New Year’s Eve 2008 marked the end of an exciting Kansas football season as the Jayhawks wrapped up their first ever back to back bowl wins in school history.  Already fans, media and players alike are looking toward 2009, but I thought I would take one last opportunity to look back at the 2008 Insight Bowl and discuss 2009 sometime next week.

Full story after the jump…

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#4

The 2008 Kansas football season had several question marks headed into the 2008 season.  How would certain losses impact the offense was  a big one and specifically how would the departure of Brandon McAnderson, Anthony Collins and Derek Fine affect the running game.  While those questions were not answered with resounding confidence early there was a time in the year where things finally seemed to click in a big way and Kansas fans saw a glimpse of what could be to come.

Once again performance #4 brings us to the Sunflower Showdown and the faceoff between the Jayhawks and in state rival Kansas State.  This time however the performance was a group effort.  While one player ultimately put up the big numbers, six Jayhawks were involved in performance #4.

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A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

• KU athletics game recap
• Game Notes
• Press Conference Quotes
• Kansas Senior Linebacker Corps wraps up a home career
• KUSports recap
• KC Star recap
• Whitlock Column talks about keeping things in perspective.
• KC Star Game Report
• Great Article on some of the Seniors

My Thoughts...The unthinkable happened yesterday, Kansas lost a football game because its offense was inept.  Todd Reesing appeared flustered and incapable of making the plays that we all know him for.  The pass protection was more than acceptable in many cases and there has been a clear improvement over the year with Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes, yet Reesing couldn’t seem to pull the trigger and couldn’t seem to keep the ball out of the dirt.  I say it again, the Kansas offense lost this game and it’s been awhile since I’ve had to say that.

A Senior day inspired defense came out and did everything they could in the first half forcing several punts by the potent offense of the Texas longhorns.  The unit forced a turnover, the defensive backs seemed to continue to get more comfortable in their new positions, and even the defensive line put some token pressure on Colt McCoy.  The problem this week was we couldn’t capitalize from an offensive standpoint.  The longer the game went without us turning the stops into our momentum the more hopeless the cause and eventually it all broke down. 

This was a frustrating game yet again for Kansas fans and it’s clear we still have work to do in the talent department before we take the next step and beat these big time opponents at home.  I talked about it a little yesterday but it’s worth mentioning again, Kansas needs some more time to improve recruiting and development based on the recent success.  This senior class committed to Mangino on the heels of a 4-7 year so while one of the greatest senior classes in terms of on field success ever at the University they probably weren’t the most talented to ever walk through the door.  Hopefully that class is yet to come and when they do on a more consistent basis we’ll begin to turn the next corner.  Nonetheless, we will see a 2^nd straight bowl, we are bowl eligible for the fourth straight year and I believe we’ve got a good shot at Missouri in Arrowhead.

A couple of guys on this team do deserve special mention after yesterday.  Kerry Meier, this guy is a warrior and all hear, we need a few more healthy versions of him on the field.  Dez Briscoe, amazing catch, another great game, and he continues to develop into a star.   Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes, no they aren’t there yet and no they didn’t have the greatest game, but they have shown marked improvement and if we could play South Florida with this current version of these two I think we win the game.  The defensive line, the unit that has been frustrating all year got some pressure and didn’t get pushed around against a usually dominate Texas O-line.  Thornton and Patterson both seem to be developing and getting more comfortable at their new spots and while I hope we get Patterson back on offense, he looks like a serviceable corner. 

Those are a few of my thoughts for positives looking ahead now it’s an extended Missouri week and maybe this team can put together their first full complete game in this one and make us all feel a little better.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

• Jake Sharp runs wild behind the Kansas offense.
• Russel Brorson turns in a memorable performance.
• Notes including news on season ending injury to Justin Springer.
• KU Athletics game recap.
• Final Stats.
• Game Notes.

My Thoughts...The morning after and the win feels just as satisfying as the day of.  While it seems like our true football rivalry is Missouri this game was a big win for the Jayhawks and their fans.  My only question is why the hell are there empty seats after halftime when we are handing our instate rival who we clearly have on the ropes an absolute beat down.  Enjoy the journey and don't get so wrapped up in the destination Jayhawk fans. 

