Kansas
Three keys for Kansas Jayhawks football against the Kansas State Wildcats
The final outing for the Kansas Jayhawks wasn’t nice, as they’re coming off a 55-14 loss to the Texas Longhorns. Nevertheless, staff and fan alike might want to put that within the rearview mirror because the Jayhawks will head to Manhattan, Kansas for an instate rival showdown towards the Wildcats. Not solely is that this the ultimate recreation on the common season schedule, however for a lot of, that is probably the most vital recreation on the schedule attributable to bragging rights. So with out additional ado, let’s get to the three keys.
Get again to being explosive
The Kansas Jayhawks’ offense is thought to attain factors and has demonstrated they’ll do it on the bottom and thru the air, scoring 34.8 factors per recreation. Quarterback Jalon Daniels returned to recreation motion towards final week’s opponent the Texas Longhorns. After sustaining an damage towards the TCU Horned Frogs, Daniels was capable of full 17 out-of-26 passes for 230 yards whereas throwing two touchdowns and one interception. However what was lacking was the quantity of explosive performs for enormous features. Texas was capable of restrict these, and Kansas suffered enormously. With the rust being shaken off, Daniels will now be requested to guide the Jayhawks towards a really proficient Wildcat protection.
The Kansas State Wildcats have allowed a complete of three,980 yards within the 2022-23 season. This averages out to 361.8 yards per recreation, rating them 2nd within the Huge 12. To interrupt that stat down even additional the Wildcats’ protection has proven to restrict opposing quarterbacks to 2,389 yards this season for a mean of 217.2 yards per recreation. This ranks Okay-State 2nd within the Huge 12 in that class. The Wildcats have allowed opposing run video games to achieve 1,591 yards for a mean of 144.6 yards per recreation, which ranks them fifth within the Huge 12. The daunting Wildcat protection shall be a real take a look at for the Jayhawk offense.
Though the Wildcat protection doesn’t show many holes, they can provide up yards on the bottom. In the newest recreation, the Wildcats gave up a mixed 153 speeding yards to the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Jayhawks prefer to run the soccer with not solely their operating backs but in addition their quarterbacks.
Devin Neal eclipsed 1000 yards on the bottom when he rushed 13 instances for 51 yards towards the Texas Longhorns. Earlier than the sport towards the Longhorns, Neal couldn’t be stopped as he rushed 32 instances for 224 yards, a landing towards Oklahoma State, after which 24 makes an attempt for 190 yards towards Texas Tech. The Lawrence, Kansas native has been very spectacular this yr, and for the offense to attain factors towards this stout Wildcat protection, they might want to have Devin Neal run the soccer.
The Kansas Protection should cease the run
There is no such thing as a secret the Okay-State Wildcats prefer to run the soccer, and so they have a particular operating again that may try this. The Wildcats rank 2nd within the Huge 12 in speeding with 2,290 yards on the bottom averaging 208.2 yards per recreation. Junior Deuce Vaugh has rushed 220 instances for 1,148 yards and 6 touchdowns. The explanation that is vital is that the Jayhawks haven’t proven they’ll cease the run.
The Kansas Jayhawks’ run protection has been atrocious all season giving up 2,095 yards which is a mean of 190.5 yards per recreation. This stat ranks them ninth within the Huge 12. As if I must pour extra salt within the wound, in final week’s contest towards the Texas Longhorns, Bijan Robinson rushed 25 instances for 243 yards and 4 touchdowns. The week earlier than that the Jayhawks allowed the Texas Tech Crimson Raiders to mix for 264 yards on the bottom. This can be a weak point for Kansas and why it’s key for the Jayhawks to restrict the Wildcats on the bottom.
There is no such thing as a query this can be a huge recreation for each groups. The bragging rights are apparent, but in addition a chance for the Jayhawks to roll into Manhattan, Kansas, and upset a really proficient Wildcats soccer staff.
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Kansas
Travis Hunter responds to Kansas’ Cobee Bryant after trash talk episodes
Kansas Jayhawks defensive back Cobee Bryant has made it clear he’s been anticipating this weekend’s matchup against the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes. In an interview earlier this week, Bryant openly expressed his excitement to face Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. “I’m not going to lie, I have been waiting,” Bryant said. “I already marked this on my notes… I’ve been waiting on this game all season. This is gonna be the game.” His eagerness spilled over onto social media, where he posted, “Now I’m piss hurry tf up Saturday I meant that omm bet,” highlighting his impatience for the showdown.
