When the Big 12 injury reports popped up on Thursday for the Kansas' football game Saturday against TCU, a surprising name was on the report. Quarterback Isaiah Marshall was listed as questionable, though no indication of what was ailing him. On Wednesday, he'd been listed as probable, and it is not known why he's been downgraded.
Marshall, the redshirt sophomore, has started all seven of the Jayhawks' games this season, overseeing a 3-4 record overall and 1-3 in conference play. Marshall has been uneven throughout the season; at times, he makes some incredible throws, especially downfield; on other occasions, he's missed wide-open receivers and has made some poor judgments on some throws.
Even with the struggles, Marshall has looked more and more comfortable and has shown improvement. He came into the season with almost no game-day experience, only throwing three passes last year, all completed, and ran the ball fifteen times. Growing pains were expected, but his lack of touch and accuracy on numerous throws has been frustrating.
Marsall has thrown for 1,506 yards with 11 touchdowns, along with seven interceptions, which leads the Big 12.
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Cole Ballard is the most likely candidate to step in at quarterback if Isaiah Marshall can't play vs. TCU
If Marshall is unable to go Saturday against the Horned Frogs, redshirt junior Cole Ballard is the most likely option. As a backup with only one career start, Ballard has 541 passing yards and three touchdowns, with four interceptions. He isn't any more proven than Marshall, and probably less so now.
Ballard, however, has been in the program for four seasons, and when he's gotten opportunities this season, he has produced in a minimal sample size. He has completed five of his eight attempts for 96 yards.
Ballard has a good arm, but it doesn't match the arm strength Marshall has downfield. Ballard should be at least as accurate on shorter and mid-range routes, but might not be able to get the ball downfield as far as Marshall.
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The most significant adjustment the offense will need to make if Ballard plays instead of Marshall is in the run game. Marshall is an integral part of the ground attack, and his ability to scramble is excellent. It's not that Ballard can't run; he has 41 career carries for 223 yards, which is good for a solid 5.4 average.
Marshall plays a big part in the Kansas run game with 403 yards on the ground this season and 563 yards in his career. While he matches Ballard with a 5.4 career average, Marshall is the more dynamic passer. Yards lost on sacks count against his rushing totals, and those have deflated his yardage total and his average somewhat.
The KU rushing attack has been as uneven as the passing. Dylan Edwards has become the workhorse after injuries to Yasin Willis and Jalen Dupree. When defenses have kept Edwards in check, Marshall's legs have boosted the run game, and they will be sorely missed if he isn't a go.
If Marshall sits and Ballard starts, it wouldn't be surprising to see at least a few packages that include Chase Jenkins. The transfer from Rice has played quarterback and wide receiver in his career and looked good in his brief appearances for KU. He's three for three on pass attempts for 65 yards, and he has 53 rushing yards on three attempts.
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If Kansas struggles offensively against TCU, especially on the ground, head coach Lance Leipold may decide to throw Jenkins in the game because he shares some of Marshall's skill set.
Kansas is already facing an uphill battle going against TCU on the road; it will only be harder if Marshall doesn't play.
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