OFFENSE: C-
Rushing: Not so hot, but what can we expect at this point? Jay Hollingsworth led the team with 38 yards on nine carries, and Re’quan Boyette could only muster nine yards on four attempts. During his halftime interview, David Cutcliffe talked about how bad the blocking was and how inefficient it had made the running game. Nothing changed for Duke during the second half, though, and the Blue Devils finished the game running for a paltry 2.9 yards per carry.
Passing: If Thaddeus Lewis’ play Saturday is any indicator for the future, the Sean Renfree era may be coming sooner than you think. Lewis looked hurried in the pocket the entire game, he failed to convert on an interminable number of third downs and he threw for two interceptions-- one of which was a pick-six. Renfree, on the other hand, while not spectacular, definitely looked like the better quarterback. He threw for 115 yards on 23 passes during his appearances in the game.
X's and O's: The offense looked rushed the entire game, and never could get a big gain, with the exception of Austin Kelly’s 66 yard catch on the first play from scrimmage. Constant reshuffling of the two quarterbacks never allowed the team to get in a flow, and a nonexistent running game never gave it any balance.
DEFENSE: B-
Rushing: No one on Kansas is a dominant runner, and Duke performed adaequately in stopping any that tried to be. Toben Opurum was held to 72 yards on 17 carries, and Jake Sharp, who had 12 touchdowns last season, could only run for 13 yards on five carries. The rushing defense did not strike any fear into the Jayhawks, though—only three times were they tackled for a loss.
Passing: It’s tough to say how the secondary played—in its first real test against a throwing team, it had to perform well against one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Todd Reesing. Still, they didn’t hurt in helping make Reesing look very good. He passed for 338 yards and three touchdowns, making all of his throws with seemingly all the time in the world.
X's and O's: Kansas has an offense that can compete with any team in college football. So, to blame the Blue Devils’ defense for the 44 points scored on them may be presumptious. Regardless, the defense never caused a Jayhawk turnover, only had three tackles for a loss and only sacked Reesing once. It’s difficult to win without disrupting the other team’s offense at all.
Highest Marks: WR Austin Kelly He was a part of Duke’s first play of the day, and arguably its best. Coming off a slant pattern on a throw by Lewis, Kelly found a seam in the defense and raced 66 yards down the field before finally being tackled on the 21-yard line, setting up a Lewis touchdown run. Kelly finished the game with five catches for 98 yards.
Hit the Books: RB Re'quan Boyette The senior has been underwhelming this year, to say the least. Saturday was no different. Boyette rushed for nine yards on four carries-—that’s 1.8 yards per carry. If Duke is to have any running game going forward in the season, the former co-captain must step up.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.