Kansas Jayhawks

Jayhawks Fail Test on Points of Emphasis

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

After the slow start in the Jayhawks game against Ohio, Coach David Beaty emphasized a fast start to both his players and the fans in the game against Memphis. Offensively, the team failed the test not only on the fast start, but through the entire game.

Defensively, the Jayhawks started slow as big runs gashed the Kansas defense on the first drive. Two sacks allowed for a stop that led to a missed field goal. The second defensive drive lasted a single play, giving up an 84 yard touchdown pass. After the first two drives, the defense played fairly well given the tough situations they were given by the offense.

An area that football coaches emphasize is to win the turnover battle. Kansas coaches made it clear that they must play mistake-free football to get a victory. In this area the Jayhawk offense had one of their worst performances in recent history. In total, there were six turnovers, all more self-inflicted rather than forced by a great Tigers defensive play.

Montell Cozart threw two interceptions including a 61-yard pick six thrown directly to Jonathan Wilson, a Tigers’ defensive tackle. Both interceptions were thrown without a Jayhawk player anywhere near the ball. Cozart also fumbled the ball twice.

Ryan Willis didn’t throw any interceptions, though he fumbled in Memphis territory, killing a drive. With both Cozart and Willis having trouble holding on to the ball, Carter Stanley took over at quarterback in the fourth quarter. Stanley didn’t turn the ball over, though one of his passes was fumbled by Steven Sims.

Next up for the Jayhawks, after their bye week, is a Thursday night game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Texas Tech defense has given up an average of 511 yards offense in their first two games of the season. Coach David Beaty needs to find a way for the offense to have sustained drives that put a lot of points on the board. Without significant improvement, the Jayhawks 36 game road losing streak will continue.