Kansas football: Turnovers costly in loss to Central Michigan

For the second straight season the Kansas football team drops a home game to a Mid America Conference team in Lawrence. CMU beat the Jayhawks 45-27.

Die hard Kansas football fans did not expect what we saw Saturday afternoon. Most expected something very different. As a matter of fact, the Jayhawks will miss a chance to start the season 2-0 for for another season. Coach David Beaty knew the team had injuries. On the other hand, the self-inflicted mistakes not injuries cost the Jayhawks Saturday.

As many did, I had a difficult time watching the almost 2-hour first half. It did not get easier in the fourth quarter. Clint Bowen’s defense got off to a slow start. It surprised me when they allowed three straight first down conversions to begin the game. The Chippewas did not score on that drive but it certainly didn’t matter.

There were too many turnovers and penalties. Central Michigan quarterback Shane Morris also took advantage of the inexperienced Jayhawk secondary. The defense gave up almost 500 passing yards Saturday. That is not going to get the job done during Big 12 conference play.

Despite the loss, there are some positives. Freshman running back Dom Williams ran for 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just 3-quarters of action. Ryan Schadler had a big game. In addition to his 33-year touchdown run, he caught 6 passes for 60 yards. He also a made a heads up kickoff return that gave the Jayhawk offense an advantage.

More from Through the Phog

On defense, the reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week Joe Dineen had 9 tackles. Defensive back Derrick Neal had 9 tackles too but most of those in my opinion came following poor defensive positioning. Neal and the rest of the defense must step up next week on the road.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Football