I know that I’m not defying anyone else’s predictions with where I’m going in my own take on the Big 12 North and how it will shake out, I just believe it’s basically in the same shape it was in during the 2006 season. That’s why my next up in the Big 12 North preview is the Kansas Jayhawks. The Hawks of old were basically a team where coaches would pencil in a victory when teams would go over their schedules in the summer. Not so much anymore. The past five years under Coach Mark Mangino have brought KU back to the realm of respectability, taking them to bowl games, winning seasons and a level of play not seen since the Glen Mason era. Let's get things started on this year's version of the Jayhawks. The running game is going to take a big hit. Last year was senior Jon Cornish’s last, who ran for more yards than any other Jayhawk in history at the school. Also gone are three out of the five linemen that blocked for him and allowed their 4th ranked (in the Big 12) rushing offense to rack up yards on opposing defenses.
Sophomore Kerry Meier looks to be the frontrunner for the starting position under center this year. Meier came to the forefront of the QB mix at KU last year tossing 1,193 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight starts. Meier also has the gift of mobility on his side, rushing for 447 yards and five touchdowns. On the flip side, Meier also threw 10 picks in 184 passing attempts, so when KU faces an opponent with a decent secondary, offensive coordinator and quarterback’s coach Ed Warinner will have to limit play calling to short routes, screens and running plays.
So, who is going to fill the large shoes left by Cornish who ran away with the Big 12 rushing title in ‘06? Sophomore Jake Sharp, who saw some playing time last year and came up with some respectable numbers, rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns on only 21 carries. He can also catch out of the backfield. He added six receptions for 73 yards. How will he respond to the pressures of being the number one guy with an inexperienced line? The first Big 12 matchup of the year for the Jayhawks will be in state rival
The only loss at wide receiver is Brian Murph who caught a team high 467 yards and three touchdowns. He also took care of punt returning duties. Returning receivers include juniors Dexton Fields and Marcus Herford will make up KU’s inside/outside threat. Tight End Derek Fine was instrumental in Cornish’s role in his record setting season and should help Sharp out quite a bit with his ability to block for the run. He isn’t too shabby in the open field either, Fine had 28 catches for 355 yards and five touchdowns last year.
KU’s defense is basically in tact from last season. They only have to replace a few key players. On the front seven defensive end Paul Como will be missed with his 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Their top run stuffer in defensive tackle Wayne Wilder who ended his senior season with 31 tackles and three sacks will be replaced by senior James McClendon who was an honorable mention to the All-Big 12 team in 2006.
The linebacking core will be back in full force with junior Mike Rivera and his 90 tackles that led the team last season. However, he was seemingly beat out of the middle linebacker role by junior Joe Mortenson, who is smaller but more mobile and better suited to the MIKE role in the team’s defensive scheme. SAM and WILL linebackers will be filled by junior James Holt and sophomore Arist Wright respectively. Not too shabby to have Rivera, the team’s returning leading tackler, as your backup for middle linebacker.
The secondary only suffered one key loss as well. Jerome Kemp who amassed the third most tackles on the team with 82, also played on the team with the worst pass defense in the league. Hopefully for the Jayhawks, this year will not be as chaotic as the ’06 campaign. The one big bright spot will be junior cornerback Aqib Talib who was a first team All-Big 12 selection. Talib finished fourth in the country and first in the conference with six interceptions.
The Jayhawks have a lot of question marks in their special teams with new returners for the punt squad, but have
KU will have stars for their special teams, and a solid front seven. If the secondary can come together as a unit and play to their potential the defense will keep their questionable offense in the game. Scoring points will be the big question for the retooled Jayhawks. It may be too much to over come and they may miss bowl season, but I’m picking them for a return to postseason play. With a soft pre-conference schedule coupled with Baylor and Iowa State coming to Lawrence, they should be able to get at least six wins.
2006 Overall record: 6-6
2006 Conference record: 3-4
Offensive returning starters: 6
Defensive returning starters: 8
Offense: C
Defense: B+
Special Teams: B-
Overall: B-
2007 Prediction: 7-6 Overall (3-4, Big 12)
2007 Big 12 North Ranking: 4th
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