How much Nickel D do we expect to see on Friday?

[whiskeyboarder]

I came across this link on Brett McMurphy’s blog. 

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/790141.html

It has to do with KU’s paltry running attack against their first two opponents.  In the article, KU coach Mangino insinuated that their opponents in the first two games were stacking the box to snub the run, which actually worked in KU’s favor, allowing their already prolific passing game to flourish. 

The only thing is: USF is certainly not Louisiana Tech or FIU.  We should be able to provide ample run stuffing ability with less man-power up front.  Me thinks this should allow us to drop more people into the secondary to shore up our pass defense.  As much as I love seeing Kion Wilson on the field, our best defense might be to keep the nickel package deployed most of the night.

As worried as I am about our kicking (and other aspects of our special teams play, although I have a feeling that the coverage and return teams will self-correct), I much prefer to have a struggling kicker than a struggling running game.

This bodes well for the BULLS! 

[SANJAY]

If Sampson, Terrel and Aaron can clog up the middle against their experienced Center and Guards then we will stay in Nickel quite a bit.  If start getting gashed for  huge yards we may need to bring in the extra LB.

[j@yh@wks]

If Sampson, Terrel and Aaron can clog up the middle against their experienced Center and Guards then we will stay in Nickel quite a bit.  If start getting gashed for  huge yards we may need to bring in the extra LB.

which opens up our passing game

[tburns]

I would like to see C-Rob get in there a little more, he is to talented to be sitting on the bench!

[Feld44]

If Sampson, Terrel and Aaron can clog up the middle against their experienced Center and Guards then we will stay in Nickel quite a bit.  If start getting gashed for  huge yards we may need to bring in the extra LB.

I have to agree with this. If we can pressure Reesing with just our front four, we will be able to drop 7 which would be nice. KU's offense is geared around their recievers YAC. We will have to be sure tacklers this week when they complete passes.

[SANJAY]

If Sampson, Terrel and Aaron can clog up the middle against their experienced Center and Guards then we will stay in Nickel quite a bit.  If start getting gashed for  huge yards we may need to bring in the extra LB.

which opens up our passing game

Yep.  If we tackle well and keep things in front and minimize YAC we will be ok. 

Jayhawks, is your offense designed more to dink and dunk down the field or big plays?  If you are used to going down the field in small increments then the lack of YAC will not bother you.  However, big play offenses (WVU the last two years) get disrupted having to go on 10+ play drives all gae to score.