The Kansas Jayhawks play host to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday in an interesting Big 12 showdown. The Jayhawks had been the talk of college football for much of the beginning of the season, though have fallen back slightly of late. For the Longhorns, a loss last week really set this group back in the Big 12 standings, as they’ll be looking to bounce back in this one. The Jayhawks have made this brewing rivalry interesting over the last few seasons and there’s little doubt this one will go down to the wire.
Texas had high hopes coming into this season, which seems to be a trend for this team, though they have struggled to match those lofty expectations. While they were able to break into the rankings last week, a home loss to TCU set them back in the middle of the Big 12 rankings. Now they hit the road to Kansas, to take on a Jayhawk team that took them down last year. While revenge is likely to play a role in this one, the Longhorns can't overlook their opponent by any means. With Baylor looming in the finale, Texas could find itself struggling down the finish if they can't generate a win in this one.
It doesn't help that the Longhorns are battling the injury bug as well heading into this one, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Isaiah Neyor (knee) has already been ruled out for the season, while a pair of receivers are also questionable heading into the weekend. With depth on the offensive end tho ugh, it may not haunt them in this one.
Bijan Robinson has been named a Walter Camp Player of Year Semifinalist! ??@Bijan5Robinson x @WalterCampFF pic.twitter.com/s6a3biJQGj
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) November 16, 2022
The Longhorns definitely have the perceived talent upgrade in this one but unless it translates onto the field and into the final score, it won't matter in this one. Texas' offense is expected to carry them in this one and they'll like their matchup against a struggling Kansas defense. The Longhorns rank 41st nationally in total yards and it has been the balance that has helped them so far. Ranked 50th in passing and 50th in running, this group will keep the Jayhawks guessing on Saturday. Quinn Ewers has been strong but this offense goes where Bijan Robinson is willing to take it in this one.