Big 12 showdown pits No. 4 Texas against Kansas

The fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns still have hopes of reaching the national title game, and they must beat Big 12 foe Kansas on the road this weekend to remain in contention for college football's ultimate prize.

Two weeks ago, then-undefeated Texas scored a late touchdown against Texas Tech on the road and appeared to have a victory in the bag, but the Red Raiders scored an improbable touchdown with just seconds remaining to defeat Mack Brown's troops. While undoubtedly heart-broken, the Longhorns remained focused and knocked off Baylor last weekend by a 45-21 final. After this weekend's tilt, Texas will close out the regular season against Texas A&M, and in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference, it remains to be seen which two squads will compete in the league title game.

Kansas is a rather disappointing 6-4 this season, including 3-3 in league play. The team has lost three of its last four games, including a 45-35 setback to Nebraska on the road last weekend. The hope for the Jayhawks is that the seniors will play inspired football in this, the final home game of their collegiate careers.

The Longhorns own a 6-2 series lead over Kansas, and the teams haven't met since 2005.

Texas is averaging 44.3 ppg and 476.0 total ypg, numbers that will scare even the toughest opponent. The Longhorns are led by one of the nation's top quarterbacks in Colt McCoy, who remains a serious Heisman Trophy candidate. McCoy has completed 78.0 percent of his passes for 2,879 yards and 28 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He is also the team's leading rusher, having gained 449 yards to go along with seven scores. The top two receivers in the fold are Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby. Shipley has made 70 catches for 860 yards and 11 scores, while Cosby has 66 grabs for 802 yards and six touchdowns.

McCoy racked up 300 passing yards and five touchdowns against Baylor last weekend, overshadowing the fact that he was intercepted twice. Cosby caught eight passes for 111 yards and two scores, and Shipley scored as well. The Longhorns finished with 494 total yards and held possession of the ball for over 38 minutes.

"We needed to establish the run," said Shipley after the game. "I think thats one thing that helped us offensively, being able to run the ball. It always opens up the pass and everything else."

Opponents are scoring 20.7 ppg against Texas, which is yielding 352.9 total ypg. The Longhorns have been especially strong against the run, limiting foes to 86.0 ypg and 3.2 ypc. Opponents have passed for 266.9 ypg on an average of 12.1 yards per completion with 16 touchdowns and only six interceptions, so there is clearly room for improvement in that department. Still, it is important to keep in mind that the Big 12 is loaded with outstanding passing teams, and also that teams have been forced to abandon the run in most games against Texas because of huge deficits. Those two factors help to explain the shaky numbers against the pass. Keep an eye on Roddrick Muckelroy, who has 93 total tackles to his credit.

"It's not about tackles, not about stats, just going out there and having fun," said Muckelroy, who brings a refreshing approach to the game.

Brian Orakpo, who has been banged up lately, leads the club with 15 TFLs, including nine sacks.

Last weekend, Texas limited Baylor to 1-of-11 success on third down conversion attempts. The Longhorns only yielded 272 total yards in the clash, including 71 yards on 6-of-20 passing.

Kansas is scoring 34.5 ppg to go along with 443.2 total ypg, so the team boasts plenty of offensive firepower. The Jayhawks have more than 20 touchdowns both rushing and passing, but the air attack is the primary source of offense for the squad. Todd Reesing is diminutive in stature, but he has proven more than capable of carrying the load from the quarterback position. Reesing has completed 66.9 percent of his passes this season for 2,942 yards and 23 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Although Reesing is a bit banged up, he is expected to be in the lineup this weekend. Kerry Meier leads the receivers with 69 catches, while Dezmon Briscoe is tops with 976 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Jake Sharp paces the ground attack with 737 yards and 10 scores.

Kansas put up 422 total yards and 35 points against Nebraska last weekend, so it is hard to blame the offense for the loss. Reesing racked up 304 passing yards and three touchdowns on only 15 completions, but he was sacked five times and threw an interception.

"I've never seen him (Reesing) on the turf as much as he was today," said Briscoe, who posted six receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown.

Opponents are posting 28.2 ppg against Kansas, which is yielding 392.7 total ypg. The Jayhawks have yielded 36 touchdowns to opposing offenses, including 20 passing scores. Foes have been able to rack up 276.3 passing yards per game against Kansas, which has been much better against the run than the pass. The Jayhawks are permitting opponents to make good on 40 percent of their third down conversion attempts, an area that can certainly stand some improvement. Darrel Stuckey leads Kansas with 83 total tackles, and he has three interceptions to his credit. James Holt has posted 13 TFLs, including five sacks.

The defense did not play well at all against Nebraska last weekend, as the Huskers posted 495 total yards en route to 45 points. The Jayhawks allowed six touchdowns to the Nebraska offense, including four through the air.

"We said all week that we had to stop their run, we did not do that effectively, at least not in key situations," said Kansas head coach Mark Mangino after the disappointing defeat.