LAWRENCE — Kansas football has a rivalry game Saturday, on the road against No. 16 Kansas State.
The Jayhawks (2-5, 1-3 in Big 12 Conference) are coming off of a win at home against Houston. The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 in Big 12) are coming off of a win on the road against West Virginia. It’s a rivalry game Kansas hasn’t won in more than a decade.
So, what’s on the mind of Kansas’ coaches before kickoff? What are the Jayhawks’ players thinking about? Ahead of the 7 p.m. (CT)-scheduled kickoff, here’s a scouting report and prediction for the game:
Kansas football sticks to its process, even as Kansas State rivalry game arrives
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold highlights Kansas State’s dynamic offense
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold praised the work Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman’s staff has done, and highlighted Conor Riley’s efforts as offensive coordinator. Not only do they get the ball to playmakers on the outside, but they have two running backs — junior DJ Giddens and sophomore Dylan Edwards — who compliment each other well. Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, behind a rebuilt offensive line, is also excelling in his first year as the full-time starter.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kansas State is heading into the weekend with the Big 12 sack leader — senior defensive end Brendan Mott. Leipold also noted the Wildcats’ defense can be unique at times with how it uses its safeties. They also rotate a lot of players.
Kansas football offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes highlights Kansas State’s effort, toughness
Jeff Grimes, Kansas’ assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, is no stranger to Kansas State given his history coaching at Baylor. He described the Wildcats as a tough team that plays as hard as any group he’s gone up against. Each year, from his perspective, Kansas State has added more complexities to what it does out of its base personnel grouping and front structure — such as pressures and types of pressures.
Grimes also mentioned Mott. He described Mott as someone who has a really good, and quick, inside move. It’s something you can talk about all week, but not fully appreciate until you get into a game and see it live.
Kansas football defensive coordinator Brian Borland is keeping an eye on Kansas State’s quarterback
Whether it’s by design or not, Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland said Johnson is someone who can have success running the ball. So, whether it’s going to happen a lot or not, the Jayhawks are going to be prepared for that element of Kansas State’s offense. It’s the running game the Wildcats have that’ll garner a lot of attention, especially considering the running backs they have, but Borland is also aware that Johnson is accurate enough in the pocket and on the move that they have to respect the passing game as well.
When Borland looks at the Kansas State offensive line, he sees a group that’s working well together. It’s not as experienced, possibly, as last year’s unit. However, he wouldn’t describe the offensive line as a weakness by any stretch.
3 Kansas football players share their thoughts
Kansas senior tight end Jared Casey described Kansas State’s defense as fast and physical, as they’ve been for years. He highlighted the Wildcats have the ability to play a variety of fronts and coverages, especially considering how experienced the group is.
Kansas senior wide receiver Lawrence Arnold pointed to how Kansas State uses shifts and motions, and how it has an aggressive defensive line. He likes how the secondary disguises things, and noted you have to watch the film so you can notice the smallest details that’ll give you an edge.
Kansas redshirt junior defensive tackle D.J. Withers said Kansas State’s offensive line looks like a connected group. He can’t wait for the challenge.
Prediction: Kansas State 38, Kansas 31
Kansas has some momentum after its win against Houston, which ended a five-game losing streak. The Jayhawks’ offense is moving the ball more and more effectively, as redshirt junior quarterback Jalon Daniels looks more and more comfortable. But going on the road and topping a Kansas State team that’s aiming for a Big 12 title looks like a challenge that’ll be just out of Kansas’ grasps this year.
Jordan Guskey covers the University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
