Oklahoma State University Athletics
Know Your Opponent: Kansas
September 27, 2018 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State football team enters its fifth weekend of action with the goal of bouncing back after a loss to open Big 12 play this past Saturday. Standing in the Cowboys' way, however, is a reengerized Kansas side that has showed its grit and tenacity throughout the first month of the season.
The Jayhawks (2-2; 0-1 Big 12) currently sit tied with the Cowboys (3-1; 0-1 Big 12) standings, so this weekend's matchup in Lawrence has plenty on the line for both team's hopes within the conference.
KU's offense features the Big 12's current leading rusher, Pooka Williams.
Williams, a junior, is the only conference running back to average more than 100 yards so far this season, as he has racked up an impressive 125.7 yards-per-game average through four weeks of action. His three rushing touchdowns are also the third most in the Big 12, trailing only Texas Tech's Ta'Zhawn Henry and OSU's Justice Hill.
Through the air, Peyton Bender has led the Jayhawks at quarterback, completing 53 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Bender has yet to throw an interception this year - a trend that OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Co. will be looking to break this weekend.
Kerr Johnson Jr. and Steven Sims Jr. have been a dynamic duo at the wide receiver spot for the KU quarterbacks, hauling in a combined 27 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the first third of the season. Fifteen different Jayhawks have caught at least one pass so far this season, with Johnson and Sims the leading two of that group.
Defensively, Kansas is led by senior linebacker Joe Dineen Jr., who has already amassed 53 total tackles this year. His 13.2 tackles-per-game average is 1.4 tackles higher than second place and he has already earned Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Big 12 after his 14-tackle performance against Central Michigan on Sept. 8.
Six other Jayhawks have recorded at least 10 tackles so far this season. On the back end of the defense, the KU secondary has picked off seven passes this year, with each interception coming by a different player. KU's seven interceptions are the most by any Big 12 team this season.
Saturday's matchup in Lawrence will prove to be a test for the Pokes and should provide plenty of excitement for those making the trek north or watching at home. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. from Memorial Stadium and the game will air on FSN.
The Jayhawks (2-2; 0-1 Big 12) currently sit tied with the Cowboys (3-1; 0-1 Big 12) standings, so this weekend's matchup in Lawrence has plenty on the line for both team's hopes within the conference.
KU's offense features the Big 12's current leading rusher, Pooka Williams.
Williams, a junior, is the only conference running back to average more than 100 yards so far this season, as he has racked up an impressive 125.7 yards-per-game average through four weeks of action. His three rushing touchdowns are also the third most in the Big 12, trailing only Texas Tech's Ta'Zhawn Henry and OSU's Justice Hill.
Through the air, Peyton Bender has led the Jayhawks at quarterback, completing 53 passes for 490 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. Bender has yet to throw an interception this year - a trend that OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Co. will be looking to break this weekend.
Kerr Johnson Jr. and Steven Sims Jr. have been a dynamic duo at the wide receiver spot for the KU quarterbacks, hauling in a combined 27 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the first third of the season. Fifteen different Jayhawks have caught at least one pass so far this season, with Johnson and Sims the leading two of that group.
Defensively, Kansas is led by senior linebacker Joe Dineen Jr., who has already amassed 53 total tackles this year. His 13.2 tackles-per-game average is 1.4 tackles higher than second place and he has already earned Defensive Player of the Week honors from the Big 12 after his 14-tackle performance against Central Michigan on Sept. 8.
Six other Jayhawks have recorded at least 10 tackles so far this season. On the back end of the defense, the KU secondary has picked off seven passes this year, with each interception coming by a different player. KU's seven interceptions are the most by any Big 12 team this season.
Saturday's matchup in Lawrence will prove to be a test for the Pokes and should provide plenty of excitement for those making the trek north or watching at home. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. from Memorial Stadium and the game will air on FSN.
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