Lukus Alderman
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After a somewhat surprisingly dominant showing against TCU last Saturday night/early Sunday morning, Texas jumps back onto the field against a bad Kansas team. Anything other than a dominant performance will be disappointing come Saturday afternoon. The conversations and topics about this game won't be about whether or not Texas will win, but it will be more about how much Texas wins by, how few mistakes they make, and how much time Tyrone Swoopes will see on the field.
It's no secret that there are a wide range of emotions from the fans regarding the recent decision to burn Swoopes' redshirt for a handful of plays in the fourth quarter of a blowout win against TCU. Many were angry that Mack would effect a player's ability to play four full seasons by putting him in the game for a few plays with less than half the season remaining. Some were understanding, citing the Ash injury and possibility that he may not return this year. Regardless of where anyone stands on Mack's decision, the deed has been done and the best thing going forward would be for Swoopes to get as much experience as possible as the next player in line if McCoy were to go down.
OFFENSE:
As previously mentioned, the main focus on many fans' minds will be the amount of time Swoopes will get. It is of my opinion that he needs to see at least one quarter of playing time involving various passes and designed runs. I would hope that he is used throughout the game, and not just the end of a blowout, as experience versus the better of the Kansas lineup would be ideal.
Now if we go by the recent history of backup quarterback playing time under Mack Brown, one would expect to see Swoopes only involved in the final six to eight minutes of the game with a majority of the plays being handoffs along with a few rollout run-pass options. But this season is different. With the coaching staff knowing that they are one play away from Swoopes being the signal caller in a season where their ONLY hope to return next year is to win out, I would expect that we will see Swoopes run a few plays throughout the first three quarters.
Now back to the rest of the offense...
The best part about the last few games (aside from the wins) is the fact that our offense now has an identity: we are a running football team. We've got the horses in the stable in Gray and Brown and we are finally using them. Our offensive line may not be world beaters, but they are getting the job done and allowing enough room for our runningbacks to pave a way for our offense to score points. Combine that with the fact that McCoy has done a fantastic job calling the right audibles at the line and being accurate enough on the long passes against tough defenses, it is easy to see that our offense has improved greatly and is playing at a level that we haven't seen all year.
Kansas comes into the game ranked 101st overall in defense giving up 450 yards per game, including 89th against the pass and 99th against the run. This bodes well for the Texas offense and their strength is running the football. I believe the gameplan will be to continually attack the Kansas defense with Gray and Brown on the ground and try to beat them through the air with short and intermediate passes. We will see a few long pass attempts, but I also think Daje will break some long plays either on Jet sweeps or screen passes. I look to see Swoopes attempt his first pass this game as well.
Stat predictions:
McCoy: 14-19 208 yards 2 TDs
Swoopes: 3-6 54 yards 1 Int., 6 carries 54 yards 1 TD
Gray: 21 carries 131 yards, 1 TD 1 rec. 13 yards
Brown: 14 carries 76 yards 1 TD
Daje: 4 carries 52 yards, 3 rec. 76 yards 1 TD
Bergeron: 5 carries, 24 yards 1 TD
Shipley: 3 rec. 24 yards
Marcus J: 4 rec. 67 yards 1 TD
M Davis: 4 rec. 54 yards
Sanders: 2 rec. 28 yards
DEFENSE:
With as bas as Kansas is on defense, they are even worse on offense. Coming into Saturday's game, Kansas is 117th overall in total offense, including 98th rushing the ball at 133 yards per game and 112th passing the ball at 157 yards per game. It's not a pretty picture in Lawrence.
Kansas brings in a decent RB in Sims who averages 4.6 yards per carry and their QB is an experienced Jake Heaps who has suited up against the Longhorns as a BYU cougar a few years back. I expect Kansas to try and attack Duke Thomas and Byndom with short out routes and bubble screens in the hopes of a missed tackle by the secondary. I also expect to see more of Leroy Scott in the secondary as his play of late has apparently warranted more field time.
Don't look for Kansas to score many points.
Sacks: 3
Yards surrendered: 187
Missed tackles: 3
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Last week I predicted that Texas would have a blocked kick. I was sure of it. I was wrong.
I'm switching that prediction to this week. I think we'll have ample opportunities at both blocking punts and returning punts. I think the coaches come out either the first or second time Kansas punts and calls on the punt block unit and we'll get one. Also, don't be surprised if Daje returns one for a TD as well (I'm not sure anyone is surprised when that happens anymore).
As much as I love to see Fera kick some field goals, I think and I hope that all he's relegated to is kicking field goals.
Expect fun on special teams this week.
Field goals: 0/0
OVERALL:
As mentioned before, the main topic of conversation will be the play of Swoopes. I hope he gets an opportunity to refine his passing skills as well and get experience when the game is still within 30 points.
I expect this to be a blow out as our running game will put us in position to be ahead by at least four TDs by the half and our defense should hold Kansas without a TD unless special teams disappoint.
This game won't be close.
SCORE PREDICTION:
Texas: 49 Kansas: 6
Thoughts?
Your Predictions?
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