Three keys for the Kansas Jayhawks against the TCU Horned Frogs

The Jayhawks are still undefeated and looking to get a big win over an undefeated TCU team at home. What are the keys to making that possible?

The Kansas Jayhawks are 5-0 on the season and sitting atop the Big 12 conference. I repeat, KU is 5-0 this football season and is one win away from being bowl eligible.

The sounds of that are so refreshing to fans who have endured some dreadful years. One of the most encouraging signs about this team is they are winning games even when they are not performing at their best. When the offense sputtered as part of Saturday's 14-11 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones, the defense stepped up. And they might have to again against the TCU Horned Frogs.

Here are three things that I'm looking for this Saturday:

Creating chances on defense

This Kansas defense has already shown that it can step up and win a football game. In Week 2 versus West Virginia, cornerback Cobee Bryant intercepted a JT Daniels pass in overtime, returning it to the house for a pick six victory. The defense stepped up to get a key incompletion on the final drive from the Duke Blue Devils in week 4 after the offense stalled out. And in Week 5, the entire defense stepped up, highlighted by a huge interception from Bryant again. The ability to flip that figurative switch has been so important for the Jayhawks this season.

TCU averages 48.5 points per game. Their offense is led by quarterback Max Duggan, who so far this season has throw 997 yards and 11 touchdowns without a single interception. He is averaging 10.6 yards per attempt and has a 74.5% completion rate. But the ability of this defense to manufacture a turnover against Duggan could go a long way to victory. 

In addition, TCU is averaging 251.8 rushing yards per game. The rushing is led by running back Kendre Miller with 51 attempts for 386 yards. But Duggan has shown the ability to run himself for big gains. Kansas stopped the running of mobile quarterback Riley Leonard against Duke earlier this season. They are going to have to turn it up against a team that has the ability to score at any moment in a game. 

Limit the big plays

The TCU Horned Frogs annihilated the Oklahoma Sooners, winning 55-24. One of the big reasons was the significant yardage plays that turned into touchdowns throughout the game.

1st Quarter

• Max Duggan would connect with Taye Barber for a 73 yard touchdown.
• Following that, Duggan would run for a 67 yard touchdown.

2nd Quarter

• Duggan would throw a 62 yard score to Gunnar Henderson.

3rd Quarter

• The final dagger was a 69 yard run and score by Kendre Miller.

And the Jayhawks have been susceptible to big plays this season as well. They showed some improved ability there against Iowa State, but it's fair to say this is a more explosive offense than what TCU has. However, TCU has also played against some pretty bad defenses, so hopefully Kansas can limit them somewhat.

By limiting the big plays, it does one of two things. First it alleviates the pressure of the offense feeling like they have to score every single drive. That is obviously the goal, but may not happen every drive. Second, it keeps the offense fresh, which transition to my final key of the game.

Finishing drives

The Kansas Jayhawks' offense has been extremely fun to watch this year and what has been even more exciting is the versatility of not only the players but the play calling. Unfortunately, the Jayhawks will be without running back Daniel Hishaw due to an injury, but the next man up mentality rings true in this case. The Jayhawks will have to capitalize on every opportunity that is presented whether it results in a touchdown or a field goal. 

Granted TCU's first real test came against the Sooners, but they found a way to put up 55 points.

Jalon Daniels is going to have to have one of those games where he gains even more recognition and maybe even rises up further on the Heisman candidate list. He can do this by taking advantage of the opportunities that will be presented in this game.

The Jayhawks have been one of the best teams at getting into the end zone once they enter the red zone. They will need to find ways to get to the red zone, and then continue that trend, if they want to come out on top.

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