Big 12 Power Rankings: OSU Stunned By Mountaineers

Sep 21, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks defensive lineman

(98) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Kansas won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

9. Kansas Jayhawks 

Record: 2-1

Previous Ranking: 9 (Trend: — )

Last Week: Bye

This Week: vs. Texas Tech

Next Week: at TCU

Everything is pointing towards a blow out loss for the Jayhawks. Texas Tech is coming in with a pass-heavy system that has torched opponents for 408.5 yards per game though the air. KU’s defense has played decently, but they haven’t seen anything like what Tech is going to throw at them.

In addition to the air raid that is on the way from Tech, the Jayhawks offense has been awful through the first three games. The passing game has not gotten off the ground due to tons of dropped passes and poor protection for quarterback Jake Heaps. Heaps has managed to average just 5.81 yards per attempt as a result.

Things are not going to get better with Texas Tech’s defense in town. Tech ranks third in the Big 12 in scoring defense (13.2), and has held their last three opponents – which includes TCU – to under 14 points.

Charlie Weis seems to have been coaching against the strength of his team, which is his large stable of running backs. Kansas has run 75 passing plays to just 68 rushing plays over the last two games, which is silly considering the lack of talent at wide receiver. This has meant that Tony Pierson, who is averaging 7 yards per carry and a 77-yard touchdown reception, has touched the ball just 26 times in three games.

KU’s best chance to move the ball is going to come through their running game – primarily Sims and Pierson. If Weis decided to continue to throw more than run then this game will become a disaster quickly.