Previewing BYU-Kansas with a Kansas Insider
BYU is 3-0 as it opens conference play against Kansas. The Cougars and the Jayhawks square off on ESPN at 1:30 PM MDT/2:30 PM CST. We caught up with Kansas insider Andy Mitts to preview this matchup of two undefeated teams.
Credit: BYU Photo
Q: What do you feel like you have learned about this Kansas team through three weeks?
A: I've learned that all the talk about improvement and gaining speed in the offseason wasn't just talk. Nearly every player on the roster just looks faster on the field. And while we thought we saw all the types of wrinkles that Andy Kotelnicki was able to throw into this offense last season, there have been plenty of additional looks, new formations and in general wacky ideas that this feels like a completely different version of this offense. It must be terrifying for opposing defensive coordinators.
Additionally, I've learned that this defense isn't just talking a bigger game, they are backing it up. The defensive line is already wreaking havoc for opposing offensive lines, and it has allowed the linebackers to read plays and react instead of having to plug holes. It's not all perfect, but there are enough big plays that the defense isn't just going to straight up lose games anymore.
Q: What would you say are the strengths and weaknesses of this 2023 Kansas team?
A: The biggest strength remains the litany of options, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Kansas has two running backs in Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw that could easily put together a monster game on their own, plus a couple other backs in Sevion Morrison and Dylan McDuffie that can each show flashes. In the receiving game, Jalon Daniels has five different wide receivers and three different tight ends that can all make big plays. And of course that doesn't even account for wrinkles like direct snaps, playing with two quarterbacks on the same play, and the numerous other options Kansas has. On the defense, we've already seen returning stars like Cobee Bryant, Craig Young, Kenny Logan and Jereme Robinson make big plays, but many of the new players have stepped up and really shown what they are capable of.
It's hard to pinpoint the biggest weakness, especially now that the kicking game is nailed down with transfer kicker Seth Keller. Instead, I'll say the run defense. Specifically, the team has a habit of overcommitting to the play when trying to stop the run, so they are susceptible to the cutback, especially from a quarterback. Luke Altmyer of Illinois had a 72-yard touchdown run when the defense pursued the fake handoff and left him wide open. Nevada did the same thing to the Jayhawks multiple times. It is great to see a defensive line that is rushing through gaps and not getting absolutely bullied anymore, but they have been their own worst enemy at times.
Q: Like BYU, Kansas experienced some defensive struggles in 2022. On the surface, the stats look much improved this year vs last year. Do you expect that trend to remain throughout conference play? Why or why not?
A: I do expect them to be improved overall, but I don't think it is realistic to think it will be quite this good all year long. To put it bluntly, the offensive lines that they Jayhawks have faced have been, at best, okay. Illinois was the only one that had any sort of reputation, but it does seem like they are struggling early in the season. And once Kansas starts facing units that are better conditioned and familiar with the way Kansas plays, I think they will take a step back. That being said, even a step back from the current performance is much better than they way they played last year. You have players that aren't having to remember how to play four different positions. You have a variety of pass rushers that get to the quarterback in different ways. You still have one of the more underrated secondary units in the conference, and the addition of depth guys like Kwinton Lassiter making big strides is a huge boon. All that to say that I expect the Kansas defense to end the season significantly better than they were last year, but maybe not quite as good as we have seen so far.
Q: How is the health of Jalon Daniels? Will his health impact his availability or productivity?
A: There were some concerns after he sat out the first practice following week two, but every indication is that he has been a full participant and not really dealing with any limitations. With a back injury like he had, there is always a concern that a twist in the wrong direction can cause it to flare back up, but I don't see it having an effect unless he reinjures it.
Q: Are there other injuries to critical players you're monitoring?
A: Gage Keys left the Nevada game with an apparent ankle injury, but it doesn't seem like it will keep him out this week. Wide receiver Luke Grimm has dealt with some nagging injuries, but again not something that expect to keep him out or limit him in this game. Ultimately, Kansas is fairly healthy coming into this matchup
Q: Jalon Daniels is obviously very talented and he's capable of putting up a lot of points on anyone. If you were BYU DC Jay Hill, how would you go about limiting Daniels?
A: I think the key is to take away one of his dimensions, which is obviously easier said than done. It is going to be much harder to limit his passing game, as he has the ability to extend plays with his legs and has the field vision to find holes downfield. But he gets himself in the groove with his ability to take off and run, so if I was looking to limit him, I'd focus on containing him. Make him stay between the tackles, play solid coverage and force him to make a decision or be sacked. Once he starts getting on the edge, the big runs keep rolling in.
Q: Kansas wins this game if _______. BYU wins this game if ________.
A: Kansas wins in a shootout. A high scoring game where Kansas just needs one or two big defensive plays to win the game is right in their comfort zone. BYU wins if they can make the game ugly. Turnovers and/or a low-scoring defensive battle with long, methodical drives will keep Kansas off balance most of the game.
Q: BYU fans travel well - what can those BYU fans attending the game expect from the environment at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium?
A: Kansas State fans will complain about the amenities, but they aren't really as bad as you've heard. They aren't fantastic by any means, but they'll do for now. But the nostalgic charm of the stadium, combined with the fantastic view of the hill out of the south side of the stadium make for an awesome experience. And even though you are there rooting against the Jayhawks, there isn't anything quite like hearing the Rock Chalk Chant for the first time. Add in a raucous student section, and the stadium is sure to be loud.
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