Sooners: Previewing The KU Offense

There are a lot of big time games on OU’s schedule this season, but this weekend against Kansas will not be one of them. The rebuilding Jayhawks appear to be destined for a winless season and anything less than a Sooners’ blowout in Lawrence would be surprising.

That being said, the Jayhawks are still a division one football team in one of the best conferences in the nation. They have players that are capable of making a big impact, so here’s a preview of what Sooners will see out of the Jayhawks’ offense. Be sure to check back later in the week for a rundown of the KU defense.

10/28/15: More OU Coverage

Young quarterback

True freshman Ryan Willis will make his fourth start for the Jayhawks when they host the Sooners on Saturday, and he’ll look to further prove himself worthy to be the long-term solution at quarterback.

Since making his first start on October 10 against Baylor, Willis has thrown for 779 yards and four touchdowns. The young gun slinger has the confidence of an upperclassman, but that can also get him in trouble too. Willis has thrown four interceptions, which matches his touchdown total.

According to ESPN Stats and Info, Willis is pressured on 24.4 percent of his drop backs; therefore he can’t be to blame for every single one of his mistakes since he barely has time to make decisions in the pocket.

Skill Players

Junior running back Ke’aun Kinner is the Jayhawks’ leading rusher with 386 yards on the season, and an average of 4.3 yards per carry. He’s also a receiving option out of the backfield—totaling nine receptions for an average of 9.2 yards per catch.

Kinner started the season on a tear with back-to-back 100 yard games against South Dakota State (157) and Memphis (113). It’ll be important for the Sooners to contain him just like the rest of the conference has done so far.

Senior Tre’ Parmalee is KU’s top pass catcher with 26 receptions for 441 yards and two touchdowns. Parmalee has been a consistent option throughout the air this season, and totaled 115 yards on six catches last week against Oklahoma State. Steven Sims Jr. and Darious Crawley are both threats from the receiver position as well.

KU’s Kicker

Sophomore Nick Bartolotta is the kicker for KU, and he’s been mostly solid in his first year as the starter. Bartolotta’s hit four of his six field goals, with his longest coming from 40 yards out. He’s also knocked in 14 of his 15 extra point attempts.