Kansas vs. Minnesota Tale of the Tape

by Owen Kemp on Dec 30, 2008 10:00 AM CST in Football Comment 3 comments

			VS.


Conf	National	Actual	Category	Actual	National	Conf
Rank	Rank	Actual	Category	Actual	Rank	Rank
9	80	128.92	Rushing Offense	105.83	104	11
4	8	302.33	Passing Offense	216.42	57	4
7	22	431.25	Total Offense	322.25	91	10
8	27	32.67	Scoring Offense	23.42	82	9
5	32	126.67	Rushing Defense	146.83	70	7
4	70	129.92	Pass Effic. Defense	125.44	60	8
8	93	402.17	Total Defense	378.42	74	10
9	87	29.50	Scoring Defense	23.33	49	6
9	95	33.02	Net Punting	36.18	43	6
3	22	11.95	Punt Returns	10.24	43	3
12	118	17.40	Kickoff Return	23.46	22	2
6	T-46	.25	Turnover Margin	1.00	10	2
10	113	275.5	Pass Defense	231.58	88	10
7	20	146.12	Passing Efficiency	127.95	51	5
6	47	2.08	Sacks	2.5	T-25	4
4	34	6.33	Tackles for a Loss	6.75	22	3
9	T-94	2.33	Sacks Allowed	2.25	86	10

A lot of interesting matchups in this one and how they play out will tell us a lot about each of these leagues. Are Big 12 offenses the reason for Kansas' low ranking defense or are they just a sub par unit. The opposite question applies to Minnesota who while running a spread has been less than impressive with the 91st ranked offense in the country. Is that due to their own shortcomings or is the Big 10 a much stronger defensive league.

Small battles that will also be interesting to see play out include the Jayhawks lack of a pass rush vs. the Gophers apparent mild struggle to pass protect. The other that strikes me is how the Gophers lower scoring offense does against a Kansas team that allows a lot of points.

It's always hard to do a conference to conference comparison but if the common belief that the Big 10 is inferior at the moment to the Big 12 holds true I think Kansas' apparent on paper advantage should carry over to the game. Again we'll see on Wednesday but I do like this matchup.

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I just read the preview from the Minnesota side

and it made me think about a couple keys to the game for us. The Minnesota bloggers preview is in the fanshots and it’s worth a read. Here is my take:

Obviously, Thornton being out at CB could be a huge blow. It moves Patterson onto their number 1 receiver which could be a bad thing. It also moves Harper into the game and we haven’t heard much from him since he came back from injury. I am pretty nervous about them being able to establish a passing attack to compliment a ground game that they seem to be wanting to go to.

Our optimistic side: This could be the chance for Daymond Patterson to prove his position change is for real and that he can go into next year as a starter. Kendrick Harper, in his last game, will come back and show us the kind of play he did last season.

I’m not worried about our offense, though. Coming off of that Missouri game the way our offense moved the ball has to be still on the minds of Reesing, Meier, Briscoe, Sharp and that much improved offensive line. The only thing I get nervous of is not getting out to a quick start. If we come out and run some predictable plays (like not trying to establish a ground game of our own) and they get some quick stops, the momentum could really swing in their favor.

The final thing is what I mentioned above. I love our passing attack and think it’s very explosive. I think the Minnesota Gopher blogger hasn’t watched enough of KU when he said he just thought we had talented receivers, not great receivers. I think Dezmon Briscoe is very great and will be a first day draft pick. I also think that Kerry Meier could turn into a good slot receiver in the NFL. That being said, I really think Warinner needs to establish a good ground game, and that means giving Sharp enough carries. There were way too many times this year that he didn’t get enough carries and 18-20 tomorrow is a necessity in my mind. If he gets that amount, I guarantee he will bust a couple 20 yard runs and have the Gopher defense really on their heels when Reesing runs the QB read throws.

My prediction is right with the oddsmakers.

Jayhawks 36 – Gophers 26

by I need more Esteban on Dec 30, 2008 4:03 PM CST reply actions

Well, I would consider the Big 12 and particularly our schedule this year to be superior to the Big 1110. I do think we have an advantage, but I hope we don’t let that get to our heads.

OT: Denver, what do you think about Shannahan? Who’re we going to replace him with?

Insanity is just a state of mind.

by KTJ on Dec 30, 2008 9:03 PM CST reply actions

Wow and I'm Shocked...

As far as who replaces him people are throwing out a lot of big names around here but I would say it will probably be someone with a little lesser price tag because they are still going to be paying Shanahan next year.

The quarterback and those more in the know with the Broncos also seem very excited about Jeremy Bates (current QB coach and recently offered Tennessee O Coordinator spot). I think it may be a situation where they find a strong GM (personnel guy) and a servicable coach for the time being to continue the rebuilding process while they continue grooming the young QB and his fav coach Bates.

Could be very interesting.

Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.

by Owen Kemp on Dec 30, 2008 9:35 PM CST up reply actions