The conversation in collegiate football is almost always going to be around the skill positions; the quarterbacks, running backs, and wideouts are always going to get the plaudits for a number of reasons. Maybe because they make the Heisman plays, or maybe because their stats and performances are easier to quantify.
Both are fair assessments, but no matter how good anyone on your offense may be, it is hard to get anywhere without an elite offensive line.
The Jayhawks' line has drawn mixed reviews as we enter the latter half of the season. Certain stats will tell you things are going well up front, while others, not so much.
For example, the Jayhawks have given up just five sacks in six games, which is among the nation’s best; however, it is also worth noting, with the legs of quarterback Jalon Daniels, the redshirt senior QB can move out of dangerous situations with ease, alleviating the chances for sacks.
Kansas’ rush offense, while by no means elite with its 53rd-best 153 yards per game, has gotten a lot better since the paltry 31 rushing yards against Missouri in the 42-31 Border Showdown loss to the Tigers.
“…We feel like we're getting a little more vertical in the run game, a little more push. I think we're kind of figuring out, too. Sometimes got to figure out what we're best at, ‘okay, we're better at this,’” quoted Kansas offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski
Since the Border Showdown, Kansas has notched totals of 242, 152, 121 yards, all proving more stable numbers for a core that has seen a mix and match rotations with running backs Leshon Williams and Daniel Hishaw Jr, combining for 85 carries, with Daniels tacking on 50 rushes by himself so far this season.
“Every year's different. Sometimes you think you know, then you don't know. Or something changes throughout the game for a multitude of reasons. I think we're getting comfortable with what they are excelling at.”
Zebrowski then went on to emphasize how important it was for the pass protection to be on its A-game.
In a matter of a few hours, Kansas will be taking on the No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders, who rank 39th in the nation with 12 sacks on the season, and the Red Raiders tout the 73rd-most tackles for loss on the season with 28 total tackles for loss.
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