Kansas football: 5 essential keys to victory against BYU Cougars

Kansas football: 5 essential keys to victory against the BYU Cougars

Sep 16, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; BYU Cougars wide receiver Hobbs Nyberg (23) celebrates with cornerback Eddie Heckard (5) after Heckard forced a turnover during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. BYU won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

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PROVO, UT – SEPTEMBER 2: Kedon Slovis #10 of the Brigham Young Cougars leads the offense through the tunnel on the way to the field for warmups before their game against the Sam Houston Bearkats at LaVell Edwards Stadium September 2, 2023 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

3. Shutting down the pass

Kansas averages 216.7 yards per game on the ground, while BYU averages just 78.3. If the Cougars beat Kansas this weekend, it will be through the air attack, not their running game.

Kedon Slovis is expected to start at the helm. He doesn’t have the best stats thus far, completing 55-of-90 passes (61.1%) for 660 yards, six scores, and one interception. His performances against Sam Houston State and Arkansas were not anything special, and KU will have to face off against much better signal callers than him in conference play. However, he is still a mad bomber who’s enjoyed success at one of the best programs in the sport.

Run defense has been an issue for Kansas in 2023, but defending the pass has not. They rank 10th in the nation in terms of passing yards allowed. As long as they can continue that trend this week, the Jayhawks will be in good shape.

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