Kansas football: 5 takeaways from the Jayhawks victory over Nevada

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Sep 8, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks defensive lineman Kenean Caldwell (97) celebrates after an interception against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The D-line vastly struggled with inside runs

Kansas defended the pass very well, allowing 113 yards and recording two sacks. However, the run defense was not nearly as stellar.

A Nevada team that had averaged 3.9 yards per carry across the first two games totaled 145 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Their quarterback, Brendon Lewis, collected 53 yards himself despite having 24 yards combined prior.

KU’s defensive tackles were not closing in on inside gaps like they were during the first two games. Gage Keys was banged up early in the game, which might have contributed to their struggles. Still, they will need to clean up that aspect of the game before next week’s tilt vs. BYU.

One thing I did like was how the defense sniffed out jet sweeps. Most outside runs were shut down immediately by the D-line. The run they struggled to guard the most were those up the middle.

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