Through the Phog
Fansided

Kansas football must make the most of bye week

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 08: Head coach David Beaty of the Kansas Jayhawks watches from the sidelines during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 08: Head coach David Beaty of the Kansas Jayhawks watches from the sidelines during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The week off for the Kansas football team comes at a great time.  David Beaty and the Jayhawks have a lot of work to do to prepare for Texas Tech.

Most Kansas football fans expected the Kansas football team to have at least a .500 record when they reached their bye week. As a matter of fact some of us believed the team might be a comfortable 3-1.  I thought the Jayhawks would win all three non-conference games. After three straight losses, coach Beaty and the team have a big task ahead of them.

Beaty and offensive coordinator Doug Meacham have the Jayhawk offense going in the right direction. Although Peyton Bender has thrown 7 interceptions, he has also completed 57 percent of his 178 passes for over 1200 yards and 7 touchdowns.  We know he can operate the Air Raid effectively.  Add Kahlil Herbert on the ground and the Jayhawk offense is dramatically improved in 2017.

On the other hand, miscues and a mediocre defense this season are responsible for the 1-3 record.  The Jayhawks look fabulous at times this season. At other times they look awful. The team had a big third quarter in the Big 12 opener against West Virginia. They outscored the Mountaineers 14-0.  Then the team gave up 21 fourth quarter points.

Beaty said during this week’s Big 12 coaches teleconference the Jayhawks controlled both quarters. The team controlled the 3rd quarter rather easily and shut out the Mountaineers. They controlled the 4th quarter, according to Beaty by giving up 21 easy points in a disappointing finish.

More from Through the Phog

The coach knows the issues that need attention. He understands who needs to step up and make changes and how to get it done. Now he has another week to prepare for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders are busy with Oklahoma State.  It will be interesting to see what the Jayhawks can do with an extra week of preparation.

Home/Kansas Jayhawks News