Sizing Up Kansas
Despite what you may think of the Jayhawks or what they lost to graduation in 2005, on paper, the Jayhawks have the size to give the Huskers problems again in 2006. Their defensive line is a bit smaller than Nebraska’s, but they make up for that with bigger linebackers. Running the football won’t be like toppling dominoes. The Huskers will need to use their speed, blocking technique, and deception to make plays in the running game.
The Jayhawks have also had some success defending the pass, so nothing will come easy. Sure, players like Matt Herian and Maurice Purify can be a tough match-up because of their size. But there’s no runt of the litter to pick on with Kansas. They’ve got good size everywhere. Aside from USC, no Husker opponent has matched up better on paper than the Jayhawks. So not only is this the Huskers’ first conference game, but also the best opponent to visit Lincoln since last season. Despite the three touchdown spread in Nebraska’s favor, this is still a KU team that beat Nebraska by more than three touchdowns a year ago. If not for KU’s string of futility on the road, I’d be screaming that the line is too high.
What doesn’t show up on the depth chart is the difference in quarterbacks, which is probably the biggest difference between the two teams. The Jayhawks are still sorting out their quarterback situation while the Husker’s have been riding a hot QB for most of the past seven games. Kansas can make plays running the football, but their passing game is far from dominating. The Huskers meanwhile are tops in the conference in pass efficiency. Expect that to be the difference on Saturday. Game, set, match, Nebraska.
» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!
Related Stories: Kansas
Post a comment