Kansas Football: Texas Tech Gameday Preview

Kansas vs. 22 Texas Tech

Saturday, November 10th – at Jones AT&T Stadium; Lubbock, Texas

Jayhawks: 1-8, 0-6 (10th in Big 12) | Red Raiders: 6-3, 3-3 (5th in Big 12)

• Kickoff – 11:00 a.m. (CST)
• Television – FSN
• Radio – Sirius/XM Radio (137/197)
• Weather – Warm and sunny, 79-42 degrees 0% precipitation (via accuweather).
• Odds – Kansas is a road underdog. The over/under for this game is set at 57 points (via ESPN).

Quick History

• 14th meeting, Red Raiders lead series (12-1).
• The Jayhawks have eight straight losses when they travel to Lubbock, Texas.
• Kansas’ lone win over Texas Tech came in 2001 with a 34-31 overtime win in Lubbock.
• The Jayhawks trail the all-time series against the Red Raiders in Big 12 contests, 8-1.
• Texas Tech have won five straight against Kansas.

Oct 1, 2011; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Kenny Williams (34) rushes against Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Tunde Bakare (17) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Texas Tech won the game 45-34. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

This week, Charlie Weis talked about many things at his weekly press conference at the University of Kansas. During this press conference, he discussed running back James Sims, his thought about social media, and hi friendship with Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville.

Weis on James Sims:

“I think the No. 1 thing James is starting to do is he’s starting to become more of a potential leader on the team. Before, he was just a ball carrier. He would just come in on running plays. But now everyone rallies around you, like the offensive line rallies around you and everyone kind of rallies around you, because you’re the workhorse; you’re the bell cow. I think that one of the things that I’ve talked to him and (running backs coach) Reggie (Mitchell) has talked to him about in the last few weeks as this has matriculated, is about taking more of the responsibility of taking the team with him. Obviously, we’re a run first team. That’s no secret. And he’s the main guy. So I think that what’s really helping James is he’s taking more of that leadership role on. And I think it bodes well for both him and us as we go forward.” (Source: kuathletics)

Weis on his views of social media:

“Don’t be stupid. That is a good way to start. Look, when the guys go on Twitter and say stupid things, I’m forced to say something to them. And really, use some common sense. Look, I don’t even go on my kid’s Facebook, because I promised him I’d never go on his Facebook, but the last thing you want to do is go on somebody’s Facebook and see 50 pictures of people getting drunk. Now how dumb is that? I mean, just use common sense. That’s all any parent would ask, just use common sense. Now when they don’t use common sense, I then treat them like a little kid just the way you would expect me to and that does happen, that truly does happen.” (Source: kuathletics)

Weis on his friendship with Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville:

“On to Texas Tech. The head coach, Tommy Tuberville, and I have been quite friendly over the years. We met on a trip overseas to go visit the troops when I head coach of that previous institution. When you’re going from country to country and visiting the troops with just five college coaches, you get to spend a lot of time with each other. I really enjoyed his company and have followed his career fairly diligently since that time.” (Source: kuathletics)

[Also read: A look at the Texas Tech Defense]

Three Keys to Victory

1. Run the ball. It seems like this is a key to victory every week for the Jayhawks. However, when you have a running back with five consecutive 100-yard games, there might be no other choice. Kansas will just need to run the ball and hope the passing game catches up.
2. Pressure Seth Doege. For the past two weeks, Kansas State and Texas were able to keep Seth Doege in check. Doege is a quarterback that can score five, six, or seven touchdowns if you let him. If Kansas can pressure Doege and make sure receivers do not get behind the safeties, then could then be in good shape.
3. Limit turnovers. Turnovers are never a good thing, but especially against the Red Raiders. If Kansas gives Seth Doege opportunities to beat them, he will do so. Kansas will need to keep the ball on offense for as long as possible.

[Also read: Three Ways to Defeat Texas Tech]

Gameday Thoughts

• James Sims needs some help. Even though Sims have five straight 100-yard game, Kansas needs to pick up it’s passing game. Teams have figured out that Sims cannot do everything on his own. He can rush for 100-yards and Kansas can still lose.
• The Kansas defense will need to be on their game against the Red Raiders. Seth Doege has the talent to have great games if opposing defenses let him. If Kansas watches the film from the TTU-KSU game, they will see exactly how to slow Doege down. Slowing Doege down is their only chance of getting the win.
• The Jayhawks need to start playing like they have “nothing to lose.” Kansas is currently 1-8 and will not be playing in a bowl game this season. Kansas just needs to go out and play “loose” football. Loose meaning that the pressure is not on them, but on the other team.

[Also read: Texas Tech and Kansas News and Notes]

Oct 27, 2012; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Michael Cummings (14) hands off to halfback Tony Pierson (3) against the Texas Longhorns in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Injury Report

Charlie Weis discussed Tony Pierson’s status for Saturday;s game against Texas Tech. He mentioned that they took the brace off Pierson’s arm this week. Now they are on the stage of using both arms to carry the ball again and not just using one arm because of the brace.

Weis did not say for sure in Pierson would definitely play, but Pierson looks probable.

Prediction

Seth Doege will be the key for Texas Tech in this game. If he has a good game, then the Red Raiders will defeat the Jayhawks.

Will Kansas stop Doege? No. Will they slow him down? Not likely. Doege has the talent to throw seven touchdowns a game and might be able to throw more.

Kansas will remain winless in the conference.

Final score: Texas Tech 52, Kansas 14

[Also read: Seth Doege Leads Strong Texas Tech Team]

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