The Not-So-Feel-Good Blowout

The score seemed about right at 45-13, but as predicted, a sub 50-point output has the Jayhawk Nation in a critical mood. The defense is still on an upward trend, but the offense was not the well-oiled machine that we enjoyed in weeks one and two. Perhaps it was the chill in the air, but wide receivers cast a huge shadow on the rout with a multitude of dropped balls. Factor in Raimond Pendleton's fumbled punt that temporarily allowed the Rockets back into the game and it was a rough first half for Tim Beck's crew. Really, since about 1997, KU fans are used to watching KU receivers drop balls, but it was a nice two-game reprieve as the 'Hawks caught everything within reason for the past two games. Again, let's blame it on the cold and assume they'll be back on track against the Golden Panthers.

Overall, KU had the game under control for the entire evening by dominating the line of scrimmage. Jake Sharp (127 yds) and B-Mac (52 yds) pretty much ran at will and the KU defense stuffed the Toledo offense for the most part. It was actually a little surprising to see that Toledo amassed 174 yards on the ground. The front seven on "D" is starting to look pretty comfortable out there. Definitely aggressive and very successful at disrupting the Rocket offense. We only gave up 77 passing yards which is a world away from where we were last year.

Things I Like

• Aqib Talib for Heisman. Six tackles, an interception and a 58-yard ESPN highlight TD reception. Of course, the TD won't be on ESPN, but it should be. He jumped from the 5 -1/2 yard line. Duplicate this stat line against KSU with a win and seriously ... he needs to be on the list.
• Speaking of Talib, maybe the play that impressed me the most was the open-field tackle he made early in the game that saved a TD. It wasn't pretty, but Talib openly admits that isn't necessarily his game. He's a cover guy, not a hitter. The point is he made the play and it was a big one.
• Jake Sharp was all that we were promised -- 9.8 yards per carry is a stat that will stick in my mind all week.
• James McClinton leads the team with nine tackles. We all know he's a monster, but it sure is fun to watch him disrupt the backfield.
• Mike Rivera is improving. Six tackles on the night.
• Marcus Henry and Dezmon Briscoe both had multiple drops early. Both were able to redeem themselves. That really does speak to Mangino's motto about learning how to handle adversity.
• Henry over 100 yards for the third straight game. 19 receptions, 355 yards and 2 TDs for the year.
• Todd Reesing has a 300+ yard game and another four TD passes.
• Three interceptions. Put pressure on the QB and the fun starts.
  

Areas of Concern

• Todd Reesing's inaccuracy at times is something to eliminate. The receivers share some blame on this but Reesing was off at times and ended up with a 45.7% completion rate last night. Sometimes he steps on the field for a drive and it's automatic. Other times, not so much. We know he's got the confidence and the skills, so let's chalk this up to a lack of focus against a weaker opponent. I assume we'll only see Air Reesing during conference play.
• The drops by the receivers tend to spread throughout the entire unit once it starts. An occasional drop is understandable, but a game-wide epidemic isn't really acceptable.
• The offense had the ball on the field way too much.
• The 45-yard miss was only concerning in that it barely had enough distance with a slight wind. I would have liked to see some more leg into that one.
• Kyle Tucker. Not a good night. Again, he can boom it, but it's all about consistency.
• Kerry Meier re-creates the zone read fumble from the Glass Bowl. I don't enjoy this kind of nostalgia.
• The front seven did have a great night, but early on they missed a few tackles. Once Talib made his open-field tackle the unit seemed to wrap up a little better throughout the rest of the night.

"I saw the ball coming, and I made the play.  Then I figured I should go ahead and run for the end zone.  I was just trying everything I could to get in.  Everyone was blocking and pulling for me.  I just came up a little bit short, but the offense punched it in, and that's what it is all about."
--DE John Larson