Game Preview Texas v. Kansas

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Stephen Spillman/AP/Shutterstock (13405254a) Texas running back Bijan Robinson (5) looks for more yards against UTSA during the second half of an NCAA football game, in Austin, Texas Texas Football, Austin, United States – 17 Sep 2022

Game Preview Texas v. Kansas

The Matchup

Texas (6-4) v. Kansas (6-4)

When: Nov. 19, 2022

Game time: 2:30 p.m. CT

TV/Radio: FS1/Longhorn Radio Network, SiriusXM 199

What’s at Stake: Texas may be out of the conversation for the Big 12 Championship, but if they can win their last two games, a major bowl bid is still possible. The Longhorns will also be looking to avenge a 57-56 loss to the Jayhawks a year ago.

When the Longhorns have the ball: Texas is coming off of its worst offensive performance of the season. Last week against No. 4 TCU, the Longhorn offense misfired in the face of the biggest opportunity the program has had in years. Texas players and coaches will be chomping at the bit to prove that the dud last week was a one-off, not the standard.

The Kansas defense ranks near the bottom of the conference in most meaningful stats, including scoring. The Jayhawks are giving up 30 points per game.  

Look for Texas to work on reestablishing the running game. Bijan Robinson was held to a season-low 29 yards rushing last week, and the primary mission for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorn coaches should be to get the talented running back involved early and often.

Xavier Worthy and the other Texas receivers have a point to prove as well. The receiving corps had some crucial drops last week, and once the run is established, look for Texas to create big plays off of play action.

When Kansas has the ball: Is the Texas defense for real? Last week while the offense struggled, the Longhorn defense turned in a dominant performance. The Horned Frogs had not scored fewer than 34 points in a game all year; Texas held them to 17.

TCU did score on two big plays, but Texas also harassed Max Duggan all night. The Horns posted five sacks and an impressive 14 tackles for loss.

Against Kansas this week, the defense will look to prove that last week was the new standard around Austin. If Texas can turn in that kind of defensive performance every week, they will soon find themselves among the elite programs in the nation.

Like all Big 12 offenses, Kansas will be a challenge. The Jayhawks rank second in the conference in scoring offense, averaging almost 37 points a game.

Kansas has been without quarterback Jalon Daniels who has been recovering from a shoulder injury. Daniels could play this week, as Kansas head coach Lance Leipold told reporters that Daniels has been getting more reps in practice. If Daniels is unable to play, the Jayhawks will look to Jason Bean, who has proven to be more than capable of operating the offense in Daniels’ absence.

The Jayhawks are a balanced offense, throwing for 2,341 yards while they have rushed for 2,096. Kansas also has four receivers that have caught at least four touchdown passes.

Key Horns to Watch: If the Texas front can apply pressure without the blitz, it will allow the secondary to focus on the Jayhawk receivers. Defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell was almost unblockable against TCU; if he can have another big game, Texas should be well on its way to victory.

Offensively look for Bijan Robinson to make a statement. Robinson has been the catalyst for the Longhorn offense all season, and once again, he should have a big afternoon in Lawrence.

The Bottom Line: Kansas’ explosive offense gives them a puncher’s chance, but if Texas can bring their A game, the Longhorns should cruise to a seventh win of the season.

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