The Postgame: Kansas Jayhawks’ Drops & Turnovers Give Them No Chance
By Joel Wagler
Kansas Jayhawks halfback James Sims (29) Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas Jayhawks committed 6 turnovers and dropped numerous balls in the passing game, and lost 31-10 to the Kansas State Wildcats in the 111th Sunflower Showdown. The Jayhawks finished 3-9 for the season, which is a small improvement over the 1-win season a year ago. It just doesn’t feel like much of an improvement.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Jimmay Mundine dropped yet another pass, this time into the waiting hands of Dante Barnett at mid field. Six plays, 38 yards, and about 3 minutes later, Jake Waters scrambled in from 15 yards out to make the score 28-10 with 18 minutes to go in the game.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Let’s go with James Sims, not for his effort today (22 carries, 82 yards, 2 fumbles), but for his career. He finished the season with 1110 yards, and he accumulated 3,592 yards for his career, plus 34 touchdowns on the ground. He also finished his career with 587 receiving yards and 2 touchdown catches. He was often the only positive in otherwise frustrating games. It was too bad his career finale was marred by the two big fumbles today.
NOT SO FUN STATS: Bill Snyder is now 18-4 against Kansas in his brilliant career.
THREE POSITIVES
Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Ben Heeney (31) Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
1- 2013 SEASON: It’s over.
2- JUSTIN McCAY: It has been an extremely disappointing season for Justin McCay. Going into today’s match up against Kansas State, he had just 4 receptions all season for 39 yards. Against the Wildcats today, he more than matched his season totals by pulling in 5 balls for 45 yards. Maybe he can use this game to springboard into a much more productive senior season.
3- BEN HEENEY: Luckily for the Jayhawks, Ben Heeney will be back for one more season. Kansas’ leading tackler is active all over the field and is one of the few Jayhawk defenders who can actually tackle.
THREE WORRIES
1- QUARTERBACKS – No one seems more confused about the Kansas quarterback situation than Charlie Weis. He pulled the red shirt off freshman Montell Cozart at mid season for no apparent reason, and spent the rest of the season incredibly indecisive about how to use both Cozart and Jake Heaps. Neither has been even a little bit effective, and the position looks to be a huge void going into next season.
2- THE OFFENSIVE LINE: The line seemed to make some small improvements in run blocking as the season progressed but they still struggle in protecting for the pass. Offensive Line Coach Tim Grunhard has already announced he is leaving the program now that the season is over. For Kansas to make a big step forward next season, the offensive line must improve.
3- THE HYPE: Kansas and Weis spent a lot of time in the off season hyping Jake Heaps, Justin McCay, and the junior college Dream Team. Three wins isn’t what we all had in mind. If Weis cranks up the propaganda machine again this winter, just tune him out. Let’s see some results on the field before we pay him any attention.