Jalon Daniels & fan support: Highlights of KU coach Lance Leipold’s news conference
Kansas coach Lance Leipold believes quarterback Jalon Daniels took a step forward with his level of play in KU’s 32-28 loss to WVU on Saturday.
Daniels finished 15-of-25 passing for 184 yards with one passing touchdown and one interception, plus a lost fumble. Though four games, he has nine turnovers.
“I thought played better,” Leipold said. “There was an interception, but I thought he had a very solid game. I thought he made some plays for us. We didn’t make enough of what we needed to. … As far as Jalon, I thought he was better than the previous two weeks.”
Leipold alluded to it, but the Jayhawks are searching for answers after losing their third straight game.
When asked by a reporter if Leipold had any regrets about doing (or not doing) something over the last few games, Leipold answered earnestly.
“We always look at something,” he said. “Is there anything — one thing that we look at completely other than the consistency of doing what we need to do better? ... We always come back and look at it all.”
When Leipold said “it all,” he means it.
“I’ll ask about something, or the coordinators will ask about it. We do great film (review). We summarize it — we talk about positives, negatives, what we have to be, who’s played well (and) who’s playing too many snaps,” Leipold said. “Where do we need to continue to rotate? And all those things.
“I promise you, it’s not just because of these three weeks. It’s been that way since we’ve always done it.”
The Jayhawks (1-3, 0-1) now get ready to host TCU at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday afternoon. KU enters as a 1.5-point favorite. The Horned Frogs lost 66-42 to SMU on Saturday.
Leipold had a message for Kansas fans before the team plays its first game at the Chiefs’ home stadium.
“We appreciate our fan support, and they are needed as much as ever to make a difference,” he said. “If they are not disappointed or frustrated, they wouldn’t be a fan. Don’t underestimate that’s part of what happens here, but hopefully they show up, are energetic and can help us when we need them. They can continue to make a difference.
“Hopefully, the same reason they believe in this university and program — maybe if they are newer to jumping on — they still see that this team has a lot of season to play. … There are some books or movies that start off really slow, but they end up being quite a story at the end. I plan on this team being one.”
Update on Cornell Wheeler
Linebacker Cornell Wheeler exited Saturday’s game in the fourth quarter due to an apparent leg injury. Through four games, he leads all the Jayhawks in tackles with 25.
“Cornell didn’t practice today,” Leipold said. “We’ll see where it progresses with him. But he got hurt, he went back in and we took him back out. We’ll see here, but a lot of guys are limited on Mondays.”
As for who could replace him if he doesn’t play vs. TCU?
“It would be between Taiwan (Berryhill) and JB (Brown),” Leipold said. “(Linebackers coach) Chris Simpson cross-trains all of those guys. So it would be two of those guys who would take the lion’s share of it.”
