Three keys for the Kansas Jayhawks against the Duke Blue Devils
The Kansas Jayhawks have started 3-0 on the season, defeating the Houston Cougars handily 48-30 last weekend. Lance Leipold and his staff have this team playing at a high level, and the confidence is oozing from the players. The Jayhawks host the Duke Blue Devils this Saturday with a great chance to remain undefeated. This game is going to be significant for both squads. With that being said, what are the three keys to another Jayhawk victory?
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium
You may be wondering what does a stadium have to do with this football game? I am here to tell you. Support and attendance is a significant way this fan base can show this football program they are behind them. For years this team has underperformed, and the head coaching position has been a revolving door. Now that the Jayhawks are 3-0, the fans are expected to show up in droves. David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium holds approximately 47,000 people, and that type of support would elevate this team and the coaching staff. The crowd could have an impact which is why I believe it is a key to the game.
Defensive Pressure
The defense as a whole will need to be a factor in this game, but especially important will be the pressure that Kansas gets to slow down this team. The Blue Devils' offense averages 37 points per game and 460 total yards per game. They are led by quarterback Riley Leonard. In the 2022 season, Leonard has completed 46-out-of-66 passes for 723 yards which is a 73% completion percentage. He has averaged 11 yards per attempt and has thrown five touchdowns and two interceptions. If Kansas let's him play at his own pace, Leonard has the ability to pick them apart.
The Kansas Jayhawks have nine sacks on the season. Duke has only given up 3 sacks on the season, but Kansas will need to find a way to disrupt the quarterback. Lonnie Phelps has been a force off the edge, getting three sacks of his own and also five tackles for a loss. Caleb Sampson performed well against Houston, and Sampson has a sack and a half.
Jalon Daniels
Duke has allowed an average of 348 yards per game to opposing offenses. Of those yards they have allowed an average of 229 yards through the air and 119 yards on the ground. Duke has not given up a lot of points and only allowed an average of 14 per game. Quarterback Jalon Daniels will be the one to change that.
Lets be honest, it is so exciting watching quarterback Jalon Daniels lead this offense. His ability to read defenses has been incredible. Daniels is a key to this game and will be for as long as he is a Jayhawk. So far this season Daniels, has completed 47-out-of-70 passes for 566 yards and seven touchdowns. Oh wait, there is more. He has also rushed the football 27 times for 237 yards averaging 8.8 yards per attempt. On the ground he has found the end zone three times. If he plays in a similar fashion to the first three games, then the Booth will be in for a show.
