Scouting report, prediction in Big 12 play

The Jayhawks (1-5, 0-3 in Big 12 Conference) are coming off an open week that has allowed them to reset and take more time to self-scout. The Cougars (2-4, 1-2 in Big 12) are also coming off of an open week, after celebrating a win in league play against a TCU team Kansas has suffered a loss against. It’s the second time this season the Jayhawks will have played a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

What are Kansas’ coaches considering ahead of kickoff? What are some of the Jayhawks’ leading players discussing? Prior to the 2:30 p.m. CDT scheduled kickoff, check out this scouting report and prediction for the matchup:

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Kansas head coach Lance Leipold praises Willie Fritz

Willie Fritz is in his first season as Houston’s head coach, and Kansas head coach Lance Leipold was quick to praise him this week. Leipold said he’s known Fritz for a long time, and noted it’s not surprising to see Fritz’s teams improve over the course of a season. Leipold thinks the Cougars are playing their best football to date, have the ability to use a mobile quarterback and have a defensive line that will provide a challenge up front.

Compared to past teams Leipold has seen of Fritz’s, Leipold highlighted how Fritz has looked to win games with an athletic quarterback. Leipold added the two have gone through professional development exercises together. He thinks Houston will continue to see the benefit of having Fritz around.

Kansas offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes shares his thoughts

Kansas assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes described Houston’s defense as well-coached, and one that uses a sound scheme that can present problems in a number of ways. Like Leipold, Grimes highlighted a sizable and physical defensive line that can fill gaps and make it challenging for an offense to get to the second level. Grimes added the Cougars’ secondary isn’t afraid to play man, even if they trend toward zone principles.

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland analyzes Houston

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland described how well Houston commits to running the ball, using run-pass options, running the quarterback and using screens. It all presents a challenge the Jayhawks will have to handle. Although Kansas has struggled with mobile quarterbacks in the past, he expressed confidence in his defense’s ability to step up to the challenge.

Should redshirt senior linebacker Cornell Wheeler continue to miss time, the onus will keep falling on senior linebacker Taiwan Berryhill Jr. to step up at MIKE linebacker for the Jayhawks. Borland acknowledged there are things they have missed while Wheeler’s been out due to injury, including Wheeler’s leadership and ability to diagnose things during a game. However, Borland again praised the effort Berryhill has been making and said he has no negative things to say about Berryhill.

Kansas football players preview Houston

Senior wide receiver Luke Grimm highlighted how well Houston’s field and boundary safeties defend opposing running games, so he mentioned Kansas’ wide receivers will have to cover that threat. He added the Cougars are fast and physical.

Senior linebacker JB Brown also praised how well Houston is able to use a mobile quarterback. He acknowledged Kansas hasn’t defended that as well as the Jayhawks would have liked to date, but he’s confident they’ll be able to turn it around this weekend as long as they commit to improvements such as taking better angles.

Senior safety O.J. Burroughs pointed to how Houston uses its formations and is able to design its quarterback runs. When it comes to drawing from past experiences of stopping a mobile quarterback, he noted they have to remain aware of things like down and distance.

Prediction: Kansas 27, Houston 20

This is a prime opportunity for Kansas to be able to put its losing streak in the past and build some momentum for the rest of the season. Odds are the Jayhawks are going to struggle at times with stopping a Houston offense that can use a mobile quarterback, and there could be some significant plays their defense allows. But that defense has also shown an ability to force turnovers, and that will help provide Kansas’ offense with the chance to deliver a win for the home crowd.

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.