid turnovers.
Think about this: KU’s running backs/receivers have had 92 carries in the first two games without fumbling it a single time. (In those 92 carries, those backs/receivers have averaged 5.9 yards per carry.)
Also, Jordan Webb has thrown 40 passes without an interception this season. He threw a pick once every 27 pass attempts a year ago.
KU has done a great job of securing the football so far, but it’ll be tough for the Jayhawks to keep up their half-turnover-per-game pace they’ve set through two games.
Looking at KU, Tom, who would you say is the Jayhawks’ best offensive player right now?
**TK:** James Sims, although Webb and Duane Zlatnik, the most improved players on the offense, certainly are off to great starts as well.
As does Zlatnik, Sims kind of wears teams down with his physical style of play. He’s one tough athlete, physically and mentally.
**JN:** Thanks to Mike Cummings from the KU athletic department, I can give you an interesting stat about Sims: He has had only had four negative-yard rushing plays in his 213 carries as a Jayhawk. That’s pretty impressive, especially considering how beat up KU’s offensive line was at times last year.
You know what you’re getting with Sims: a guy that’s going to hit the hole immediately and fall forward for additional yardage almost every run.
All right, Tom, what’s your prediction for this game?
**TK:** Georgia Tech 44, Kansas 31.
As the season progresses, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the secondary improve, but some of what plagues the KU defense just isn’t fixable.
The talent just isn’t there on the front three in the 3-4 defense. It’s tough to compensate for that because a comfortable quarterback is a dangerous quarterback.
**JN:** I’ll go with Georgia Tech 42, KU 21.
KU defensive coordinator Vic Shealy helped the Jayhawks come up with a defensive gameplan to stop Tech’s triple-option last year, but the difference this year is that the Yellow Jackets are a better passing team.
Through two games, Tech is averaging an astounding 34.1 yards per reception. That’s not good news for a KU secondary that has looked vulnerable in the first two weeks.
Under coach Turner Gill last year, KU didn’t keep a road game closer than 12 points, and I’m not expecting this one to be closer than 12, either.
OK, Tom, who’s your Hawk to Rock?
**TK:** Bradley McDougald.
Proud athletes tend to improve their performances as the quality of the competition improves. I can’t get the image of McDougald popping the ball loose from a ball carrier and going high for an interception out of my head.
**JN:** I’ll go with Kale Pick.
He’s already been a big help for KU’s offense this season with his downfield blocking. With Daymond Patterson and JaCorey Shepherd out because of injury, the junior should be Webb’s top option in the passing game Saturday. Give me seven catches and a TD for him.
**Predictions tally (through two games)**
Tom: 1-1 record.
Jesse: 1-1 record.
**Tom Keegan**
McNeese State: Toben Opurum (3rd in Keegan ratings)
Northern Illinois: Darrian Miller (7th in Keegan ratings)
**Jesse Newell**
McNeese State: Brandon Bourbon (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
Northern Illinois: Darius Willis (Not ranked in Keegan ratings)