Despite Bryant’s bold trash talk, Hunter has kept a calm and confident demeanor. During a livestream, he responded to questions about Bryant, saying, “We let people talk, bro. Would that make him feel better? It’s going to make him feel better, let that boy talk. They know they are going to have to double team.” Hunter’s composed reply suggests he’s more focused on his game than engaging in verbal sparring.
Deion Sanders meets up with coaching legend before Kansas matchup
Bryant’s trash talk hasn’t been limited to Hunter. The Kansas defensive back also took aim at Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, reportedly texting him and drawing a response from the Buffs’ leader. Sanders, unshaken, has hinted at exploiting Kansas’ coverage, adding fuel to the growing tension. This back-and-forth has only energized the Buffaloes, who are vying to strengthen their College Football Playoff resume.
For Kansas, this game represents a golden opportunity to make a statement by taking down a CFP-ranked opponent. A win would allow the unranked Jayhawks to end their season on a high note and potentially climb the rankings themselves. Colorado, meanwhile, has its sights set on maintaining momentum. A win over Kansas, followed by another against Oklahoma State, would propel the Buffaloes into the the Big 12 title game and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The stakes are high and the stage is set at Arrowhead Stadium. The clash between Kansas and Colorado promises to be intense, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Kansas
Will Weather Play a Factor in No. 16 Colorado vs. Kansas? Latest Update
As No. 16 Colorado and Kansas prepare to face off on Saturday, the stakes have never been higher.
Colorado enters the game with an 8-2 record and hopes of making a college football playoff run in year two under head coach Deion Sanders.
On the other hand, Kansas has struggled for much of the season but comes into this game with newfound confidence after securing back-to-back wins against Top-25 teams in program history.
The game is set to take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time.
According to the latest forecast, the weather should be relatively mild, but there are a few elements to keep an eye on as the game unfolds.
Temperatures will reach a high of 57 degrees during the afternoon, with game-time conditions hovering around 54 degrees.
Fans attending the game can expect clear skies with only a 1% chance of precipitation, so rain isn’t expected to be a factor.
However, wind could still have an impact. Gusts of up to 10 mph are expected, which could affect passing and kicking games.
The humidity will sit at 43%, which shouldn’t be a significant factor for the teams, but it’s something to keep in mind as the afternoon wears on.
Travis Hunter Fires Back at Kansas’ Cobee Bryant: ‘Stop Talking Crazy’
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Shedeur Sanders Makes Bold Claim Ahead of Matchup with Kansas Football
Kansas
KC Current’s Chawinga named NWSL MVP
Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga was named the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League MVP on Friday, one day ahead of the league’s championship match.
Chawinga set a new single-season NWSL record with 20 goals this year for the Current.
She also scored the lone goal in the team’s quarterfinal victory and both goals in the championship of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup last month.
“From the moment Temwa came to Kansas City, we knew she was capable of playing at an MVP level,” general manager Caitlin Carducci said in a statement.
“Not only has she been an incredible player on the pitch, she’s also been an incredible teammate and representative of the organization off it. Temwa laid an incredible foundation with her play in 2024, and we’re so excited for what’s to come in the years ahead.”
Chawinga is the eighth NWSL Golden Boot winner to also win MVP in the same season since the league’s launch in 2013. She is the first African international to win either award.
The 26-year-old Malawi international arrived in Kansas City this year from the Chinese Super League and took the league by storm in the first season with her eye for goal and her game-changing speed.
Chawinga scored in 13 of the Current’s final 14 matches of the regular season, including goals in eight straight games, which was a first in league history.
She also scored a goal against all 13 other NWSL teams this season, another first, and she added five assists to the Current’s league-record 57 goals this season.
Chawinga’s 20 goals broke Sam Kerr’s previous record of 18 in a season, which Kerr scored in 21 games.
Chawinga played in 25 regular-season games this year.
The next closest scorer in the regular season was Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, who finished with 13 goals.
Banda scored in last week’s semifinal to help Orlando eliminate Kansas City from the playoffs.
Orlando takes on the Washington Spirit on Saturday in the NWSL Championship at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
History of NWSL MVPs
2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City midfielder
2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC midfielder
2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit forward
2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash forward
2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC forward
2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC midfielder
2019: Sam Kerr: Chicago Red Stars forward
2021: Jess Fishlock, OL Reign midfielder
2022: Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC forward
2023: Kerolin, North Carolina Courage forward
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