Enough of that tangent how about a look at the game.  There has been recent mention of Ed Warriner changing his offensive blocking scheme from a zone block to man.  Clearly that is the right move.  Yesterday, I saw our offensive line dominating man on man throughout the game.  K-State players found their faces buried in the grass and I can count more than a few times where Jeff Spikes and Jeremiah Hatch our two newbie’s were on top.  Jake Sharp used this to his advantage in a big way.  Many of his big runs were off the right side behind Spikes and Sharp made the right reads hit the holes aggressively, got to the next level and then made guys miss.  Not to mention his touchdown where he outran the Kansas State safety.  Fact of the matter is Sharp proved a lot yesterday, and with consistent blocking he can be a very effective back for us.  The shovel pass that he broke for long yardage was probably his best example of reading and cutting off blocks all year.  Overall, kudos to the running game for being the focal point and not an afterthought this week.

Defensively it was hard not to be very happy with the scheme and effort.  Josh Freeman is a very good quarterback with a pocket and with time.  Under pressure he sometimes tries to do too much.  Clint Bowen's zone blitzing along with the decision to utilize James Holt as an end was huge in applying pressure and allowing our secondary to provide solid coverage.  The scheme also allowed Russel Brorson to pick off his 2nd and 3rd Josh Freeman passes adding to his one from last year’s game against Kansas State.  In the backfield Justin Thornton and Daymond Patterson both looked much more comfortable in their positions this week, which might have something to do with not playing Texas Tech, but nonetheless both looked improved.  Another crew that made a difference was our defensive tackles.  Caleb Blakesly was a warrior in the middle, while Jamal Greene and Darius Parish did an excellent job filling in for Richard Johnson and tied up blockers allowing our linebackers to run free.  Finally the leaders of this defense Joe Mortenson, Mike Rivera and Darrell Stuckey used their freedom to roam and stifle the running game holding Kansas State to a minimal 91 yards rushing. 

Even the special teams were improved.  Daymond Patterson had room to work on returns, Herford and Crawford looked more decisive on kickoff returns, Branstetter put a few in the end zone, knocked through a FG and made some great tackles.  The only low point was the blocked field goal, but then again Kansas State doesn't lead the nation in that statistic for nothing. 

From a mental standpoint Kansas definitely recovered from the haymaker that Tech threw their way a week ago.  The players showed they aren't done yet and next week against Nebraska, the Jayhawks have a chance to break a streak, lock up a seventh win and probably creep back into the Top 25 before facing a tough Texas Longhorn team in Lawrence.  Big win this week, another huge and difficult game next week but fans can rest easy as Kansas for the third year in a row defeated rival K-State in the sunflower showdown.

Press conference highlights after the Jump...some good stuff this week...

                                                                   Image Source: KUSports.com

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                                                                                   Image Source: KUsports.com

Last week following the game Kansas fans did a little venting...this week we'll to a little gloating.  Kansas came out and beat Kansas State in convincing fashion during the 106th edition of the rivalry game between these two schools.

A few things that stood out for me and are worth a little discussion.  First the running game.  The Kansas offensive line for the first time all year dominated.  Granted K-State has had trouble against the run all season but Jake Sharp was going untouched into the secondary frequently during this game.  I recall multiple replays where Sharp was shaking tackles in the secondary while some unfortunate K-State defender was planted into the grass by a Kansas offensive lineman in the background.  Excellent job by the coaching staff to focus on this weakness and kudos to the players for playing with a physical nastiness that we haven't seen consistently throughout the year.  In terms of Jake Sharp he looked to be seeing the blocks and making the right reads all day long.  It's been a while since Todd Reesing's numbers have been dwarfed by the rest of the offense and today was one of those days and it was impressive.

Secondly how about James Holt on the defense.  Clint Bowen put this guy in a 3 point, on a pass rush and he created havoc in the K-State backfield all day.  His versatility and speed was as good a weapon as Kansas has had on the defensive line all year.  Remember Kansas State was third in the country in terms of sacks allowed and Kansas got to Josh Freeman and as I said in the team analysis if that happens he will make mistakes. 

Russel Brorson...what more can you say this guy may not be the fastest, strongest etc. but he just keeps "sawin wood" and it paid off for him today.

 I am also a little more sold on the moves made in the secondary for the most part.  Justin Thornton looks to be an effective corner and comfortable in the role.  Daymond Patterson was rarely seen which as a corner that is a good thing.  When he was I thought he made some great open field tackles.  Lastly Stuckey with 9 tackles was very effective at keeping the run at bay for Kansas State.

Overall, huge kudos to the players for showing a passion and fire that I desperately wanted to see after last week, and also to the coaching staff for developing an outstanding gameplan in every phase of the game. Offense, defense and special teams all seemed to click.  Things are once again looking up in Lawrence Kansas and onward to Lincoln where a streak is in need of breaking.

A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

The Good Guys...

• Talk softly and carry a big stick...Dezmon Briscoe.
• Linebacker Mike Rivera talks about his renewed focus.
• Jake Sharp exploded back onto the scene last weekend.
• Another Mike Rivera feature...this guy is the next Mother Teresa.
• Kansas defense will look to rattle the CU QB's.
• A look at Todd Reesing from the opponents perspective.
• Football was natural for redshirt freshman Jeremiah Hatch.
• Surprise freshman tackle Ben Leuken.
• Place your vote for Todd Reesing for the Davey O'Brien.
• KU looks to improve the kick return game against CU.
• Another look at the upside of Jeremiah Hatch.
• Don't forget to be a part of the live game thread if your available.

The Bad Guys...

• Dan Hawkins searches for teams identity.
• CU might have a quarterback controversy.
• Check out more from the CU perspective at The Ralphie Report.

A full list of the supplemental notes released by the athletic dept...and here are a few highlights...

A Kansas win would...

Be KU’s 20th win in its last 23 games.

Be its third straight against Colorado, the first such streak since 1962-64.

A Kansas Loss would...

Be less good than a win.

Individual...

Reesing (5,785) needs 104 total offense yards to pass Chip Hilleary (5,888) for second on the KU career total offensive yard chart.

WR Kerry Meier has caught at least seven passes in every game this year and at least two in 13 consecutive games dating back to last year.

Kerry Meier...

61 percent (27 of 44) of his receptions have been for first downs.

41 percent (11 of 27) of his first-down producing receptions have come on third or fourth down.

25 percent (11 of 44) of his receptions have come on third or fourth down (all for first downs).

Did you Know...?

KU has scored at least 30 points in 10 of its last 11 home games with the exception being a 29-0 win against Louisiana Tech earlier this year.

My Thoughts...Another game and another week of hoping the pieces fit together for 60 minutes.  KU has yet to put together a complete game but at their best this team is more talented and more experienced than the Buffaloes. 

We had some great Q&A sessions this week and it seems clear that Kansas needs to avoid letting CU run the ball and make the Quarterback(s) beat them.  KU will be the first road test and the most potent passing attack that CU has faced this season and I expect Todd Reesing to once again be the Buffalo killer that he has been twice already in his career. 

The biggest risk is if Kansas comes out and puts together a lackluster performance in the first half like they did against ISU.  If that is the case and CU can manage an early lead they have the backs and the scheme to run the ball and control the clock which could create problems for the Jayhawks.  Defense needs to come out with the intesity they displayed in the second half in Ames and all will be fine.  The line was 13.5 to open the week I said early on this game would be 10 or less but I'm feeling good this morning as I head to the hill for the game so I'm going to say Kansas 38 Colorado 17.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk and if anyone's in town I'll see you at Louise's West.

We aren't perfect.

Any football team at any level will have their own fair share of issues. Even last year's New England Patriots happened to have some issues; ones that were taken advantage of in the Super Bowl, which led to their demise.

Even last season's Jayhawk team, which seemed to be such a magical group of kids (and it was), had a sizable laundry list of issues. You had the kicking problems, the punting problems, the punt return problems and the lack of defensive pressure. Not the largest of problems, sure, but still some issues to overcome. And that is what is key. The overcoming of the issues.

Really, so much of football can be broken down into two things in determining a winner and loser: who has more issues and who schemes around their issues more successfully? Last season, we were able to hide our deficiencies incredibly well, at least in 12 of the games, which is an incredibly large reason why we were Orange Bowl Champions.

And not to compare last season's team to this year, as this year's product has yet to prove it belongs in the same sentence, but this year's team is much worse in those two aformentioned questions. However, the season is still young and, despite the early-season loss at the hands of South Florida, there is still a chance that this season can end just as well as last year's. Not likely. Like, at all. But if we are to have much success at all, we are going to have to improve. So, here is a rundown of the answers to those questions that, so often, can define a football team and a season. The particular issue will be listed first, then with a potential solution on how to scheme around and/or fix the issue.

These issues have got to be fixed, because no way we even sniff the Big 12 North Title playing the way we have thus far.

Issue #1 :: The Running Game

Yes, we are talking about this again. The topic that has dominated much of the talk thus far in this newly born season, the running game, is back in the forefront. First, we were discussing the excitement that was coming our way in the form of Jocques Crawford, a physical specimen who is both large and can run really fast. Then, we were startled by the poor performances by both the newcomer Crawford and the incumbent slash-RB Jake Sharp, who was to be counted upon to replace much of Brandon McAnderson's departing production. The situation didn't get much better the next game, but there seemed to be a glimmer of hope in Angus Quigley. And while Quigley has played better than the other two have, particularly Sharp was has seemingly been taken out of the rotation entirely, it still hasn't begun to approach the tremendous display of a rushing attack we had last year.

Of course, much of that, if not all of it, has to do with the offensive line and, more notably, the two best and most important players on our offensive line a year ago; Anthony Collins and Cesar Rodriguez. Their replacements, Jeff Spikes and Jeremiah Hatch, haven't played horribly, but they have also repeatedly showcased that they are, in fact, freshman and aren't really ready to be depended upon in the same way we depended upon Collins and Rodriguez. This, combined with the relative averageness of the interior line, has given us little push on the O-Line.

However, whether it is the RBs or the O-Line to blame isn't of terrible importance. Because if it is the RBs, oh well, as we have tried just about every player who could possibly succeed this season. If it is on the O-Line well, then, OK, that sucks, but there likely isn't a better player on the bench. If personnel is the issue, we likely won't be able to fix it until this offseason and its subsequent opportunity for both further player development and the infusion of new talent.

How To Fix the Issue :: Again, we have to move beyond personnel. Taking that into consideration, there aren't a whole lot of solutions. However, there is one, a potential solution I'll call the Andy Reid Solution. Andy Reid, at least in the past years prior to Brian Westbrook's emergence as one of the best RBs in the NFL, ran the ball very little. Instead, Reid used high percentage passes such as shovel passes, screens and hot routes to effectively be his "running game", instead of actually running the ball.

Considering how incredible our QB is and how deep our wide reciever corps is, we definitely have the personnel to put such a strategy into action. We are already kind of creeping towards such a situation, given the differential in pass attempts and rush attempts, but look for the gap to widen even further the more and more the running game struggles.

Issue #2 :: Pass Rush

Oh boy. Honestly, I didn't think a pass rush could get much worse than we had last year. And yet, with the loss of James McClinton, it is substantially worse. Sure, we got in there a handful of times against Sam Houston State. Wow. Against all of the other teams, however, we were lucky to sneak in there once or twice a quarter. Honestly, none of our DTs have showed even a hint at replacing McClinton's pass rush up the middle, although Richard Johnson Jr. did have that one nice play against SHSU. Still, he figures to be awhile away from providing any semblance of a consistent pass rush.

On the outside, we actually might be better off than we were last year. Russell Brorsen is Russell Brorsen, the same halfway-decent pass-rusher off the outside that is a stronger player against the run. He isn't a bad starter by any measure; he just isn't a really solid pass-rusher. However, replacing the lane-stuffing DE John Larson is a trio of pass-rushers in Max Onyegbule, Jeff Wheeler and Jake Laptad. All three of them have shown flashes of pass-rushing ability, particularly Laptad, who has emerged as a really solid starting option at DE.

However, while flashes are nice to project for some future production, it isn't enough to win ball games. And, while Laptad figures to be a good player, we still need more pass-rushing.

The cornerback situation is substantially hurting our pass rush as well. Without Kendrick Harper, we are essentially left with one really solid CB in Chris Harris and another CB slot being filled by a revolving door of freshman (two redshirt, one true) who aren't ready yet to start or play any significant minutes. They are thinking far too much, going through their progressions far too slow to read-and-react to the speed of the college game. They are forced to give extremely large cushions so they don't get beat deep, which then allows the offense to simply take what they can get and find the gaping holei n the middle of the defense.

How To Fix the Issue :: Simply put, we need to blitz more. That is the easiest and simplest way to get to the quarterback more often. Of course, we can't afford to do that because of the CB issue, as mentioned above. Blitzing would leave Isiah Barfield (or Ryan Murphy or Corrigan Powell or whoever) on an island, which is simply a disaster waiting to happen.

With that said, here is my idea. Move Mike Rivera to a DeMarcus Ware/Shawne Merriman-type pure-rusher at DE/LB. I know we don't run a 3-4, which is important for such a position, but we could certainly get creative in lining him up in an effort to get him to the QB without being too short-changed in the secondary. We could also move Rivera to DE straight out, although that would be a radical move. In any case, we are going to have to do something extraordinary to solve the pass rush issue, as simply blitzing or dropping back a bazillion bodies in coverage ain't working.

Just some ideas on how to fix the season. More thoughts coming up throughout the week, as this week should be all about analyzing ourselves and trying to improve for the rest of the season. This bye week should be treated as a turning point in the season; either we continue to play mediocrely and plod along to a 7-5 record or we make some big-time improvements, fix these issues (at least to some extent) and compete for the Big 12 North Title.

