KU Football: Three Things to Watch VS Memphis Tigers
By Mike Norris
When a team averages just 12 points per game (as the Jayhawks did during Big 12 Conference play last year) it’s not exactly built to win by erasing large deficits.
Kansas has been outscored 15-13 this year in the first quarter, one reason it currently sits at 1-1. During last year’s 0-12 campaign, the Jayhawks were outscored 182-61 in the first 15 minutes of each game. That means on average they trailed 15-5 heading into the second quarter.
If the Jayhawks fall behind by three touchdowns that early, it’s over.
Ohio led 15-0 after the first frame against Kansas, and it was too much for the Jayhawks to overcome. A key at Memphis will be for the Jayhawks to at least keep the game within seven points after the first quarter.
One way to do that is run the ball effectively. Kansas didn’t even reach the 30-yard mark against Ohio and completed just 18 passes. They also had just nine first downs compared to 27 for Ohio. Memphis jumped ahead 22-0 in their only game of the season against Southeast Missouri State en route to a 35-17 victory.
If the Jayhawks fall behind by three touchdowns that early, it’s over. Riley Ferguson made fans forget Lynch for the moment, completing 26-of-40 passes for 295 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Memphis can light up the scoreboard, and while it’s up to the defense to try and stop them, success won’t come if the coaching staff doesn’t also put forth a strong effort.
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