Over Before it Began

Source: KU Sports

Like many of the KU offensive plays called on Saturday, this game was over before it began. It's not a good sign when a writer throws his hands up before he's out of the first paragraph. But if you watched the game on Saturday, 49-7 Baylor, then maybe you can help me out: where do I go with this story? Now hear me out: there are some 49-7 games that could fill a few pages and keep the modest fan at least mildly interested. But this 42-point shellacking left no doubt in anybody's mind on how night and day the two programs are from one another in development, depth, and talent.

Undefeated and 11th-ranked Baylor found itself up 21 before the game was out of the first quarter, and up 42 before half, so in terms of highlights or sidelights, it's pretty bare bones for those writing from the KU side of the field (more on Carter Stanley in a bit). Furthermore, considering the standard of a two-score or less difference as the mark of a competitive game, this game was in question for all of 12 minutes and 13 seconds. Not only did the Kansas offense trip over itself repeatedly, it did so in such a fashion that a Kansas defense, which is actually defensible without too many concessions and couches, had barely a remote chance, if any, to stop an already potent Baylor offense. Thus, Kansas failed to stir any intrigue in this game beyond the time it takes to bake some hot-pockets. And by that point, the damage had been done. Kansas had already thrown a pick six, punted, and turned over on downs, while Baylor quarterback and former Kansas recruit Seth Russell was eluding Jayhawk tacklers on 4th down for a 26-yard touchdown scamper to put his team up three touchdowns.

Following a game in which Kansas outplayed its opponent, TCU, 4 turnovers notwithstanding, the Jayhawks gifted the Bears the ball 5 times in Waco, adding to its 22 total through 6 games, the worst in the country. On the season, despite forcing 11 turnovers, good for third best in the Big 12, Kansas averages a -2.4 turnover margin, also the worst in the country.

Ryan Willis, after one of his best outings in a Jayhawk uniform, particularly from a passing yardage point of view, continued to struggle with the giveaways. Routinely staring down his wide-receivers as if he were entranced by a beautiful woman, the quarterback position continues to plague this team. But that virus that permeates the quarterback depth chart most likely spawned from the problem-infested offensive line aiming to protect its signal caller. On the season, Ryan Willis has been sacked 16 times. 16. Many critics will be clamoring for a quarterback who can make better decisions in the pocket, but a pocket must first exist for decisions to be made in it.

A running game which averages 1.7 yards per carry on 48 carries is not going to beat a dead horse. I know, I turned that phrase on its head, but seriously, a dead horse would see 1.7 yards per carry and be like, "meh".

By comparison, Baylor rushed the football 49 times for 5 yards a pop. This, behind an offensive line that spent an hour and a half of Friday night stuck in an elevator. This is clearly what Kansas needs. More time to develop an offensive line that masses over capacity on an elevator, putting it out of commission.

Carter Stanley saw time Saturday. I've liked the sort of calm and moxy he plays with, but notice a slight hitch in his motion that David Beaty has alluded to, and the arm strength is subpar, so when you think about the difference between a strong-armed Ryan Willis who telegraphs his passes versus a Carter Stanley who sees the field slightly better but winds back when he throws and doesn't put much behind it versus Montell Cozart (enough said on this candidate), Ryan Willis is your guy for the remainder of the season.

Come spring, let's hope Tyriek Starks is the real deal. Though knowing Kansas football and its narrative, he's probably not.

Kansas could keep Homecoming interesting this week if the line can somehow get some semblance of a running game going. The defense should put pressure on Mason Rudolph. Will it be enough? I don't know. But I'll be cheering just like the rest of you.