KANSAS

Kansas vs UNLV: 3 Keys to Victory Against the Rebels

Kickoff from Kansas City is set for 6:00 p.m. CT on Friday. Here are the three things KU needs to happen.
Mathey Gibson|
Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas vs UNLV Preview

The Kansas Jayhawks (1-1) are looking to rebound from a tough 23-17 loss to Illinois as they prepare to face the undefeated UNLV Rebels (2-0) at Children’s Mercy Park. To secure a win, Kansas must focus on three key areas ...

1. Kansas ... Run the Football, and Keep Running

Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. form one of the most dynamic backfield duos in college football. In the loss to Illinois, they combined for 151 yards on 22 touches, proving their value to the offense.

However, offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes moved away from the run game in the second half, and Kansas struggled to maintain control. Against UNLV, the Jayhawks must stick to their strength and consistently feed Neal and Hishaw.

Establishing a dominant ground game will open up opportunities in the passing game and control the clock, keeping UNLV’s offense off the field.

2. Lean on the Jayhawk Secondary


Kansas’ secondary, led by All-American candidate Cobee Bryant, has been one of the team’s strongest units. They performed well in man coverage against Illinois and will need to replicate that success against UNLV’s talented wide receivers.

Trusting this secondary to lock down the Rebels’ passing attack allows the linebackers and defensive line to focus on pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run. A strong defensive showing from the secondary could shift the momentum in Kansas’ favor.

3. Let Jalon Daniels Shine

Despite a rusty start to the season, Jalon Daniels is the key to Kansas’ success. With an elite receiving corps led by Lawrence Arnold and Luke Grimm and a sturdy offensive line, Daniels has all the tools to thrive.

It's crucial for the coaching staff to put their faith in him, allowing him to make plays and regain his confidence. If Daniels can find his rhythm, Kansas will be hard to beat.

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Mathey Gibson
MATHEY GIBSON

Mathey Gibson is the Managing Editor for the Kansas Jayhawks On SI. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he has extensive experience covering major college sports, including reporting on Crimson Tide athletics since 2019 for outlets like Alabama Crimson Tide On SI, The Crimson White, and Tide Illustrated. Now focused on Kansas, Gibson has covered significant events such as the NCAA Tournament, College World Series, and the College Football Playoff, bringing a deep understanding of collegiate athletics to one of the nation’s premier programs.

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