Kansas Jayhawks vs TCU Horned Frogs: Delayed Reaction

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Offense: Feast or Famine

The first two Kansas drives totaled 31 plays, covered 165 yards, took twelve minutes off the clock and resulted in 13 points. Trust me, I watched it happen and can still barely believe it as I’m writing it. Of course, the next three possessions all ended in punts, to include a couple three-and-outs which is to be expected from the Jayhawks offense.

Rather than folding completely though, the Kansas offense responded in the third quarter, taking the opening drive 82 yards for another touchdown. After TCU responded with a touchdown of its own the Jayhawks took one play to extend its lead with this amazing catch by junior Nigel King on what was somehow his first receiving touchdown of the year.

Despite putting up over 400 yards of offense and largely controlling the clock throughout the game, the Jayhawks could not sustain their success. While the Horned Frogs were mounting their comeback, Kansas went the last six possessions running only 22 plays for 36 yards and a field goal.

This can largely be attributed to conservative play calling once they got the lead – which is understandable but unfortunate. All too often teams play “not to lose” instead of playing to win after pulling ahead, which I think is the pitfall into which the Jayhawks fell. Rather than staying aggressive, which got them in the lead to begin with, Kansas fell into predictable play calling of run-run-pass which was too easy for TCU to defend.

After forcing a fumble inside the Horned Frogs’ ten yard line, Kansas elected to kick a field goal to cut into the lead, rather than going for it on fourth and possibly tying the game.  Granted hind sight is 20-20, but even at the time that seemed too conservative given the Jayhawks’ struggles to move the ball.

Next: Defense: Bend, but Don't Break