Ohio Bobcats

Ohio at KU: Three Things to Watch

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

foxsports

Last week, the Jayhawks snapped a 15 game losing streak with a 55-6 blowout victory over FCS opponent Rhode Island. This week, the Jayhawks turn their attention to the Ohio Bobcats from the Mid-American Conference. The veteran Bobcats are a very well coached team, led by former Nebraska head coach Frank Solich, and will present a challenge for the young Jayhawks. What should fans look for from the now 1-0 Jayhawks?

Will KU improve in the trenches? Against Rhode Island, the Jayhawks gave up 170 rushing yards, much of which was between the tackles. Ohio is much larger along the offensive line, averaging over 300 pounds per lineman. The KU front can’t get pushed around if they’re to stop a solid Ohio rushing attack, which gained 237 yards on the ground in a triple overtime loss to Texas State. The return of linebacker Marquise Roberts and defensive tackled D.J. Williams should help the Jayhawks up front.

On offense, KU running backs may have a tough time finding running room. The front seven of Ohio is the best in the MAC, returning three starters along the defensive line and two at linebacker. Junior Quentin Poling will contend for MAC Defensive Player of the Year. The Bobcat defense held Texas State running backs to 4.1 yards per carry last week, while the KU backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry against a woeful Rhode Island front. To have offensive success, KU’s running game must improve.

Sep 3, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Ryan Willis (13) throws a pass against the Rhode Island Rams in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Kansas won the game 55-6. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

What about the quarterback rotation? Quarterbacks Montell Cozart (who started) and Ryan Willis played very well last week against the undermanned Rhode Island team. The upcoming game against Ohio will be a real test. The good news for the Jayhawk passing attack is that Ohio is replacing its top four cornerbacks from last season, and gave up 440 yards last week against Texas State, albeit in triple overtime. Wide receiver Jeremiah Booker, who missed last week’s game with a high ankle sprain, will play this week and give Willis and Cozart another target against a young and thin secondary. Look for Cozart to get the nod as the starter again, but Willis will see significant playing time. Whoever makes fewer mistakes will continue to see action for David Beaty’s Air Raid offense.

How will the Jayhawks handle success? For a young team like KU, learning how to win is a major factor. While they played very well last week, there were several mental lapses and clock management issues that need cleaning up. The Jayhawks cannot afford to make these same errors against a veteran and well-coached Ohio team. The good news is that teams usually see the biggest jump from week one to week two, with a full game’s worth of film to study.

Bottom Line: the Bobcats will be ready for the trip to Lawrence, and will give the Jayhawks a great test early in the season. They will score points, but KU just has too many playmakers on the outside against a poor secondary. The defense will improve with Roberts and Williams back, and KU starts off 2-0 for the first time since 2011, when Turner Gill was head coach. Final score: 34-27.