In their first game without Holton Hill, the Texas defense struggled at times. Kansas was able to move the successfully for much of the game, but 3 interceptions helped Texas pull out a 42-27 win. Let’s take a look at how the defense and special teams graded out:
Defensive Line
If there was an MVP for the defensive line on Saturday, it would belong to Poona Ford. Ford had another great game, collecting 2 tackles for loss and constantly making his presence known in the Kansas backfield. Ford is playing at an All-Conference level this year and is playing his best football of the year in the second half of the season.
Ford was not the only player who played well on the defensive line. Charles Omenihu had a good game and continues to show improved pass rushing abilities. Breckyn Hager and Malcolm Roach flashed at times and played solidly. Overall, another great game and effort by the defensive line. After a subpar 2016 performance and multiple transfers, it was hard to imagine the defensive line being the strength of the team in 2017, but it has played out that way.
Grade: B+
Linebacker
The duo of Malik Jefferson and Gary Johnson both had good games on Saturday, but Texas will need more out of them in the final 2 games. Jefferson was battling the stomach bug and a sprained toe, but still found a way to collect 7 total tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss. Johnson left the game with a neck injury, but played solidly up until that point. Anthony Wheeler replaced Johnson and collected a sack. Wheeler is not as athletic or mobile as Johnson and Jefferson, so his playing time in the final 2 games against pass happy teams may be limited if both are healthy.
Grade: B
Defensive Back
As our own Ryan Bridges pointed out, the secondary is lucky that Kansas did not convert on more big plays than they had. Devante Davis and Brandon Jones both had rough games, whiffing on tackles and allowing chunk plays in the passing game. Davis was slightly better than Jones overall in my opinion, but both will be targeted heavily in the final 2 games. Aside from a pass interference penalty and fumble on special teams, Kris Boyd played a good game. Is he playing at a level where he can walk into Morgantown and lock down David Sills? Probably not, but Texas needs steady play from #2.
Deshon Elliott and Jason Hall played excellent games in run support. Hall also added an interception and looked to be taking out some frustration after playing sparingly for most of the year. Antwuan Davis added 2 more interceptions and shows a level of physicality at the Nickel position that Texas has needed more most of the season.
The 3 interceptions helped mask many of the mistakes and yards Texas allowed. It was slightly concerning to see Kansas move the ball with ease at times, but this is how life may be for the Texas secondary without a lockdown corner in Holton Hill.
Grade: C
Special Teams
Texas got their weekly field goal miss out of the way in the second quarter and also had a Kris Boyd fumble on a kickoff return that gave Kansas a short field. If it weren’t for the fact that Texas was playing Kansas, these are the type of mistakes that cost teams games.
Michael Dickson averaged 46.5 yards on 4 punts, including a beautiful punt inside the 2 yard line that set up an Antwuan Davis pick 6.
Grade: D
