Some thoughts on the team thus far and KU this weekend.
(Posted this in another thread but edited it and added some additional notes for this thread)
- Losing B. Freyler on the 3rd play of the game last week hurt more than I think a lot of people realize. He is one of if not the most important guy on the Cyclones defense - especially vs a run heavy/power team like Baylor. His ability to stop the run from his safety position is unmatched, and he can cover too. After he was ejected, Baylor continuously went at the middle of the field and in particular at Freylers backup - Mason Chambers - who really really struggled. To the point where he was benched in the 4th Qtr. Chambers was poor in coverage and found himself out of position numerous times. It truly was unfortunate that Freyler was tossed, because due to Isheem Young and Craig McDonald transferring this past offseason, safety (and in particular, Freyler’s backup spot) is the position we are likely the thinnest at. (Clearly the Baylor staff was aware of that too). I expect having Freyler back this week will make a huge difference, and it will again be noticed just how vital he is to this team.
- TE questions. The group at TE has been mediocre at best so far this season, and given how much they are on the field, whether it be 1, 2, or even 3 TE sets, that is an issue. We have had the luxury of having 3 excellent TEs the past several years - who really were elite at blocking. This group so far - besides Rus at times - is not there yet. That issue really presented itself vs a DLine like Baylor. Now, KUs DLine and front 7 are not near as good, big or tough as what we just saw. Which is a good because this TE room needs to grow up fast.
I think Kansas is much improved from years past BUT I still don’t think they are capable of beating top half B12 teams. The double OT shootout with WVU is a solid win but both Duke and Houston are outside the top 65 in terms of overall power rankings so I am not as impressed with their season as other seem to be. I expect the Cyclones to win by 10+ Saturday.
Some bold thoughts/predictions for KU.
- Cartavious Norton Breaks Out to the tune of 80+ total yards and a TD. Hopefully he is close to 100% and can get a decent work load spelling J. Brock. The offense should be able to hum, primarily on the ground.
- Special teams makes a difference … in a good way. This last week vs Baylor special teams was solid, I expect that to continue to the point of a big return or muffed punt recovery or momentum changing play for the Cyclones.
Iowa State - 35
Kansas - 24