Through the Phog
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Kansas football: 3 causes for concern, 3 reasons for optimism moving forward for Jayhawks

By Joshua Schulman

AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns talks with head coach Lance Leipold of the Kansas Jayhawks before the game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns talks with head coach Lance Leipold of the Kansas Jayhawks before the game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – SEPTEMBER 01: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks is lifted into the air by Dominick Puni #67 after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – SEPTEMBER 01: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks is lifted into the air by Dominick Puni #67 after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

No. 1 Concern: Offensive line didn’t look equipped for Big 12 football

While matching up against one of the most dominant front fours in the country was never going to end up well for Kansas, the offensive line was one of the weakest links on Saturday. They weren’t able to give Jason Bean any time to throw, forcing him to immediately scramble out of the pocket on several occasions. Run blocking was also suspect.

Pro Football Focus grades players every week through a formula that determines their performance. This is how KU’s offensive line fared.

  • LT Dominick Puni — 65.2
  • LG Ar’Maj Reed-Adams — 58.8
  • C Mike Novitsky — 37.9
  • RG Michael Ford Jr. — 66.2
  • RT Bryce Cabeldue — 41.4

For reference, 60-68 is considered average, 50-59 is considered below average, and anything below 50 is extremely poor. That means that two of KU’s starting linemen were practically unplayable. It was certainly reflected on Mike Novitsky. I can recall several times when a Texas defensive tackle blew by him before the blink of an eye.

Dominick Puni has been the leader of this group all season and figures to see an NFL field someday. However, the only other player who has taken a step forward in 2023 has been Michael Ford. Something has to change in this realm of the game.

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