Preview: KU vs. South Dakota

Source: davisenterprise.com

I need to start this post with a little precursor: I am writing this preview in extreme haste (crunching it into a little hour respite in my unnecessarily crazy, busy life), so now, if ever there was a time, please bear with me... and this post. I will get back into the swing of things soon enough, but in order to quench your KU Footbal thirst, you'll just have to swig this one down--I apologize in advance if she goes down a little rough.

In the very near future, I'm planning to put out a game-preview on Thursday and the usual game-recap on Sunday/Monday.


So, without further ado, let's boogie.

The 1-0 FCS South Dakota Coyotes, out of the MVC, will invade Memorial Stadium in a little more than 24 hours, fresh off a win over UC Davis in Week 1 of the College Football season.

While the rest of the nation saw their teams kickoff over the Labor Day weekend (South Dakota included), Kansas sat at home, stewing in its juices. It was another week without football and another idle week that they couldn't use to exorcise the "pile of crap" from last season.

But now that time has come. If there ever was that prototypical whipping boy for Kansas to stand over and wag it, I give you the South Dakota Coyotes.

Like Kansas, USD went 1-11 last year, but against FCS competition. So when the two teams meet on the field just one moon from now, something has gotta give. Either USD will double their win total from last year, or Kansas will get out of Week 2 (?) unblemished. A betting man would take the latter.

Honestly, this game is more about Kansas than anything. You can call me lazy by not breaking down the Coyotes position by position, but USD just should not keep this game competitive.

Things I want to see on Saturday:

Kansas wins. And Kansas pummels. A good, sound beatdown will do wonders for the confidence of this team. From the opening kick, this needs to be an undressing... in all phases of the game.

Jake Heaps completes 60% of his passes or more. He's got some weapons and a running game to fall back on. Jake Heaps needs to be efficient, and he needs to show that he can make good decisions early. Look, a QB can change the entire complexion of a team (good or bad), and Kansas desperately needs a new identity. He can do a lot to change it in week 1.

A consistent pass rush. This will speak to the overall conditioning and depth of the team. I'm confident that Marquel Combs, Ben Goodman, and company can get to the quarterback, but how often? Sack totals should increase as the game and Coyotes wear down. If that doesn't happen, I'll be concerned.

A happy Clint Bowen. KU's special teams needs to spotless. I realize that over the course of the season it will have its lumps, but let's just get the bad taste out of our mouths with a good kicking, coverage, and return game. A place-kicker-less team really forced Charlie Weis' hand last year. Hopefully he will have a loaded gun with walk-on Matthew Wyman.

And the moment you've all been waiting for...

Prediction:
Kansas 52
South Dakota 13