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The 3-2-1: After the loss to Central Michigan

THREE THOUGHTS AFTER THE GAME

One- There’s something about MAC teams not looking good in week one and then coming out with their A-game against Kansas. Last year Ohio lost to Texas State and then gave the Jayhawks a big loss the following week. Last week Central Michigan barely beat Rhode Island despite being a 35-point favorite.

Most thought that spelled good news but Central Michigan and their head coach John Bonamego came ready to play in Lawrence.

“He did a nice job with the game plan,” Beaty said. “Morris did a nice job of completing balls when they needed to. They protected him really well. We didn't have any pass-rush to speak of for most of the day.”

The Chippewas shredded the Kansas pass defense and Beaty didn’t much credit to the offense either.

“We had a rough outing on defense tonight,” Beaty said. “We really didn't do a whole, whole lot better offensively by getting into the end zone when we needed to.”


Two- Central Michigan won battle on line of scrimmage

Shane Morris attempted 37 passes and was never sacked once. He was only officially hurried one time the entire game and Joe Dineen was credited with that.

Peyton Bender seemed to be rushed and was facing pressure several times.

Neither team ran the ball particularly well. But the Jayhawks rely on their defensive front, the strength, to get pressure and make plays. But the veteran offensive line of Central Michigan won the battle today.

“They came out and punched us in the mouth early,” Daniel Wise said.


Three- One of the very short list of positives was running back Dom Williams. The true freshman led the team in rushing with 67 yards, two touchdowns, and caught five passes.

He had to gut out that performance because it wasn’t even known if he would play.

“We weren't sure we were going to have him,” Beaty said. “We thought he was going to be unavailable because he had a rough go at it in practice this week on a couple things. But he's a tough sucker because I wasn't sure he was going to be available. He did some nice things today. He did. He can get a lot better at some things, as well, but I like him as a back.”

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The CMU receivers were wide open on several plays
The CMU receivers were wide open on several plays (AP)

TWO QUESTIONS AFTER THE GAME

1. Can the young secondary grow up fast?

Central Michigan had two receivers who combined for over 300 yards receiving and Morris threw for a career-high 467 yards. Many of the completions were made to wide open receivers.

“We just missed assignments mostly, which is our fault,” said safety Mike Lee. “We need to work on that and get better from that."

Beaty again credited Bonamego and the Central Michigan coaches for the game-plan and finding a way to scope out the holes in the secondary.

“When you have a guy not communicating in coverage, we are not passing off on man coverage routes the right way, the ball is going to find you, and it did.,” Beaty said. “I thought they had a good game plan coming in.”


2. Can the team regroup for their first road trip?

The Jayhawks had a good opportunity to go 2-0 with a home game against a MAC who wasn’t impressive in their first game.

Now they have to get back to work at practice on Sunday and put this game behind them. They can’t let Central Michigan beat them twice.

“We got a lot of football left,” Beaty said. “I still like our team. I think unfortunately you got to learn lessons when you win and lose. We learned a tough one today. You don't live on perception. You live on reality. We're just not there yet. We got a long ways to go. I know these guys. They're going to fight, they'll come back ready to work tomorrow. We'll improve, and we'll be ready to go when we head to Ohio next week.”

ONE PREDICTION OR KEY THOUGHT

The Jayhawks can still win next week at Ohio. But they have to start strong or that road losing streak will start to pop up in the back of their mind. The players will be asked about the streak this week.

Ohio had troubles with their pass defense against Purdue on Friday night. Ohio plays a physical style of football under Frank Solich. If the Jayhawks can match the physical play of Ohio there is no reason they can’t find a way to win and start Big 12 play 2-1.

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