Check out the transcript from KUsports.com football beat writer Matt Tait’s chat preview of the Jayhawks’ upcoming match-up with West Virginia, which is slated for 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium. As we’ve done all season, we selected the 10 best questions about the upcoming game for Matt to answer. Did your question crack the Top 10?

pbs

You recently wrote:
“Moving forward without Weis starts the process all over again and keeps Kansas from building any kind of upward momentum. Give the guy a chance to tweak things this coming offseason, whether that means installing a new system, hiring an offensive coordinator, bringing in some new faces or all of the above, and see if Year 3 (the year many inside the program have been pointing to all along anyway) can be the year when things start to turn around.”

The 3 year figure has been thrown around a lot in the past few years surrounding both Gill and Weis. Are there actually any statistics out there that show that 3 is the magic number?

jhawkjunkie

Matt, thanks for the time. I’ve got a problem. I like Coach Weis. I like his resume, the coaches he’s brought in,(Holsopple, Campo, Grunhard), and players he’s been able to commit to Kansas. I am 99.9% sure Coach Weis will be around for a 3rd. year. However, the ‘Fire Coach Weis’ bandwagon has been getting more and more vocal lately. My problem is that I can’t come up with a good reason to defend Coach Weis to give him a 3rd. year that doesn’t make me sound like the Turner Gill supporters who wanted to give him a 3rd year, but who many fans, myself included, wanted out. Help me!

ilikebutter

Matt,

I’m an avid reader of your articles and, unfortunately, the comment sections also. A theme that seems to be emerging among the fans/posters is this:

1) Weiss has not improved the program and only took the job because he couldn’t get a job elsewhere, and

2) He did a “slick sales job” to Zenger to land the position.

From where I sit his “big name” has absolutely helped us in recruiting and last year’s JUCO class is a testament to that. I also think Weiss is truly committed to KU and wants badly to build a successful program here.

Can you comment at all as to what you see and maybe what other media members see in Weiss (I’m aware national media panned the hire) with respect to his ability, dedication and desire?

ilikebutter

Percentage wheel time:

1. Weiss retakes OC responsibilities next year and no signficant staff changes are made
2. Weiss hires an OC next year and significant staff changes are made
3. Weiss makes no changes to the staff
4. We miraculously discover Reesing has one more year of eligibility left and we win make the CFB playoffs in year one!

300milestoGoodland

This better make the bonus round of questions.

Out of the 8 coaches in the big 12 (I am excluding snyder and Weis for obvious reasons) would Dana Holgorsen have the highest chances of ending up at the Cave at some point after a game? I think he has the best chance of going all Larry Eustachy on KU’s campus.

jmfitz85

How do we freakin win?

300milestoGoodland

I wanted to clarify one thing from last week’s chat.

From your posting.
“I know it’s a popular thing to knock him (I’ve never understood why), but KU fans should feel very fortunate to have a guy like that working for their football team. He’s all-in, he bleeds crimson and blue and he’s sharp and talented. Forget the numbers, just look at the way this defense has played this year. And then tip your cap to Clint.” -Matt Tait

My comment was not the popular thing to say, but rather an honest question. I do not believe loyalty or being “all in” is enough to a school translates into success. Hell, we all bleed crimson and blue, but it does not make me a better coach.

In a free market world of coaching and in professional working world. Talent is always snatched up by bigger and better places. I always judge on our success on our coaches by who takes them after they leave KU.

Head Coaches
Glen Mason – Minneasota, but flirted with Georgia and UCLA
Terry Allen – Iowa State assistant then Missouri State school for the blind
Mangino – Youngtown state after a great pay out not to work…
Turner Gill – Liberty University head coach for women’s powder puff JV team

Now for Assistants:
Ed Warinner – Norte Dame and Now The Ohio State University
Bill Young – Miami and then Okie State
Nick Quartaro – Retired to sell insurance…
Tim Beck – Nebraska – Nice Hail Mary Call
Clint Bowen – North Texas…. North Freaking Texas.

I want coaches who other want. Until that time, I don’t think this program can really flourish until we have staff that is at the top of their game that anyone would want.

So hopefully you now do not think my question was not a “popular” thing to pile on Bowen. If we are not getting the best coaches, how can we expect to have the best program?

300milestoGoodland

Are you like I am, that it is time to tell Tony Pierson. “Thanks champ, but why don’t you sit this one out?”

Now I only say this, because while I know he wants to help out the team and I love his passion, but is it as painful at the game to see him clearly not 100%?

jmfitz85

Lebrons son just scored 25 points in his middle school game. When should Self start recruiting him?

