A (Semi) Statistical of West Virginia

Kansas went to Morgantown, West Virginia, and as they have ever since the Mountaineers joined the Big 12, KU returned home with a loss.

Kansas has now lost 18 conference games in a row, and hasn’t won on the road in 41 straight tries, which dates back to UTEP in September of 2009.

While KU ended up with over 400 yards of total offense, the Jayhawks once again started slow. KU only put up 135 yards of offense in the first half. That’s a problem, because when the third quarter started, KU was trailing on the scoreboard, 31-0. That means all of KU’s points and most of KU’s yardage came against WVU backups.

In addition, Kansas struggled with penalties, getting flagged 9 times for 104 yards.

On a positive note, however, West Virginia only started one drive in Kansas territory. WVU’s average starting field position on the night was their own 32-yard line.

The Good

The second half. Our starters are as good as their backups! Yay!

In all seriousness, Carter Stanley got an extended look, entering the game midway through the third quarter after Montell Cozart was pulled with concussion-like symptoms. The redshirt freshman went 9-11 for 124 yards, 2 TDs, and an INT.

The Bad

Defense, I gotta call you out here. West Virginia piled up over 600 yards of total offense, a figure that includes 371 yards in the first half en route to a 31-0 lead. The Mountaineers only went 3-and-out four times, and two of those times were their last two possessions of the game.

The Ugly

Golly, there’s so much to choose from. Playcalling? Cozart? Run blocking? The secondary?

The Stats

Montell Cozart started and went 11-24 for 124 yards, no TDs, and an INT. He added 10 yards on 3 carries, but by all reports, shied away from contact and could have had more.

Carter Stanley relieved Cozart in the second half and had a great outing, going 9-11 for 127 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. Stanley also ran for 34 yards on 4 carries.

Ke’aun Kinner started at RB and picked up 65 yards on 14 carries with 1 TD. Give the man the rock.

Taylor Martin also had 14 carries but only picked up 43 yards.

No other RBs had a carry.

Steven Sims Jr., hauled in 9 receptions for 124 yards and 1 TD.

Shakiem Barbel had 5 catches for 60 yards.

Quiv Gonzalez has disappeared from the offense lately, and only had 3 catches for 18 yards.

Tevin Shaw led KU in tackles with 7, six solo, including 2 TFLs.

Fish Smithson also had 7 tackles, five solo.

Dorance Armstrong also had 7 tackles, 4 solo, and 2 TFLs.

Courtney Arnick had 6 tackles, five solo, 1 TFL, and recovered a fumble.

Isaiah Bean played primarily on third down; his only sack was a sack of Skyler Howard.

Cole Moos punted 5 times for a 44.6 average.