Week 4 Predictions: KU Edition

With both teams coming off a disaster of a weekend, it is tough to get a handle on exactly what to expect coming into Saturday's game at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS.

To help us out, I turned to our panel of writers.  Here is what those who responded said:

mikeville: CMU jumped all over Purde two weeks ago, a team that is on the same level as Kansas... ?  CMU only threw 16 passes that game, and dominated from start to finish.  FYI, that was in West Lafayette.  The Chippewas followed that up with an equally unimpressive dud at home, vs Syracuse - like Purdue, another unimpressive team.  Against Syracuse, CMU was forced to throw it 34 times, as they couldn't control the game with their ground attack.  So, who knows what to make of these Chippewas?  Certainly not me.  Granted, CMU is without probably their best offensive player, as RB Thomas Rawls (a Michigan transfer) has been suspended.  That's why I see the Chippewas settling for field goals instead of TDs, however, with the way the Kansas offense has looked after the last 7 quarters of football, who really thinks they'll be able to keep up?  Therefore, for no reason whatsoever other than Charlie Weis is still the coach at Kansas, I'll take CMU to more than cover the spread and defeat our fighting Jayhawks, 30-21.

Penhawk: I think CMU's front line is bad enough that our running backs will have some room to run. As long as Reagan doesn't mysteriously call a bunch of pass plays anyway, that should be enough to put up some points and keep the defense fresh. It may not be pretty, but I think we grind out our last victory of the year this week. KU 27, Central Mich 20

fetch13: I'm thinking kansas wins by 7 or so but man am I cheering for CMU so Weis can be fired.

dnoll5: To me it depends on two things from an offensive perspective: the offensive line being able to protect Cozart and then Cozart making good decisions when he is forced to pass.  Oh,I guess three things.  Giving the ball to Tony Pierson should be in the game plan. Why that guy hasn't gotten more touches is beyond me. 24-23 Kansas.

Jim Hammen: KU vs. Central Michigan-- how Montell got his groove back. Kansas 31, Central Michigan 21.

jvaughn11: Cozart feels the heat to perform and forces the issue early but steadies the ship and gets the win. If this game doesn't go well what keeps this thing together going forward? 24-10 KU.

Warden11: 28-20 Kansas

misterbrain: This pick is actually really hard for me, especially after seeing how depleted the Chippewas are at the offensive skill positions.  I think our weak secondary gives them plenty of chances, but ultimately we decide to actually use our running game consistently.  Kansas pulls away late to win 34-17

How do you see the game shaking out?