Kansas Jayhawks
Overall Rank: #90
#10 Big 12
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Charlie Weis coming to Kansas to coach last season was a bit of a coup. He is a big name in the world of football. Something the Jayhawk program needs is a true football winner to lead this program but based on last year’s results, there is still a long way to go. Lawrence will have to be patient as Weis tries to transition his recruits, system, and mentality into the program. Many surrounding the campus believe that former coach Turner Gill left the state of the football team in a bit of disarray. Weis discovered that the hard way last season. The team cannot get much worse this year. Could Weis be the football guy to restore winning ways to Kansas?
2012 Record: (1-11, 0-9)
2012 Bowl: None
Coach: Charlie Weis (2nd year, 1-11 at Kansas, 36-38 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Campo
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: James Sims, RB, 1,013 yards
Passing: Michael Cummings, QB, 456 yards
Receiving: Tony Pierson, RB/WR, 291 yards
Tackles: Ben Heeney, LB, 112
Sacks: Kevin Young, 1.5
Interceptions: N/A
Other Key Returnees: HB Taylor Cox, QB Jake Heaps, TE Jimmay Mundine, LB Ben Heeney, LB Jake Love, OT Adam Sterling, DE Chris Martin,
Key Losses: QB Dayne Crist, WR Kale Pick, DL Toben Opurum, DB Bradley McDougald, DB Tyler Patmon
Strengths:
The only thing to really speak of that Kansas did well was run the football. They were third in the conference and 22nd in the country in rushing. At over 200 yards a game, they were a force in the Big 12. James Sims, who returns in 2013, was a top 20 national rusher at over 100 yards a game by himself. The offense will have to rely heavily on Sims this year. With a new starting quarterback, the senior will have to display a lot of leadership in the huddle. Behind him is Tony Pierson, a versatile back that tied for the most receiving touchdowns last year. He was a significant contributor in the backfield. His role is assured again this season. This year, it looks like Kansas finally has an outside receiver to throw to. Justin McKay, a transfer from Oklahoma, is finally eligible to play this year. He is certain to help a receiving corps that only gained 1,784 yards last season. Look for big things from him.
Weaknesses:
You name it, it was probably a weakness. The biggest problem for Kansas last season was the passing game. Even with a high value recruit like Dayne Crist, who transferred from Notre Dame to play for Weis, the passing attack sputtered. They had the seventh worst passing game in the nation and certainly the worst in the Big 12. They only averaged 148 yards passing per game. Crist did not really have any elite talent to throw to on the edges and his numbers suffered because of it. Needless to say, the Jayhawks had a hard time finding the end zone. They were outscored 433-219 last season, a very wide margin. Unfortunately, on the other side of the ball, things were not much better. They were last in the Big 12 in sacks (one per game and their pass defense gave up nearly 300 yards per game. This is a league with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. The defensive backfield is going to have to get better to keep up with those other high-octane teams. That seems like a tall task considering most of their significant contributors in the secondary have moved on this season. New players will have to step in and step up.
The Bottom Line:
The 2013 season does not look terribly promising for the Jayhawks. As of the spring game, Jake Heaps looks ready to step into the new quarterback slot. How he performs remains to be seen. At least he or whoever is at quarterback now has a receiver in McKay to throw to that provides a big target. The passing game has a long way to go though before it can become an asset. Once again, they will rely on Sims and Pierson to carry the load on the ground. Another solid ground attack should buy the quarterback and receivers a little bit of time to gel. No one should expect a significant win total increase. Another year for Weis means another year implementing his system and his vision. Patience is the key.
Projected Bowl: None
2012 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 211.67 (22nd in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 148.67 (113, 10)
Total Offense: 360.33 (93, 10)
Scoring Offense: 115 (18.25, 10)
Rushing Defense: 192.58 (91, 10)
Pass Defense: 289.25 (114, 8)
Total Defense: 481.83 (113, 9)
Scoring Defense: 36.08 (109, 8)
Turnover Margin: -.25 (78, 8)
Sacks: 1.0 (116, 10)
Sacks Allowed: 2.17 (75, 9)
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