NORMAN, Okla. — Kansas is in a a lot totally different state of affairs than traditional heading into Saturday’s sport at Oklahoma.
Oklahoma
No. 19 Kansas seeks bowl eligibility vs. reeling Oklahoma
Coach Lance Leipold is making an attempt to ensure his Jayhawks don’t concentrate on the place they could find yourself.
“In case you get caught up in any of that, you’ll by no means get to the place you need to be,” he stated. “Fear about what you possibly can management. In case you’re fearful about that different stuff, these shall be good, however you’ve obtained to earn it. And one of the best ways to earn it’s get after it right now and prepare for the subsequent one.”
Oklahoma is favored, regardless of shedding three straight. And Oklahoma has gained 17 straight in opposition to the Jayhawks.
Leipold remembers the powerful occasions final yr in his first season, and he stated Oklahoma coach Brent Venables goes by way of among the identical issues.
“Perhaps it hasn’t gone their method of late, however as we all know from final yr as effectively, the primary yr, there’s going to be occasions the place you’re going to have some bumps,” he stated. “That’s too good of a employees, too good of a program and every part, and a roster — it’s going to be a giant check for us down there.”
The Jayhawks will doubtless be with out beginning quarterback Jalon Daniels due to an damage. Jason Bean will doubtless step in. He began 10 video games for Kansas final yr, and he threw 4 landing passes in aid in opposition to TCU.
Oklahoma has quarterback points, too. Dillon Gabriel was in concussion protocol and missed final week’s blowout loss to Texas. He has been top-of-the-line gamers within the Massive 12 this season, having handed for 1,215 yards and 11 touchdowns with out an interception this season. He’s additionally rushed for 126 yards and two scores.
With out him, the Sooners have been held to 195 complete yards within the 49-0 loss to Texas. Venables stated he expects Gabriel to play on Saturday so long as he passes his exams through the week.
The Sooners have stumbled since a 3-0 begin that pushed them to No. 6 within the AP Prime 25. Earlier than the loss to Texas, they misplaced 55-24 at TCU and 41-34 at dwelling in opposition to Kansas State.
Venables challenged his staff after the loss to Texas.
“If we don’t like what they’re writing, let our play be our voice,” he stated. “The criticism that has taken place is well-deserved. That’s how I take a look at it. Doesn’t imply our guys aren’t working and placing nice effort into making an attempt to achieve success. I do know. I see that day by day.”
Oklahoma allowed 585 yards to Texas every week after giving up 668 to TCU.
“We’re not tackling superb proper now, if everyone hasn’t seen,” Venables stated. “What we’re seeing by way of the course of the week isn’t translating constantly prefer it wants to only to play effectively. To not play nice, simply to play effectively.”
Oklahoma receiver Marvin Mims is likely one of the greatest gamers within the Massive 12, however he had only one catch for minus-2 yards in opposition to Texas. Mims has 23 catches for 436 yards this season. However Oklahoma caught to the bottom sport in opposition to the Longhorns. He might be a risk once more if Gabriel returns.
Kansas defensive finish Lonnie Phelps ranks second amongst Massive 12 gamers with six sacks. Conserving him away from Gabriel, if he performs, shall be important with Gabriel popping out of concussion protocol.
Oklahoma will honor former working again Prentice Gautt, the primary Black scholarship soccer participant on the college, by sporting a “Unity” uniform.
Gautt starred on coach Bud Wilkinson’s groups from 1957 to 1959. He was an All-Massive Eight Convention choice twice and was an Educational All-American in 1958.
The uniform, designed by a bunch of the varsity’s athletes, will characteristic darkish grey jerseys, pants and helmets with crimson trim and lettering. It’ll have the phrase “TOGETHER” sewn on the collar, the phrase “UNITY” on the back-of-the-jersey nameplate and a top level view of the state of Oklahoma.
Venables on having a number of good quarterbacks: “I’ve seen different packages which have a number of good quarterbacks. Kansas is one among them. How are they doing it? I don’t know. Perhaps I must ask coach Leipold that and get a bit knowledge from him. Each of these guys (Daniels and Bean) have been not likely extremely recruited guys. Perhaps that has one thing to do with it. I don’t know. They’ve finished an excellent job culturally.”
Comply with Cliff Brunt on Twitter: twitter.com/CliffBruntAP