Kansas vs. UTEP Tale of the Tape

by Owen on Sep 10, 2009 7:31 AM CDT in Kansas Jayhawk Football

Still early in the year and this is going to change a lot over the next few weeks but still some interesting things when looking at both teams through the first game. For Kansas a complete flip in the offense where the running game is the strength and the passing offense is just middle of the pack. Also a little encouraging, but like the rest it's way to early to declare, is the pass defense which currently ranks in the middle of the pack despite spending most of last season near the bottom.

For UTEP a fairly balance offense that is probably a little better than the statistics indicate at this point. Biggest concern would be the pass efficiency and pass efficiency defense, both of which are near the bottom third in the country currently but will be major areas of importance if the Miners want to beat the Jayhawks.

			VS.


Conf	National	Actual	Category	Actual	National	Conf
Rank	Rank	Actual	Category	Actual	Rank	Rank
	9	328	Rushing Offense	139	64
	50	219	Passing Offense	233	T-44
	11	547	Total Offense	372	57
	T-14	49	Scoring Offense	17	79
	32	74	Rushing Defense	150	74
	52	111.11	Pass Effic. Defense	150.86	91
	31	246	Total Defense	309	55
	T-10	3	Scoring Defense	23	T-69
	107	16	Net Punting	38.33	56
	T-57	6	Punt Returns	5.5	60
	T-87	17	Kickoff Return	17.33	85
	T-10	2	Turnover Margin	0	T-43
	47	172	Pass Defense	159	41
	17	181.82	Passing Efficiency	101.25	86
	T-17	3	Sacks	1	T-66
	33	7	Tackles for a Loss	7	33
	T-1	0	Sacks Allowed	1	T-31

I'll reiterate the fact that this is very early and there are certainly some things to take from this but at the same time Saturday might come around and this thing may take a 180. UTEP in El Paso certainly isn't a game to take lightly. They do have the ability to put up points and despite losing to Buffalo last week in El Paso, this game will be "the game" for UTEP at home this year and their coaches will look to correct week one mistakes just like ours will.

What I'd like to see from the Jayhawks to help with a win:

Pick up the passing game while still maintaining the balanced offensive attack.
Correct the mental mistakes on defense last week, while also getting a little more creative in the game plan up front.
Turvnovers, I know it's one week but being in the top 10 in turnover margin usually means good things.

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Comments

I wonder if....

UTEP and Coach Price weren’t looking ahead to the Jayhawks. Coach Price needs those big “marquee” wins to build that program. A victory over a ranked, BCS conference foe goes a long way for a program like UTEP.

Jayhawks beware.

The good news is this: if UTEP comes at us strong and we survive the hostile environment and prosper….we’ll be a much stronger team for it!

I agree with the gameplan upfront too – let’s pick our horses, whether it’s Blakesly, Dorsey, Greene, Johnson Jr., Zlatnik, or Stephens….let’s pick ’em and let them get into a rhythm.

Sawin' wood

by Rivethead on Sep 10, 2009 8:06 AM CDT reply actions

Thoughts after watching some of the UTEP/Buffalo game

The UTEP QB (Vittatoe) will give KU a lot of trouble if they don’t pressure him. I want to see some blitzes this week. If KU continues to give opposing receivers a big cushion, their QB will pick apart KU with short, precise passes. Vittatoe was a bit inconsistent with his accuracy last Saturday but overall he looks like a good passer. I don’t want to see KU’s corners giving an 8 yard cushion on 3rd and 6 – that drives me crazy.

UTEP likes to run screens, bootlegs, and play action passes so KU’s defensive ends and LB’s must play disciplined football Saturday.

KU must tackle better this week. Outside of Chris Harris, there was some suspect tackling last week (Thornton and Dudley come to mind). If UTEP attacks with the short, quick passing game it’s critical that the KU defenders not allow significant yards after the catch.

I did not see much from UTEP’s defense that would indicate it is capable of shutting down or perhaps even containing KU’s offense.

All my worries this weekend reside with KU’s defense.

by KU_Lew on Sep 10, 2009 5:30 PM CDT reply actions

You catch the replay?

Thanks for the thoughts, I have only reviewed that one through what I’ve been able to research reading but I’ve heard Vittatoe has the potential to be thorn in our sides.

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

by Owen on Sep 10, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions