Kansas vs. UTEP Tale of the Tape

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				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:

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