Nick Reid’s 10-tackle performance, along with a key interception, went a little overlooked as Kansas rolled over Toledo, 63-14, last Saturday.

But it is hard to ignore the difference in the Jayhawks’ defense against the run compared to this time in 2003.

“The defensive line is a lot better than last year, and that makes it a lot easier to make plays,” Reid said. “When you make a team one-dimensional, it’s that much easier to play them.”

In the first two games last season, both at home against Northwestern and UNLV, the Jayhawks allowed 479 yards on the ground, and all seven touchdowns they gave up in those games came via the run. In the midst of this year’s 2-0 start, they have allowed just 114 rushing yards, which ranks fourth in the Big 12 Conference.

That stinginess will be just as key today, as Kansas is more than familiar with the damage Northwestern can do on the ground.

Though Jason Wright, who had 196 yards and four touchdowns in last year’s meeting, is gone, Wildcat tailback Noah Herron is dangerous. Just like Wright, Herron is a stocky, solid back who is a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. Through two games, Herron has gained 199 yards on 45 carries, scoring three touchdowns.

While Herron is a threat to prepare for, most Jayhawks involved in last year’s opening-night loss have a personal vendetta against the Wildcats. Especially Northwestern’s ground game.

“That last-minute touchdown is always in the back of my mind,” senior safety Tony Stubbs said of Wright’s score that put last year’s game out of reach. “You always want that back, and we’ve got a second chance to do that this weekend.”

Kansas linebacker Nick Reid tackles Northwestern quarterback Brett Basanez during the 2003 meeting in Lawrence. Basanez passed for 219 yards in the Wildcats' 28-20 win.

The Jayhawks will have a better chance the second time around because of a cast of newcomers who have added some intensity and depth to the defensive front.

The emergence of Kevin Kane (10 tackles, one interception) has helped to keep the linebacking corps fresh at all times, and transfers Charlton Keith (two fumble recoveries) and Jermial Ashley (three tackles for loss) have shored up the defensive line.

“(Stopping the run) can make a defense really intimidating,” Keith said. “Knowing that a linebacker’s gonna go full go every play, that’s what you need. That just opens us up and gives everyone the opportunity to make plays, especially our secondary.”

Unlike Stubbs, many of his teammates have pushed back any specific memories of the ground assault Northwestern laid on them last August. For those players, the only things on their minds are revenge and better weather.

“All I can remember is the rain, and how miserable it was,” Reid said. “We owe them one for last year. That game got away from us. We’ve got to go up there and prove we’re better than everybody still thinks we are.”