KU Football: 4 Things on Texas Tech

KU football has had two weeks to prepare for Texas Tech. Is it enough to salvage homecoming?

After the West Virginia game two weeks ago, I came away fairly happy with the Jayhawks performance. KU football still has a lot to work on, but the fact that they were playing with effort was extremely noticeable.

Effort has been an ingredient the Jayhawks have lacked in years and games past.

Although Kansas was severely outmatched, they kept it close enough to be considered watchable through the fourth quarter.

This week’s matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders should have the defense on their heels However, with new offensive coordinator Doug Meacham running things, the offense has shown that they have the potential to make Tech nervous throughout the game.

Here’s four things to ponder before the game.

Thing 1

Can KU Football keep the penalties and turnovers at a minimum

Penalties always hurt. Especially when you receive twice as many as your opponent like last week. That’s hard to overcome no matter who you are or what your record might be.

KU Football has enough issues going on without stalling a drive moving backwards or giving free yardage to teams who have no issue gaining it themselves.

On top of the cheating issue, turnovers have killed the Jayhawks. Losing the turnover battle six to three in all their losses combined.

In a game with an offense such as Texas Tech, these two issues will have to be at a minimum.

Thing 2

Can the Kansas offense keep up with the Red Raider offense

No.

Thing 3

Texas Tech will score 60+

In the last meeting between the two teams the Jayhawks knocked out Patrick Mahomes only to get knocked out by Nic Shimonek. The backup threw for 271 yards and four touchdowns, in a half.

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There is absolutely no reason to think anything less will happen in this game. If I am wrong, then I will address it in next week’s column. I’m not wrong however.

Lovers of defense need not watch.

Thing 4

The fact that KeKe Coutee won’t be playing will go unnoticed

Next man up for the Red Raiders. Be prepared to hear a bunch of names you’ve never heard of score touchdowns.

The defense for Kansas hasn’t been able to contain opposing receivers all year. This should be ugly. There isn’t much of a chance for Kansas,

Thing 2 revisited

The team is playing hard, and that must be taken into account. A hard playing team will eventually get it.

Not this week.

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The offensive numbers look sneaky good for the Jayhawks. In large part this is due to being on the field so much. The defense allows quick scores putting the offense back on the field. In turn more plays, more yards.

The Jayhawks are heading the right direction, even if all four tires are flat.