Kansas Football First Quarter Report Card: Special Teams and Coaching

This is the final report card for the first quarter of Kansas’s football season. Last week, we covered offense and defense. This installment grades special teams and coaching.

Special Teams

The “hidden third” of football, as head coach David Beaty calls it, has not been a strength for Kansas so far in 2016. Many fans argue it has been by far the worst aspect of the Jayhawks so far. Based on the statistics and eye test, I tend to agree. The one positive in special teams play has been the kicking game. After a disastrous 2015, when Nick Bartolotta and Matthew Wyman converted only 21/23 extra point attempts and 6/11 field goal attempts, these numbers have improved slightly this year. Wyman has missed his only field goal attempt of the year, a 31 yarder against Rhode Island. However, Wyman is perfect so far on extra point attempts, making all 11. Greater depth along both the offensive and defensive lines allows Beaty and special teams coach Joe DeForest to develop better units on special teams as well, especially protections. Wyman is continuing to be great on kickoffs, with nine touchbacks in 16 kickoffs.

In 2015, the Jayhawks struggled to find a punter, resulting in placekicker Matthew Wyman trying punting for the first time in his collegiate career. This year, junior Cole Moos seems to be the answer to what DeForest and Beaty wanted. Moos is averaging nearly 40 yards per punt, with one touchback, and five punts landing inside the 20. In another nod to improved kick and punt protection, Moos has not had a single punt blocked this season. It is an improvement over last season, when Wyman, and Eric Kahn combined for only 38 yards per punt.

The Kansas return game is also better in 2016, especially returning kickoffs. Last year, Ryan Schadler was the main return specialist, taking one back for a touchdown against South Dakota State. The rest of the year was a struggle, and came away with a 22.7 yards per return average. With improved blocking and talent, LaQuvionte Gonzalez has been much more effective, with a return touchdown and 28 yards per return average to his name. Punt returns have continued to be a struggle. This year, the Jayhawks have negative punt return yardage at -2, along with two turnovers.

Coverage units have improved as well. Last year, the Jayhawks special teams allowed three punt returns and one kickoff return for a touchdown, adding to the Jayhawks large scoring deficit. This year, the coverage units have not allowed a touchdown, and are holding opponents under their averages from a season ago. It is safe to say the addition of special teams coordinator Joe DeForest is already paying some dividends, but the results aren’t good yet.

Grade: C-

Coaching

In David Beaty’s second year on the job, fans can point to an actual victory against Rhode Island as an improvement, but beyond the admittedly impressive win, good news is hard to come by. One thing the Jayhawks must do to compete without a talented roster is play relatively penalty-free. They haven’t done that so far. Last year, Kansas committed 5.7 penalties for 53.5 yards per game, 48^th and 62^nd in the country, respectively. In 2016, the Jayhawks are up to 6 penalties per game, but only 45.5 yards per game, 61^st and 39^th in the nation. To win more than a single game this year, Kansas must clean up penalties, and that starts with the coaching staff.

In the offseason, Beaty took over play-calling from offensive coordinator Rob Likens. The results haven’t been up to par. Even with an inexperienced offensive line, Beaty’s playcalling has been too conservative and overly reliant on wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez. In the next portion of the season, Beaty should look to take advantage of the depth of the receiving corps. Steven Sims is an additional deep threat, and tight end Ben Johnson is a matchup nightmare in the slot who should dominate the middle of the field. Beaty should also exploit quarterback Montell Cozart’s ability to run the football. A renewed emphasis on read option concepts in the running game, even just to keep the defense honest, would help open up holes for running backs Ke’aun Kinner, Khalil Herbert, and Taylor Martin.

Grade: D+