Kansas Jayhawks: Charlie Weis Should Go Run-Heavy Against Texas

Life hasn't gone so well for Kansas Football.

The program currently rides a 16-game conference losing streak. Its last win within the conference came in November of 2010 when it rallied from a 45-17 deficit to defeat Colorado, 52-45.

Since then, the Jayhawks have suffered through 16 games in the Big 12. They host a Texas Longhorns team ranked 23 in the BCS and 24 in the coaches poll. Although the Longhorns have a lot of momentum, this could be a trap game.

Kansas running back James Sims could be a lethal weapon on Saturday for the Jayhawks.

Despite being suspended for the first three games, Sims leads the team in every key rushing category. He’s rushed for 446 yards and five touchdowns on the year.  He’s second in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma State’s Joseph Randle in yards per game.

Sims isn’t the only monster on this team. Tony Pierson’s rushed for 386 yards and a pair of touchdowns while junior college transfer Taylor Cox has rushed for 336 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Jayhawks are going up against a Longhorns rush defense ranked last in the conference. Texas has allowed over 1,000 yards rushing in the conference in four games, and no other team is close to allowing that much so far.

Charlie Weis, Kansas head coach and offensive coordinator, announced on Tuesday via the University Daily Kansan that Michael Cummings will start at quarterback over Dayne Crist. Cummings presents another threat for Texas. Although Cummings is a redshirt freshman, his mobility can create a lot of problems for the Longhorns defense.

The Jayhawks still have a lot of holes. Last week, the offense did not score until late in the fourth quarter after the special teams unit allowed a touchdown return on a punt and kickoff. The defense also fell flat in giving up 38 points.

But if the rushing attack fights hard and hangs with the Longhorns, the Jayhawks could give their opponents a run for their money and possibly surprise a lot of fans. It is their perfect opportunity to snap their losing streak on Saturday and earn a little bit of respect in the Big 12 by knocking down one of the more prominent teams in college football coached by Mack Brown.