300milestoGoodland

From what you can tell. What kind of person is Ben Heeney?

Does smash things without trying? Does he laugh at the most interesting man in the world? Does he eat Burrito King everyday without getting the runs? Does he drink Dr. Pepper Ten that a Falcon fetches for him? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDCY56azew8

jmfitz85

Pulaski Academy doesn’t punt and only kicks onside kicks, and they are pretty darn successful at it, meaning they win, a lot. Do you think Weis is desperate enough that he would consider implementing something like this if it could possible help him win? What about you? Would you implement something like this?

milehighhawk

What happened to Jesse?

300milestoGoodland

Will we be able to maintain the streak of consecutive games by trying to draw the team offsides on a 4th and 1 and only end up burning at time out?

If so, I will be able to maintain my consecutive number of games where I throw a S$@% fit watching it happen.

AtlJaybird

It seems clear that Weis underestimated the problems with our offensive line and wide receivers. Why do you think he missed the mark so badly in his preseason evaluation of those position groups? Or do you think he knew all along how bad they were and just didn’t want to say publicly?

j_penka

I’m really concerned about recruiting. I’m afraid since we haven’t won much, over the last few years, players won’t want to come here. I know coaches can’t talk about recruits, but what have you heard about recruiting? Do you see Charlie hiring another O-Cord., in the off season? What changes do you see coming in the coaching staff, during the off season?

THANKS for all your hard work!

viewaskew

In your article on third quarters haunting KU football you stated that Weis is throttling the offense “by design.” This seems to imply that the tactic goes above and beyond a simple ball control mindset. Today, CJOnline has a story about the “historical” bad offense numbers that KU is putting up this year. While I realize this team is not going to win (m)any horse races, at what point does it become preferable to lose 70 – 35 rather than 50 – 10? Would it not help moral, support and recruiting to show some life in this “pile of crap”? Or is this “by design” just so much coach-speak to cover horrible offense schemes?

jfreeman

With KU not being bowl eligible this season, will we start to see Cozat taking most of the snaps for KU at quarterback?

AtlJaybird

Who do you expect to start at QB tomorrow?

jmfitz85

I like how the players are viewing these next 3 games as the playoffs. It shows Weis really has the focused. What are your predictions for the next 3 games? If we lose all of them does it already put us in a whole for next season?

jmfitz85

If you’re Heaps, and Cozart gets the start, what is your mindset now and for the future?

JS82

We know offense has been the problem all year. What is the position that is the weakest area that needs to built better?

Moderator

Good afternoon everyone and thanks for checking out this week’s Friday Game Prep chat with Matt Tait… We’ve got some big plans for the KU hoops recruiting coverage later today, but, while we wait until 3:00, let’s dive into this week’s KU football match up with West Virginia.

Matt Tait

Sounds good. Let’s get to it! Gary Bedore and I are getting together in a little while to get our recruiting coverage lined up, so be sure to check back right around 3:00 p.m. for the news on Jahlil Okafor, Tyus Jones and Cliff Alexander…

Onto the football questions!!!

Hawk182

Between the WV and Iowa St. games, which do you think KU has a better chance of winning? Iowa St seems to be the weaker team, but I have a hard time seeing a road win come before a home win.

How much would winning the WV game increase our chances against Iowa St? Percentage wheel of 0, 1, or 2 wins in the next two weeks?

Matt Tait

You bring up some great points and I’m pretty much in agreement with all of them…

I’ve been pointing to this West Virginia game as winnable for quite some time, though, and, the a few recent happenings have me feeling better about KU’s chances this weekend.

Here they are:

1. West Virginia’s defense is beat up.
2. West Virginia’s starting QB is dealing with a concussion.
3. West Virginia is coming off back-to-back OT games (one win and one loss)
4. West Virginia HAS to win its last two to reach a bowl game.

Add those factors into the fact that this one’s in Lawrence and, best yet, kicks off at 11 a.m., and I think you’re looking at a good chance of victory for the home team. In fact, I’m picking KU this week: 24-21.

No question that a win tomorrow would go a long way toward making next week even more winnable than it already is.

Percentage Wheel:

1. 1 win – 54%
2. 2 wins – 21%
3. 0 wins – 20%
4. 3 wins – 5%

jmfitz85

If you were Weis, would you start Heaps or Cozart?

Matt Tait

I’d go with Cozart, no question.

