West Virginia University (2-1, 0-0) will begin conference play on Saturday, September 20th at 6:00 PM, taking on the Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks will be hosting the Mountaineers, where they will also be opening Big 12 play. Read more: What Kansas Needs to Do to Win
Kansas Jayhawks’ Season
The Kansas Jayhawks have also started their season 2-1. The Jayhawks dominated their first two home games against non-conference opponents, Fresno State and Wagner, with scores of 31-7 and 46-7, respectively.
Kansas took on its rival, Missouri, for the first time since 2011. The Jayhawks struggled to lock in their running game, however, and fell to the Tigers 42-31.
Improving their Run Game
So far this season, Kansas has really struggled with its run game. Kansas had many opportunities to seize control of the game, but they had a basically non-existent run game. The Jayhawks walked away from the loss with 254 total yards of offense, 31 yards on the ground, and 11 yards on six attempts from running back Daniel Hishaw Jr.
In the Backyard Brawl, WVU held Pitt to just 46 rushing yards. The Mountaineers have limited these explosive plays successfully so far in the season and have been consistent in keeping the run game minimal.
Kansas will need to lean heavily on the run game to keep WVU’s defense honest, but they also should mix in passes and creative formations to prevent WVU from loading up their “heavy package.” Realistically, Kansas needs to be extremely versatile to escape WVU’s defense.
READ RELATED: Five Keys to the Game for WVU at Kansas
Quarterback Jalon Daniels
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels really struggled to get comfortable last season, throwing 12 picks. He managed to keep the Jayhawks in the game versus Missouri, but even then, threw a late interception and fumbled twice. He finished 18-of-33 for 223 yards with three total touchdowns.
The Mountaineers forced a key interception in the second quarter of the Pitt game and forced a turnover on downs in overtime. The Mountaineers showcased in the Backyard Brawl that mistakes like these can be costly against the WVU defense, as they thrive on momentum-shifting plays. The Mountaineers, and specifically Nicco Marchiol, have shown they can perform under pressure. The question is, will Jalon Daniels be able to?
Kansas Defense
Kansas’ defense greatly struggled against Missouri. The Tigers totaled 595 yards, including 261 yards on the ground. Missouri also clinched a game winning 63-yard touchdown from running back Jamal Roberts. Missouri’s quarterback, Beau Pribula, passed for over 300 yards and tallied three passing touchdowns.
The Kansas Jayhawks are going to have a lot of trouble with Tye Edwards. In the Backyard Brawl, Edwards found 141 rushing yards and three touchdowns. If Kansas struggled so much with Missouri’s ground attack, they’ll have their hands full with WVU’s physical run game.
Kansas did positively force a fumble that was scooped up by Austin Alexander, which resulted in a touchdown. WVU struggled early in the season with fumbles, specifically in the season opener versus Robert Morris. If Kansas can keep the pressure on, they may be able to force some costly fumbles for WVU.
What Kansas Needs to Do to Win
If Kansas can stay disciplined, they can give themselves a chance. They have the talent to compete, but it will depend on execution, creativity, and mental toughness. The Jayhawks must be able to show the level of perseverance the Mountaineers showcased in the Backyard Brawl, because West Virginia Mountaineers “don’t ever quit.”
