Keys to Colorado taking down the red-hot Kansas Jayhawks

Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker LaVonta Bentley (20) reacts to a play in the first quarter against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

If the Colorado Buffaloes were playing the Kansas Jayhawks of last month, they would be a much bigger favorite than where they sit now heading into Saturday.

On Oct. 20, Kansas was one of the most disappointing teams in the Big 12, sitting at 2-5 after its first conference win, a 42-14 romp over Houston. Still, the Jayhawks were staring down the barrel at a three-game stretch against ranked conference foes Kansas State, Iowa State and BYU. Kansas lost by two points to Kansas State before upsetting the Cyclones and Cougars. Suddenly, the Jayhawks look like the team we were promised before the season. However, has that much changed over Kansas’ winning streak?

This season, Kansas’ offense has averaged 30.2 points per game and allowed 24.6. Over the last three games, the Jayhawks have averaged 30.3 points and allowed 26 per contest.

Here are five keys to Colorado beating Kansas on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium:

Keep Jalon Daniels in the pocket

Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) eludes Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Terah Edwards (23) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Jalon Daniels is a terrific athlete who can beat teams with both his arms and legs. Over the last three games, Kansas’ quarterback has done a lot more work with his legs, however. In the Jayhawks’ first four conference games, Daniels averaged six rushes and never went over seven. Over their last three games, Daniels has 37 rushing attempts for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Daniels has arm talent but has only completed 56.6% of his passes this year and can be prone to turnovers, throwing 10 interceptions on the year. The Buffs must make Daniels a passer and not let him carve them up in the running game.

Offense,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/keys-colorado-taking-down-red-122100182.html

Author : Buffaloes Wire

Publish date : 2024-11-21 12:21:00

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