Kansas Survives, Mangino Addresses Defensive Problems

Contributor Written on October 12, 2009

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Mark Mangino of the Kansas Jayhawks walk on the field before the game against the Duke Blue Devils on Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Kansas Jayhawks stay perfect for the season after a close 41-36 victory on Saturday against Iowa State. The two teams went back and fourth all game, there were seven different lead changes. Kansas took the lead early in the fourth quarter however, and went on to win after Iowa State failed to convert on fourth down near the end of the game.

The Jayhawks moved back one spot to #17 in the AP top 25. They are currently ranked behind 9 teams that have at least one loss, including Nebraska, who they play in 4 weeks. Kansas has cruised so far this season, but have only traveled once, week 2 at UTEP. The Jayhawk's schedule will become considerably more difficult as the season progresses, they have three games scheduled against ranked teams, including a game against Oklahoma in two weeks and one at Texas near the end of their season.

Head Coach Mark Mangino said after the game the team needs to work on defense. The offense is clicking and does not seem to be an issue, quarterback Todd Reesing threw for 442 yards and 4 touchdowns. The offense recorded 551 yards total offense, however, Kansas' defense gave up 512 yards. Mangino addressed the issue post-game, saying, "I think some kids on the defense have it, but not all of them do. And I think some of them were exposed today. I knew in April they were going to be exposed — you all found out today." The Jayhawks were playing sloppy: missed assignments and improper alignments contributed to the Jayhawks giving up 219 rushing yards.

The Jayhawks can use Saturday's close game as a learning experience, they have found out what's wrong, now they just need to focus and fix those problems. One thing is for certain, they need to play a lot better than they did this weekend if they want to compete against the big names in the Big 12.

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written on October 12, 2009 Opinion