West Virginia Prepares for Tough Showdown Against Kansas Jayhawks

MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia Mountaineers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Kansas Jayhawks, as both teams prepare to face off after a week of intense training and strategy refinement. The Mountaineers aim to build on their previous performances, while Kansas seeks to bounce back from setbacks and leverage its strengths to secure a victory.

To gain deeper insights into Kansas’ capabilities, we consulted Henry Greenstein, the football beat writer for the Lawrence Journal-World. He provided valuable details on the Jayhawks’ current roster and strategies as they approach the game.

Kansas boasts a unique asset in Jalon Daniels, a sixth-year senior quarterback who has dedicated his entire collegiate career to the team. After experiencing a challenging few seasons marked by injuries, Daniels has shown resilience. Following a disrupted 2022 campaign due to a shoulder injury and a limited 2023 season due to back issues, he has returned to form in 2024. In just three games, he has completed 72% of his passes, throwing nine touchdowns against two interceptions.

Strengths on Both Sides of the Ball

Defensively, the Jayhawks have demonstrated formidable strength, particularly in their defensive line, under the new guidance of coordinator D.K. McDonald. The team has implemented innovative formations, notably featuring three defensive tackles. This strategy highlights talents like Tommy Dunn Jr., D.J. Withers, Blake Herold, and Kenean Caldwell.

Kansas’ defensive unit also includes Leroy Harris III, a transfer from Chattanooga, who has made a strong impression in his first high-level competition. Veteran players such as Dean Miller and Justice Finkley are expected to elevate their performance further as the season progresses.

On the other hand, the Jayhawks’ secondary remains a concern with a relatively inexperienced group. Corners Jalen Todd, a true sophomore, and Austin Alexander, a redshirt freshman, lead this unit. The return of sixth-year transfer DJ Graham II, who faced nerve damage during training camp, adds potential depth, but the secondary’s ability to match up against the experienced wide receivers in the Big 12 remains uncertain.

Kansas enters this game with the momentum of a successful bye week. The team has historically performed well after breaks, winning its last four games in such situations, including three against ranked opponents. However, prior to the bye, the Jayhawks faced a challenging test against Missouri on September 6, 2023. In that game, Kansas struggled against a strong SEC defense, particularly in the run game, which had been a hallmark of their offense under Coach Lance Leipold.

Key Players to Watch

The Jayhawks’ running backs Daniel Hishaw Jr. and Leshon Williams managed only nine carries for 11 yards against Missouri, marking a stark departure from their usual performance. Notably, Kansas missed 25 tackles during the game, allowing Missouri’s Ahmad Hardy to gain 102 yards after contact, contributing to a 42-31 defeat.

Despite the struggles in the running game, Kansas effectively integrated its tight ends into the offense. DeShawn Hanika had a standout game, recording six catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Trey Lathan, who transferred from West Virginia, has emerged as a key player, leading the team with 25 tackles and boasting a Pro Football Focus score of 76.8. His performance will be crucial as he faces his former team while helping to communicate on defense against West Virginia’s high-tempo offense.

Another player to monitor is wide receiver Cam Pickett, who has seen limited action due to injury but previously showcased his potential with six catches for 77 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against Fresno State. If he returns to full health, he could become one of Daniels’ most reliable targets.

As the Mountaineers prepare for this critical encounter, the matchup against Kansas promises to be a pivotal moment in their season, with both teams aiming to assert their dominance in the conference.