You all probably know, by now, that I’m a Heaps guy and I don’t think his struggles have been all his fault. But they do exist and they are problematic and, as long as KU’s line continues to struggle, Montell’s the better option.

On top of that, Cozart is the future and it’s time to see what he can do full-time. Let him start, let him play most, if not all, of the game and let him work through all of the good and bad things that unfold out there.

Heaps’ attitude has been fantastic and he’s started each game with good energy and a good attitude, but I do think that trotting Cozart out there to start things off could give the offense a little spark.

Can’t hurt.

HawksFB

Hello Matt!

Thanks again for all the KU Grid Coverage!

Jake Heaps
Montell Cozart
Michael Cummings
Clint Trickett
Paul Millard

I was wondering how many minutes you think each of these young men will see at QB tomorrow?? Possibly some sort of ‘Playing Time Wheel’…

Matt Tait

Playing Time Wheel… I like it!!! You guys love the lists!

Here goes: Let’s go with a percentage of snaps instead of minutes:

Cozart – 90%
Millard – 100%
Heaps – 10%
Trickett – 0%
Cummings – 0%

jayhawk_4_life2

Matt,

I have watched each game. I know we talked about using Tony P as WV used Tavon Austin. I know Tony has been hurt for the last couple of weeks, but when are we going to see the Jet Motions and other stuff that they did with TA? Secondly I think that would help our OL block and would keep Heaps in the game (which i know is not the popular choice but I think that if upright is our best option at QB right now). Do you agree?

Matt Tait

The Pierson injury really hurt the offense because, at the time he got hurt, he was one of the few guys producing in the passing game…

Last week against Oklahoma State, Pierson was used in a way that much more closely resembled Austin and what we expected to see all season.

There were some very nice play designs to get him the ball and some things that really worked well and took advantage of OSU’s aggressive defense. I’d expect to see many more of those types of things with Cozart in the game because he offers yet another threat in those types of plays and Jake simply did not.

Because the receivers struggled so much, Pierson was forced to play more of a receiving role down the field early and that took away some of the things he could do at and around the line of scrimmage. But if Turzilli and Coleman can continue to make strides and Cozart can look even more comfortable, Pierson’s impact could be off the charts these final three games.

I don’t think he’s quite 100 percent, which could be a factor, but he’s getting closer and more confident again with each snap.

georgeJhawk

How important to the psyche of KU football team is winning at least one of the remaining 3 games on the schedule? Can you give us a percentage wheel of KUs chances of winning against its next 3 opponents?

Matt Tait

Already did the percentage wheel, but I’ll talk about the psyche. I think it’s HUGE, ENORMOUS, CRITICAL, etc., etc., etc.

At this point, the season has been a huge disappointment largely because of the offense’s struggles, but also because KU has continued to struggle in a lot of areas and even taken a couple of steps back in a few, as well. Now, there has been improvement made a bunch of places, too, but when the win total stays the same and the offense looks so poor, it’s hard to see those.

Let’s say they could get another win or two, though. I think that not only would show progress — from 1 win last year to 3 or 4 this year — in the standings but it would also be crucial because of when those victories come.

Finishing strong would give the guys who are returning a little momentum heading into the winter and would make it a lot easier for them to go through another intense offseason program with the belief that it’s all going to be worth it.

These guys worked their butts off last offseason and, right now, they have very little to show for it. That has to stink. So I think getting a little momentum and a positive vibe is critical to this program’s future success.

Win or not, though, there are a ton of great character guys on this squad and I know they’ll show up to work this offseason no matter what. Heading into that grind with a couple of feel-good moments fresh in their memories would just make it that much easier.

jaydee909

If we shut down the West Virginia running game like we did Oklahoma State’s, I like our chances of coming out on top. Their passing game is not as solid as some of the teams we have faced, with their qb play being somewhat unsettled. Of course, we are going to need to score more points than we have been to get the win. What are your thoughts, Matt?

Matt Tait

I think you’re right on the money and I think this is one of those rare Big 12 games that could be won with 20-24 points.

It certainly would not hurt to have the defense or special teams contribute a score (anyone else think JaCorey Shepherd is due for a return TD?) and it would be nice of Cozart could get the offense rolling a little bit.

But even if those two things don’t happen, I think this is a game that could have the stamp of the KU defense written all over it. WVU has some good backs and they know offense. But, if they’re forced to go with back-up QB, Paul Millard, that could take away some of their rhythm and allow Ben Heeney and the boys to really dictate the way this one goes.

