The Kansas football team has not gotten off to the start that they had been hoping for to kickoff the 2024 season.
The Jayhawks have suffered losses to a now ranked #24 Illinois Fighting Illini squad as well as the UNLV Rebels. The Rebels are ranked 25th on the coaches poll currently, and has received votes for the AP poll as well.
Kansas has faced some tough competition early on, and the challenges will not get any easier as Big 12 Conference play opens up. The Jayhawks must travel to West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers in a game that should produce plenty of offense for both sides.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels has been the catalyst for the Jayhawks offense, bringing both success and turnovers this season. Daniels has struggled with turnovers, having thrown six interceptions and fumbled the ball multiple times already. However, the quarterback is also responsible for five touchdowns and 542-yards of offense through three games.
The Kansas football team desperately needs a win after entering the year ranked and then falling to 1-2 to start the season.
Kansas Football, Jalon Daniels Need Stellar Performance to Beat West Virginia
While Daniels has had his share of struggles this season, he has also been arguably the most productive player on the offense as well.
The quarterback looked solid in particular against the Rebels before two interceptions sank his overall performance. Daniels had some big completions through the air, with his longest going for 33-yards. But, the quarterback excelled on the ground with 65-yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns to add.
In order for Daniels and the Kansas team to secure a win over the Mountaineers, they will have to limit turnovers and attack the ground.
Penn State head coach James Franklin on playing at #WVU in the season opener: “There’s no pro team, it’s all about the Mountaineers. That’s a hornet’s nest we’ll be walking into.”
You have no idea, man. pic.twitter.com/xKaSyEsaiX
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) July 25, 2024
The Penn State Nittany Lions blew the Mountaineers out this season even with a massive delay to due thunderstorms. Regardless of the delay, the Nittany Lions cruised their way to victory on the ground and exposed a subpar Mountaineers defense.
Kansas can certainly do the same but it will require their best rusher to run the ball quite a bit, with that being the quarterback. Daniels is arguably better when he is running with the football or in an option situation than he is when he must remain in the pocket. The quarterback proved that against the Rebels as he struggled to throw but excelled every time he had a chance to run the ball.
If Daniels can limit making mistakes through the air and run the ball effectively against the Mountaineers, it should be a quick win for the Jayhawks.
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What do you think the Kansas Jayhawks need to do to pickup a win over the West Virginia Mountaineers?
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