When Kansas has the ball

Kansas rush offense vs. USF rush defense

Two games into the 2008 season, the Kansas football team has yet to establish a consistent ground attack. Both Jake Sharp and transfer Jocques Crawford have struggled to get going offensively, and coach Mark Mangino said earlier this week that third-string running back Angus Quigley (15 carries, 84 yards against Louisiana Tech) will play a bigger role in Friday’s game.

Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, South Florida has given up just 135 yards on the ground in its first two games combined – allowing 2.4 yards per carry – and hasn’t given up a rushing touchdown yet this year.

Edge: USF

Kansas pass offense vs. USF pass defense

Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing showed last Saturday why he’s one of the conference’s top signal callers. The junior completed 32-of-38 passes for three touchdowns and a career-high 412 yards. He’s also benefited from the emergence of Patterson and sophomore Dezmon Briscoe as big-play receivers.

South Florida’s biggest asset will be defensive end George Selvie, an All-American who led the nation in tackles-for-loss (31,5) and was second in sacks (14.5) in 2007. Kansas red-shirt freshman offensive tackle Jeff Spikes will likely have the unenviable task of blocking Selvie, and his ability to do so should play a large role in the game’s outcome.

Edge: Kansas

When USF has the ball

USF rush offense vs. Kansas rush defense

Bulls running back Mike Ford missed last Saturday’s victory over UCF due to an ankle injury, and fellow back Ben Williams (ankle) carried the ball just once. While South Florida is hopeful both will be in the lineup tonight, Kansas’ rush defense has been a high-point this season.

Take away a 78-yard scamper by Louisiana Tech receiver Phillip Livas last Saturday, and Kansas held the Bulldogs’ to just 70 yards on the ground. The Jayhawks haven’t allowed a touchdown on the ground this season – or in the air, for that matter.

Edge: Kansas

USF pass offense vs. Kansas pass defense

After throwing for 2,670 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore last season, USF quarterback Matt Grothe is picking up where he left off in ’08. He has connected with 12 different receivers so far this season for 442 yards and five touchdowns, while also showing a propensity for making big plays. During last week’s victory over rival UCF, five of the Bulls’ pass plays went for 25 yards or more and three of those resulted in touchdowns.

Kansas’ secondary has performed well in its first two games, picking off three passes and holding opponents to a combined 192 passing yards.

Edge: USF

Special teams

A big concern heading into the ’08 season, the Jayhawks’ special teams unit has proved to be solid up to this point.

South Florida, meanwhile, hasn’t been as fortunate. Last week, kicker Delbert Alvarado missed a 42-yard field goal and had another blocked. The week before, he missed a 46-yarder, and on Saturday the Bulls gave up a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and returned nine punts for just minues-2 yards.

Edge: Kansas