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Texas A&M vs. Kansas - October 7th, 11:00 AM (FSN) @ Lawrence, Kansas This weekend when the Kansas Jayhawks and Texas A&M Aggies meet in Lawrence it will be all about survival. After rallying and overcoming a 24-10 halftime deficit against No. 22 Nebraska, the Kansas Jayhawks suffered a heart-stopping, 39-32 overtime loss to the Huskers in Lincoln. After rallying and overcoming a 24-14 halftime deficit against No. 24 Texas Tech, the Aggies had to endure a gut-wrenching, last-second loss in College Station, 31-27. So, which of the two teams was able to deal with the disappointment of last weekend and is more capable of surviving the tough test that follows? That question will be answered in a regionally televised game on Saturday (FSN - 11:00 a.m.) at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. When looking at the schedule before the season, you knew this game had the potential to be a very difficult test for A&M. After last weekend, it's a given: It follows Texas Tech; it will be A&M's first game of the year outside of Texas; it comes after a devastating, heart-breaking loss to the Red Raiders; it's Kansas' homecoming game; Kansas has won 9 straight games at home and is coming off a devastating game of its own; Kansas is not only good at stopping the run, but they're very adept at the running game themselves. I saw and heard it mentioned a number of times in several different places last week that we'll know everything we've ever needed to know about A&M after the Texas Tech game. Well, I disagree! You'll know everything that you ever needed to know after this game. Can the A&M players do as they've said and stick together long enough to turn the negative of Texas Tech into a positive at Kansas? Will Dennis Francione and Gary Darnell be able to devise a successful game plan against a team that is very similar to the one they just lost to? The Jayhawks are not the pushover they once were in football. As mentioned, they've won nine consecutive home games, including 2005 wins over Nebraska, Iowa State and Missouri, outscoring their opponents in those games 260-124 (30-14). Though they've had to replace a number of quality people up front on defense, they historically - under Coach Mark Mangino - are very tough against the run. Last season, Kansas only allowed 83.3 yards per game on the ground - that was tops in the Big 12 conference and 3rd nationally. They are an extremely disciplined, fundamentally sound, well coached football team that can make life miserable for visiting teams. When Kansas Has The Ball: The Kansas offensive unit is a very balanced attack and can be very difficult to get your arms around because they can test you in so many ways. They lead the Big 12 conference in time of possession (32:15/game) for a reason. The offensive line is a veteran unit, returning nine of 10 players off last season's depth chart. Outland, Rimington and Lombardi award candidate - center David Ohoa - leads the way for a very experienced group. The Hawks average 161.0 yards on the ground with senior RB Jon Cornish, who's already accumulated (4) 100 yard rushing games on the season. The Aggies MUST stop the run game if they are to be successful this weekend! However, Kansas has two very capable quarterbacks - Kerry Meier and Adam Barmann - and a stable full of tall, physically gifted receivers who can exploit you if you commit too many people to stopping the run. Just last week at Nebraska, Barmann threw for 405 yards and receivers Brian Murph and Dexton Fields both established career highs with eight receptions each. This will be a very difficult game for A&M and a serious challenge defensively, not only because of the kind of offense Kansas runs, but also because it's on the road (tougher to maintain the energy level needed for success) and it comes after a very difficult loss. If the Aggies show up and play well in this one then I think it will be a very positive sign that much better days are to come. Advantage KANSAS Key Match-ups: The A&M defensive line against the Kansas offensive line; The A&M cornerbacks and safeties against Kansas' wide receivers. When A&M has the ball: There has been much discussion this week about the offense and what it should/shouldn't be doing in order to be successful against the Big12's better teams. What's the fuss? The Aggies are first in the Big 12 conference in rushing and are averaging 5.2 yards per carry on the ground; they've thrown for 1012 yards on the season (in comparison-Texas has 1061), averaging 202 yards per game; They're fifth best in total offense at 417.2 per game, good enough for No. 22 in the country (Texas is No. 20). Again, why all the fuss? If the Aggies just do what they do best then I think A&M should be able to move the ball against a Kansas defense that doesn't fair as well against the numbers. I expect the Jayhawks to commit people to the line of scrimmage in an attempt to take A&M out of what it feels most comfortable doing (running), but the Aggies should be able to do whatever the game dictates. Contrary to most accounts, this offense is multiple and capable of exploiting any defensive set. Stack the line --- pay the price! It's my contention that we shouldn't be as worried about what we run, but more with executing our offense and not turning the ball over; remain focused, eliminate the silly penalties that frequently happen on the road and we should have the edge. Advantage TEXAS A&M Key Match-ups: Mike Goodson, Jorvorskie Lane and Courtney Lewis against the Kansas linebackers; Stephen McGee and Martellus Bennett against the KU secondary. Special Teams - Other Intangibles: Texas A&M has an edge in just about every statistical category. Additionally, Kansas is the worst team in the Big12 - by a rather large margin - in the most critical category, turnover margin (-1.40/game). Another interesting stat that I think could play into this contest is that A&M ranks 1st in Red Zone defense (54.5% allowed) vs. Kansas' 10th (86.7% allowed) and ranks 4th in the Red Zone offense (converting 84.6%) vs. Kansas' 11th (66.7%). Advantage TEXAS A&M PREDICTION: This is not an easy call at all. A&M has the most skill and the better overall talent at just about every position, but what will be the mental mindset after last weekend? Will Kansas' defense confuse A&M and Stephen McGee or will the Aggies come prepared and roll through a rebuilt Kansas defense? Can the Aggie defense play physical and stop a team that is multi-dimensional, or does Kansas treat them as they have previous opponents and keep them on the field all day? I don't have the answers to those questions but I do believe that this A&M team is what it says it is; they're a close-knit, focused group that sticks together. While last week may have staggered them, they should be able to deal with it, put it behind them and overcome this difficult test in order to live another day. I could really see this one going either way, but I think A&M will eventually take control of both lines of scrimmage and win going away. Texas A&M 35 - Kansas 24 Texas A&M Depth Chart Texas A&M Roster Kansas Depth Chart Kansas Roster |