Tale of the tape: Texas vs. Kansas
The Texas Longhorns head to Lawrence, Kan. as a 9-point favorite against the Kansas Jayhawks. Las Vegas obviously thinks the Longhorns have the overall advantage, but what about at each individual position group?
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The tale of the tape takes a look.
Quarterback
Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean are both quality quarterbacks and show the importance of fit when looking at player quality. Despite all the prep accolades, Quinn Ewers has failed to live up to expectations in recent weeks. It’s not all on him, the headsets haven’t set him up for success, but he also is making unexpected mistakes in the mundane for a prospect of his stature. No matter who suits up and takes snap one for Kansas, they have an aptitude in the Jayhawk offense Ewers has been sporadic at best replicating as a Longhorn.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Kansas
Running back
Bijan Robinson is a handful of yards short of 3000 for his career, and the run game he is the custodian of along with Roschon Johnson will be a key emphasis in this contest. That’s not to discount the ability of Devin Neal, who is on the precipice of a 1000-yard season, but Texas has the advantage over pretty much any team in the nation in this category
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Wide receiver
Despite some of the issues with the Texas passing game of late, airing it out is not a strength of the Jayhawk team. They do well off of play action, but conventional passing is not something that’s a regular component of their offense. Plus, Jordan Whittington remains a tremendous underneath threat and Xavier Worthy will get going… eventually.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Tight end
Ja’Tavion Sanders has proven to be one of Texas’ top playmakers, if not the Longhorns’ best playmaker in the pass game. Despite problems with Kansas’ tight ends last year, most are blockers who leak out in the pass game and not legit two-way threats like Sanders.
Tale of the tape: Major advantage Texas
Offensive line
Another position group that has not had favors done for it of late due to Texas’ own actions and due to play-calling. However, the Kansas O-line lacks talent in the trenches, specifically at tackle.
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Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Defensive line
This is the best aspect of the Texas defense this season. Whether it be the realized strength of the defensive interior thanks to Keondre Coburn and Moro Ojomo, or players like Barryn Sorrell and Ovie Oghoufo playing good football of late, Texas has an advantage here over whoever Kansas marches out.
Tale of the tape: Major advantage Texas
Linebacker
Jaylan Ford is in contention to be the Big 12’s defensive player of the year, while DeMarvion Overshown has played very well in his contract year for the Longhorns. Also, Kansas’ defense is extremely susceptible to a decent running game. Whenever the Texas D-line doesn’t clean things up, the linebackers have been there to make plays.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Secondary
Terrance Brooks’ game versus TCU shows Texas has a level of depth at corner most other teams do not. Even though there was a single bust last week, the Texas safeties have proven to be adept at not allowing big plays. The Kansas safeties are tasked with making sure they chase down big plays.
Tale of the tape: Advantage Texas
Specialists
Kansas is only 7-12 this year on field goals, worse than the Longhorns. However, Texas’ punting numbers trail the Jayhawks’ mark.
Tale of the tape: Even
