Kansas Coach Lance Leipold Raves About Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns
If the recently released video by the Oregon Ducks social media team teaches us anything, don't talk trash if you're unable to back it up.
In a heavyweight matchup that the No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks have coming up against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns Saturday, it's best if head coach Lance Leipold and their players take the high road to avoid any bulletin board material going up inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. And that's exactly what Leipold did Monday.
"It’s an excellent football team across the board," Leipold said. "You can tell from coach Sarkisian the stamp he’s put on it offensively. He’s one of the best play-callers in the country. The movements and shifts and different looks that he gives, how they spread the ball among the playmakers that they have. Huge up front and very athletic, well-coached offensive line."
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) runs during their game against the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium Saturday. Texas won 38-6.
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None of what Leipold said is incorrect, though. Texas' offense, with the weapons it has for quarterback Quinn Ewers to throw to, is one of the more dynamic groups in the country averaging 432.8 yards and 37 points per game.
Leipold said the Longhorns have a defensive line that is consistent and "physical" led by T'Vondre Sweat, Byron Murphy II, Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke.
"Tough kids," Leipold said. "Linebackers who are extremely physical and run well. It’s definitely a different team and a huge challenge for us and one that we’ve got to have our best week of preparation yet."
Texas linebackers Jaylan Ford and David Gbenda are both top 25 in the Big 12 in tackles with 25 and 22, respectively. Freshman Anthony Hill Jr. has 16 tackles and two for loss as well.
Kansas is fifth in scoring, second in rushing and fifth in total offense in the Big 12. The Longhorns' defense is allowing 12.6 points and less than 300 yards of offense this season.
The Jayhawks' quarterback-running back duo of Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal are one of the best in the conference, and how Leipold schemes them up against Texas' front seven will be a fun matchup to watch Saturday in Austin.
The game will be broadcast on ABC at 2:30 p.m.
