After beginning the season 1-2, Kansas soccer has an essential two weeks to regroup and make changes earlier than returning to the sector in opposition to Center Tennessee on Oct. 3.
The Jayhawks have proven flashes through the first three video games, however their 24-17 loss to Arizona State in London uncovered a number of areas that want to enhance. With a bye week forward, head coach Lance Leipold has a possibility to get his crew prepared for the second half of the season.
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One of many largest areas Kansas wants to enhance is consistency on offense. Earlier than the Arizona State recreation, Leipold stated he wished to see the Jayhawks run the ball extra persistently and carry out higher on first and second down. He additionally wished the offensive line to present quarterback Isaiah Marshall extra time to make throws down the sector.
Kansas did present enchancment within the dashing recreation in opposition to Arizona State, ending with 179 dashing yards. Nevertheless, the offense struggled to persistently end drives and made a number of pricey errors.
Turnovers will even be a significant focus through the bye week. Kansas turned the ball over thrice in opposition to Arizona State, whereas the Solar Devils didn’t flip the ball over. One Kansas fumble helped arrange an Arizona State landing, whereas Marshall additionally threw an interception.
Leipold has talked in regards to the significance of consistency all through the season, and that continues to be a significant objective shifting ahead.
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“Consistency is a matter proper now on that facet of the ball, however we proceed to see sufficient flashes that it has an opportunity to achieve success,” Leipold stated following the loss.
The Jayhawks additionally want to enhance in vital conditions. Kansas went 0-for-3 on fourth down in opposition to Arizona State and missed a 44-yard discipline objective. These missed alternatives had been essential in a recreation determined by seven factors.
Particular groups will doubtless obtain consideration as effectively. Tate Nagy offered one of many largest performs of the sport with a 72-yard punt return landing, however Arizona State answered with a 100-yard kickoff return for a landing to open the second half. Kansas additionally had a 17-yard punt late within the first half that helped give Arizona State sturdy discipline place.
Accidents can be one other concern through the bye week, notably at operating again. Yasin Willis left the Arizona State recreation, leaving Kansas with fewer wholesome choices within the backfield. Leipold acknowledged that the place has develop into a priority for the Jayhawks.
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Kansas now has two weeks to get better, right errors and put together for Center Tennessee. The bye provides the teaching workers time to judge what has labored and what has not.
For Leipold and the Jayhawks, the objective is to not fully change the crew. As a substitute, Kansas wants to show the flashes it has proven into extra constant soccer when it returns to the sector.
