2009 College Football Predictions: Kansas Jayhawks

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2009 College Football Predictions

Kansas Jayhawks

2008 Record: (8-5, 4-4)
Coach: Mark Mangino, 8th year (45-41)
Off. Coordinator: Ed Warinner (3rd year)
Def. Coordinator: Clint Bowen (4th year)
Returning Starters: 17, (8 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Todd Reesing)

Offense: The Kansas Jayhawks should have one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Last year, they produced 33.4ppg and 305.6 passing yards per game. This year, they return senior QB Todd Reesing (5-11, 200) is one of the more underrated signal-callers in the nation. He threw for 3,888 yards last season with 32 TDs passes and just 13 interceptions. They also return all their top three receivers including junior Dezmon Briscoe, a second-team All-Big 12 selection, who caught 92 passes for 1,407 yards and 15 TDs. Former quarterback Kerry Meier (97 catches, 1,045 yards) is a tremendous possession receiver. At running back, senior Jake Sharp is also back, after a strong season, rushing for 880 yards and 12 TDs. They key will be finding replacements for three starting offensive linemen. Reesing’s ability to move around the pocket should help the line, but the run blocking could is a concern.

Defense: The Jayhawks gave up 45 points at Nebraska, 63 to Texas Tech, 45 at Oklahoma and 37 to Missouri last season. That’s not embarrassing because those teams were very explosive. But this season, they have to replace the entire linebacking corps (just two in the 4-2-5) and five players overall. Junior DE Jake Laptad (6-4, 258) will be joined by juco recruit Quintin Woods (6-5, 230) to provide pass rush pressure from the edge. Laptad had 8.5 TFLs and seven sacks last year. They lose all three linebackers from last year and have some speedy replacements, but that’s a concern. Senior SS Darrell Stuckey returns at safety after recording 98 tackles last year.

Outlook: Mark Mangino has done wonders with this program and it looks like they have a chance to take a step up and make a major bowl this year. Going 8-5 and to the Insight Bowl again will not be acceptable. With this explosive offense and if they can find some productive linebackers, look out.

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