No matter the team, no matter the league, the offensive line is immensely important. NFL, FBS, FCS, Division 3, jayvee high school ball, whatever. In order to protect your QB, you need a passable offensive line. Want a running game? You better have a good O-Line. For evidence, look back through the immense history of football; or, for a recent-and-local example, simply look at the Kansas City Chiefs, version 2007. A Top 10 RB in the NFL, a Top 2 TE, a Top 20 WR and a host of other, capable skill position players all were on the team last year. A single average offensive lineman (except Brian Waters) was not. And thus, one of the worst offensive seasons in NFL history, and the worst in Chiefs history.

Last season, Kansas rode a tremendous offensive line, highlighted by two offensive tackles, to a 12-1 season and an Orange Bowl. You know that. You also know that both of those offensive tackles, one of them a First Team All-American and NFL Draft choice and the other a three-year starter, have since departed. Add the two together and you get the biggest hole on the team; replacing two of the best offensive linemen in school history in one offseason. Some positive reports out of fall practice sessions seemed to indicate that the problem seemed to be solved, at least at left tackle with Jeff Spikes. Right tackle was still up-in-the-air, although Jeremiah Hatch had quite a fall himself.

However, all of this blew up when Jeremiah Hatch couldn't play against FIU. And then, the supposed strength of not only the O-Line but of the entire offense, the interior threesome of Adrian Mayes, Ryan Cantrell and Chet Hartley, didn't perform up to expectations. This is how you struggle in the running game against, statistically, one of the worst defenses in college football last season. If we are to have a chance against some of the better teams on our schedule, and maybe even some middle-of-the-road type of teams such as Louisiana Tech, we have to have improved offensive line play.

My solutions for how we can get this done after the jump...

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Last season, the Kansas Jayhawks possessed one of the best offensive tackle duos in all of college football. Both were adjusting to new positions, but there was never really an adjustment period. Cesar Rodriguez, on the right side, had spent much of his sophomore and junior seasons in the starting lineup, and used that experience to his benefit. And then you had Anthony Collins starting opposite him, a high school basketball player who only came to football as a way to make some serious dough. So much so that "Momma's Gotta Eat" became his unofficial nickname. Still, even with his humorous take on why he is playing football, he was named a first team All-American and a finalist for the Outland Trophy, which he lost to Glenn Dorsey.

And so, while there are some uncertain and unproven Jayhawks that will be depended upon throughout the entire team, including TE, OWR, DT, DE and CB, no position is as questionable entering into the season as the offensive tackles. Replacing two of the best offensive linemen in school history are two redshirt freshmen, two players who have yet to even don a uniform with a chance of playing that night at the collegiate level. If that doesn't make you uneasy, not much will. Still, the freak out factor has been relatively low throughout the Jayhawk fanbase, right or wrong. While the MSM is harping on the losses of 1,300 yard rusher Brandon Mcanderson and 1,000 yard receiver Marcus Henry departing, not to mention first round pick Aqib Talib, few are acknowledging the largest hole on this team. The tackles. Which is especially odd considering that the two positions the MSM seems to be most worried about on offense, runningback and outside wide receiver, are littered with at least somewhat experienced players, while the offensive tackle position is going to be left up to two complete unknowns.

And yet, despite the fact that they are completely and utterly unknown quantities, I'm not nervous. Well, that isn't true. I still haven't quite figured out a way how we will survive George Selvie and South Florida in week 3, but besides that I'm good. Really. Because Spikes reminds me a helluva lot like Collins. Not to say that he is the next AC, because not too many offensive linemen will sprint down the field just to pick up the touchdown-scorer while slapping him across the helmet in the process, but he has the same intangible feel to me. But more on that later. For now, here is the three year depth chart at both LT and RT:

--- Italics denote projected redshirt year

--- Bold denotes projected EMPTY space on depth chart

* I realize that this report indicates that Lueken will not be redshirted this season. However, I still think that he will be initially redshirted, only to potentially come available were he to be needed, which he hopefully won't be. Still, great news that he has looked that good thus far in camp.

Because of the whole freshmen factor, we seem to be set at this position for the forseeable future. Wolfe and D'Cunha figure to be really good backups, and there is always the possibility of, if Wolfe/D'Cunha/Lueken performs well enough, of Hatch moving back inside to his natural position of G/C and W/D'C/L taking over at RT. In all honesty, this is probably as deep of an offensive line unit Kansas has ever had, and that includes the losses of Collins and Rodriguez. This group is that good, IMO.

Player-by-player previews after jump...

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