Three keys for the Kansas Jayhawks against the Baylor Bears

With Kansas looking to secure bowl eligibility before the bye, here are some things to watch for in Saturday's game.

The Kansas Jayhawks came up short against the Oklahoma Sooners in week seven of the college football season, losing 52-42. But despite the loss, we continue to see strides taken in a positive direction. The new culture that Leipold and the coaching staff have instilled in this program has been shining through. At one point the Jayhawks were losing to the Sooners 35-14, and they never gave up continuing to play until the last second ticked off the clock. 

The schedule does not get any easier for a Kansas team that is one win away from being bowl eligible. This week, the Jayhawks head on the road to Waco, Texas and take on a very talented Baylor Bears football team. And yet again, the keys to this game may look a bit familiar:

Quarterback decision-making

Even without Jalon Daniels at the helm, the Kansas offense continues to impress. They currently sit atop the Big 12 with an average of 40 points per game. But even though Jason Bean has stepped up in a big way, mostly picking up where Daniels left off, there are still some things he needs to do better if the Jayhawks are going to win this game. Playing significant minutes at quarterback for two games this season, Bean has completed 32-out-of-51 for 535 yards and eight touchdowns. While that has been impressive, there is one spot that needs some work: his decision-making. Two of his three interceptions in those games were the result of poor throws to the wrong guy, and he has looked tentative at times, especially compared to the confidence that Jalon Daniels exudes.

One of the most impressive attributes Jason Bean possesses is his ability to run the football, especially given his status as the consensus fastest player on the team. But in the last two games he has only rushed 17 times for 75 yards. While it is likely there haven't been as many designed running plays for him in an effort to avoid having to press Ethan Vasko into service, it seems like he has been more tentative about taking off into clear running lanes. The key to this game is very simple. Set Jason Bean up for success and continue having him operate at a high level, including using all the weapons at his disposal.

The Baylor defense is currently ranked 3rd overall in the Big 12, but they have shown the tendency of giving up big chunks of yards. The main thing is making sure the offense gets into manageable situations, especially on third down. Bean will have to limit the turnovers and use his legs more when the play breaks down. Baylor has Blake Shapen at quarterback, and he has the ability to sling the football all over the field, which is impressive, and if Kansas wants to remain in this game, Bean and the offense will have to keep up.

Dictating the pace on defense

If you watched any of the football game against the Oklahoma Sooners, you quickly realized the Kansas defense struggled mightily. The OU offense moved up and down the field at an alarming rate and posted an astounding 701 total yards. The Sooners converted on 16-out-of-21 in 3rd down situations. Even with the Jayhawks forcing the Sooners to have three turnovers the offense moved at will.

The Sooners were so effective at moving the ball because their hurry-up offense negated one of the biggest areas of strength for Kansas: the defensive depth. Lance Leipold has mentioned multiple times that the Kansas first-string defense is overmatched in a strict matchup for large portions of the game. The way the Jayhawks have been effective is bringing in so many fresh bodies, and if the offense doesn't substitute, it is hard to do that. 

This is a team sport, and the Jayhawks excel by using as much of that team as possible. If they want to win more games this season, the defense as a whole will have to continue taking steps forward, including finding ways to force teams to methodically move down the field. 

Standout corner Cobee Bryant sustained an injury, so Kalon Gervin will be expected to step up in his absence. Kenny Logan Jr. will have to demonstrate his leadership on the defense. Logan is currently 6th in the Big 12 with total tackles, and he plays a vital role in the secondary of this defense. And Lonnie Phelps Jr. Phelps is back for this game, as he was limited against Oklahoma and it showed. Phelps is ranked 2nd in the Big 12 and 7th in college football with 6.5 sacks. His presence should open up things for the rest of the players along the defensive front. Getting apply pressure on Blake Shapen and slowing them down will be very important.

Tight Ends in the passing game

This final key is specific to a position in the offense, and that importance has been highlighted by one player in the last couple weeks: Mason Fairchild. I want to take a moment and highlight Fairchild's uptick in production. The 6'5", 261 lbs., tight end currently has 13 receptions on the season for 206 yards averaging 15.8 yards per catch. He has five touchdowns on the season, but 9 receptions, 186 yards and 3 touchdowns have come in the last two weeks. He has had some highlight catches and presents a problem to the opposing teams.

Fairchild is the most recent in a line of tight ends who have had huge performances for the Jayhawks this season. Jared Casey had his time in the first few games with some big catches. Trevor Kardell had some highlights against Duke that looked to be his springboard. But Fairchild has continued the emergence of yet another offensive weapon, and he is another weapon the Baylor defense will have to account for. 

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