Jalon Daniels’ decision, KU vs. Colorado: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A covers much ground
It’s a busy couple of days for Kansas Jayhawk fans.
First, the Jayhawks (4-6, 3-4 Big 12) look to keep their bowl-contention hopes alive against No. 16 Colorado on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Meanwhile, KU men’s basketball plays fellow blueblood Duke in the 2024 Vegas Showdown on Tuesday.
And did we mention it’s time for another Kansas mailbag?
Thanks, as always, for the questions!
What is up with Hishaw? Doesn’t seem to get the carries he used to. @DrewMatthewsKU
I think it’s a couple of different things. First, he’s coming off a leg injury that’s limited his practice time. He’s slowly returning to regular reps.
Secondly, KU’s game-day script has involved more passing, and running by Devin Neal, in the last few games. Hishaw re-aggravated the leg injury in KU’s win against Houston, so he didn’t play vs. K-State. He had 12 carries vs. Iowa State (second-most all season) and three carries vs. BYU last week.
Hishaw’s usage for the Jayhawks depends on how Neal is doing and whether the game is more heavily featuring the pass or the run. In KU’s game against BYU, the Jayhawks seemed to abandon the run by midway through the third quarter; Neal didn’t run nearly as much in the second half.
What’s the temperature on Jalon returning? Seems kind of Will Howard-esque situation. Don’t want us to disenfranchise either Marshall or McComb. And the Jalon ride has been wild and he’s losing all his buddies @sidewaysjayhawk
I get this question nearly every week. I actually received about five variations of it this time.
Here’s what I know: Daniels wants to be an NFL quarterback. If he had been healthy last year and had a decent season, I was told he’d likely have declared for the NFL Draft. Of course, that didn’t happen, and he redshirted the year due to his back injury.
Here’s my read on the situation: Yes, KU has about 30 seniors and 15 starters leaving. This puts Daniels in a weird situation where most of the guys with whom he arrived in Lawrence are gone, including his top three starting receivers: Luke Grimm, Lawrence Arnold and Quentin Skinner.
If KU’s coaching staff can get a quality crop of wide receivers, and if KU finishes 2024 strong, I’d be surprised if he leaves.
That said, this is the NIL era. Anything can happen, and plenty of quality schools (including SEC programs) would pay top dollar for a quarterback as talented as Daniels.
What’s it going to take this weekend for #KUfball to win 3 in a row over ranked teams? @TheJayhawk4ever
Here are my three keys to a Jayhawk victory.
KU’s defense must contain the Buffs’ offense as much as possible and can’t let Shedeur Sanders’ passes slice through the secondary. Putting pressure on him will be pivotal; otherwise, the Jayhawks’ defense could be in for a very long day.
KU’s offense must be balanced and avoid turning over the ball. Sustained drives that keep Sanders and Travis Hunter off the field are pivotal.
Kansas needs to tire out Hunter. He will make big plays, but he’ll make fewer of them if he’s gassed.
Will there be 60k in arrowhead this weekend? @Hefe_Weizen_
I’d never say never, but I’d be a little surprised. When KU played Iowa State, attendance was announced at 52,000 because the Cyclones have the best-traveling fan base in the Big 12.
Yes, it’ll be Senior Day for KU and it’s a critical game for both sides, but I expect the crowd at GEHA Field at Arrowhead to be closer to 45,000-50,000 Saturday than 60,000.