I think the offense scores a little more, but I think the defense wins KU this game.

mkalina15

With this being such a tough season on the field, has there been a negative effect on recruiting? Or is this still the case of being able to sell recruits on playing time and building the program. I have a feeling if next year is like this one, that Weis’s days could be numbered.

Matt Tait

There’s no doubt that next year is a huge season for Weis and for KU. We’ll get to that, though.

As for your questions about recruiting, I don’t think this season has had that much of a negative impact on what KU is trying to do there. Remember, the 4 and 5 star guys aren’t lining up to come here anyway, so this is all about finding the right 2 and 3 star guys and developing them and getting all that you can out of them.

Believe it or not, I think many recruits understand that turning a program around doesn’t happen overnight and the idea of coming here and being a part of the group that gets it done is still appealing to many kids. Besides that, they still can see that immediate playing time is available, particularly at the spots where KU has struggled the most, i.e. offensive line, wide receiver, etc.

There may be some minor tweaks, particularly when it comes to targeting the juco guys, but I wouldn’t expect a major change. If anything, I would think that this go around would have less hype and buzz from last year’s, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

jmfitz85

What’s your prediction for Okafor/Jones/Alexander?

Matt Tait

We’ll throw this one in here now, just to keep those of you who are anxiously awaiting 3:00 happy….

There are a ton of rumors flying around right now about these guys but it’s important to remember that the rumors always fly fast and furious in the moments leading up to the announcements.

I don’t want to get anyone too excited here, but I think there’s a real chance that KU winds up with all three guys.

Now, by saying real chance I’m not saying that IS going to happen, but I definitely could see it happening.

What I can’t see happening is KU getting shut out here. Then again, you just never know.

We’ll have all the news as it comes down, though, so be sure to check out the site before, at and after 3:00 p.m. for the latest.

jhawkjunkie

Hi Matt, thanks for the time. Percentage wheel time. Nobody thought that the offense would be, for the lack of a better word, atrocious, this year. What is the reason for the lack of offense this year:

1) Coach Weis
2) Coaching staff
3) Jake Heaps is just another over-hyped, overrated quarterback
4) If you have 2 quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks
5) Inexperienced offensive line
6) Wide receivers aren’t just FBS material

Matt Tait

Well, I wouldn’t use exactly the same language that you have for some of those, but I think all of them are valid reasons for why the offense has struggled. If I were ranking them in order of most responsible to least, I’d probably go with this:

1. Inexperienced offensive line
2. Coaching staff
3. Coach Weis
4. Wide receivers aren’t just FBS material
5. Jake Heaps
6. If you have 2 quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks

It’ll be a big offseason for the coaching staff, which will have to take a long, hard look in the mirror not only at who’s on the staff but also how the offense operates. I’m not saying they will or even should completely overhaul their schemes, but I do think they need to transition to more of a college-style offense. There’s no doubt in my mind that the offense Weis wants to run works and would work very well in the NFL, but it takes polished players to run it well and, at least right now, KU doesn’t have enough of those on offense.

Should be interesting to see how it all unfolds…

Jayhawker1981

Matt, hey great work on everything you do. You’ve probably already gotten a ton of questions on this, but is there any hope or anything for next year about getting a Offensive Coordinator at KU? And if there is anything about getting an OC at KU next year any ideas on who would be a candidate? Or is there anyone that you would like to see come to KU for the position? Thanks Matt keep up the good work, you the man!

Matt Tait

It’s definitely way too early for anyone with any credibility to talk about things like that. They’re all still focused on winning games this season and finishing out the year on a good note.

That said, I’d be surprised if it were not something that was very seriously considered in the offseason. As Weis has proven time and time again, he’s fully capable of swallowing his pride, checking his ego at the door and doing whatever it takes to win.

As for candidates, we’re a long ways away from figuring out a list of names there, too. But I can assure you that between Weis and his rolodex and athletic director Sheahon Zenger’s past as a college football coach, they’ll have all kinds of guys to consider if this is the direction they want to go.

We’ll get to that more in the offseason if it becomes legit.

Moderator

Good stuff again today, folks. Thanks for joining us and for contributing solid questions to our weekly football chat. We’ll do it again next Friday and then we’ll try to have a bunch of these in the offseason, as well, since there appear to be a lot of questions and issues that may come up. Now, it’s back over to the basketball phones as we try to figure out what’s going to happen with the recruiting announcements a little later today. Be sure to stay with us to find out all the latest. And thanks again for your contributions to today’s chat. Have a great weekend!