Keys to the Game

[catsfan20012002]

1. Take the crowd out of the game by getting ahead early and
2. Stop the run

I seriously don't think this game is going to be close

[Dan Rydell]

Good keys to the game.

However, I *do* think this game will be close.  ku actually has something to play for, and will be jacked up.  I don't think they roll over.

[catsfan20012002]

ku actually has something to play for

And we don't?

October 9, 2004

ku 31
KSU 28

Oh.....We have something to play for alright. 

[sonofdaxjones]

I think they know they only prayer they have is to get pressure on Freeman.

If they don't, they're secondary as a whole can't cover anybody. 

Key-O Line play

Key-Defense tackling better, and not giving up big plays.

They'll come out fired up, but I think our guys are excited now that they're playing better and will come out fired up as well.

KSU can move to another echelon of bowls if KSU wins. 

With their secondary, I come out throwing the ball all over the place.

[Dan Rydell]

I'm not saying we don't.  I'm just saying there is absolutely nothing in looking at this game that says "blowout" to me.

We didn't win last week because we have more talent than Texas.  We won because Josh Freeman and Yamon Figurs were on their games and we took advantage of torunovers caused by our D.  Those who think we should roll ku because we beat Texas are putting too much stock into a game in which our playmakers were clicking on all cylinders, at home.

It's not like there's enough talent differential there that we can line up against ku and just pound away at them...at least, not that I've seen from watching both teams.  Worse yet, if we let ku get a little momentum in the game, they may capitalize on it.

ku's playing at home.  At least at the beginning of the game, the crowd advantage will be for ku...and that will remain as long as ku's in the game.

ku's had a week off to rest and prepare.  We're still nicked up all over the field.

To me, this all points to a close game.  I'd sure like to see us win a blowout, but I just don't see it.

[sonofdaxjones]

There's no way I think this is a blowout.  Hell, I only give KSU about a 40-50% chance to win.

That being said, I think KSU can rack up some serious points on these guys, but I think if KSU comes out and tackles like $hit like they've done multiple times in the last 2 games, and plays impatient defense, ku will score a ton of points as well.

The other thing is, I think we come out loose, I think Mangino still has that old school in him and they come out fired up, but tight as a clock spring.   I see panic in Mangino if things aren't going their way.   I personally think they guy is playing to keep his job over the next two weeks.  I think Perkins is chomping at the bit to dump this guy.

[pissclams]

ku's got decent talent on their team, their current record is a reflection of poor coaching.
I've seen the holes that their O-line has been opening for Cornish and they will run the ball against us.
Our T2 defense may struggle against their option running and our backers need to play a fast game sideline to sideline.
Given the extra week of prep they should keep things competitive.  Toss-up game IMO.
Advantage to the Hawks playing at home, for bowl eligibility, and healthy.