1. Can KU turn around its newfound turnover habit?

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In Kansas’ first five games of the 2009 season (all victories), the Jayhawks committed one turnover per contest.

In the team’s past three games (all losses), KU has coughed up possession three times per contest.

This trend would be worrying no matter who KU was set to face this weekend. But the Jayhawks turnover troubles loom especially large with Kansas State next on the schedule.

The Wildcats (5-4, 3-2 Big 12) have pushed their way to the top of the Big 12 North heap by playing solid, mistake-free offense and ball-hawking defense. Kansas State is tied for third in the Big 12 Conference in turnovers forced (20) and turnover margin (+7) while KU sits at eighth (15) and sixth (+.13) in those categories, respectively.

Kansas State’s best turnover-producer is sophomore safety Tysyn Hartman, a quarterback-turned-safety whom KU picked on repeatedly in the Jayhawks’ 52-21 Sunflower Showdown victory last year. Hartman has matured into an imposing (6-foot-3) and athletic defensive back tied for second in the Big 12 in interceptions. Fellow Kansas State defensive backs Joshua Moore and Emmanuel Lamur have two picks apiece so far this season.

The Wildcats have not been nearly as adept at forcing fumbles, placing last in the conference with six forced fumbles through nine games.

On the other side of the ball, KU — notably senior quarterback Todd Reesing — has given the ball away in all sorts of ways recently.

The Jayhawks have made miscalculations, had offensive linemen jar the football loose, and seen the most sure-handed among them fumble in key situations. Those mishaps and more have set KU back in a big way: Opponents have scored as a result of five of Reesing’s seven turnovers during the past three games.

Whether Reesing can receive adequate protection from his offensive line, regain the confidence he seems to have misplaced and deliver passes on target could decide Saturday’s game.

2. Will Daniel Thomas break KU’s strong rush defense streak?

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Junior running back Daniel Thomas could be the most pleasant surprise in a very pleasant surprise of a season for the Wildcats.

The bruising (6-foot-2, 227 pounds) former high school quarterback and junior college transfer is averaging just more than one rushing touchdown and 100 rushing yards per game in his first season of NCAA play.
Thomas is tied for first in the conference in rushing touchdowns (10), ranked second in rushing yards per game (100.22) and fourth among frequently used* Big 12 backs in yards per carry (4.98).

Considering Kansas State’s passing game is ranked a pedestrian ninth in the Big 12 in efficiency (126.20), Thomas’ durability and production have helped the Wildcats immensely this year.

On the flip side, KU has defended the run well, considering the team replaced all of its linebackers in the offseason.

With the exception of one game (Iowa State), Kansas’ run defense has been better than average each time out.

Some highlights:

• KU held UTEP to four yards on eight carries. Those same Miners torched Houston for 305 rushing yards and have gained 123 rushing yards or more in four straight games.

• The Jayhawks bottled up Oklahoma in a losing effort, allowing the Sooners just 2.7 yards per carry. Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray did not play because of an injury, but senior Chris Brown didn’t fare well against KU.

In sum, KU’s rush defense is ranked fifth in the Big 12 in yards per carry allowed (3.09).

Between Thomas and the Kansas defense, something has to give.

*A frequently used back is one with more than 100 rush attempts in 2009

3. Will Kale Pick play?

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One year ago, Kansas fans would have considered an appearance by Kale Pick in the 2009 Sunflower Showdown to be a good sign. It would have meant the Jayhawks were routing the Wildcats, building a big enough lead to hand over the reins to the redshirt freshman in garbage time.

Nowadays, a Pick showing has come to mean things aren’t going well for Kansas.

The Dodge City native replaced Todd Reesing for the final few minutes of KU’s loss at Texas Tech last weekend, stirring bewilderment among media and discussion among fans.

According to Mangino and Reesing, the senior should be back in the saddle Saturday. If Pick sees much action, chances are KU doesn’t stand a great chance at winning its fourth straight against Kansas State.