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PROVO — Will Ferrin's late field goal propelled the Cougars over Utah in the rivalry game last week, continuing BYU's undefeated season. This week, they have a new test as former offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes returns to Provo as the Kansas Jayhawks come to town.
What do the Cougars need to do to keep its undefeated season going?
Let it loose on offense
The Jayhawks give up nearly 400 yards of offense, with the majority of it coming through the air. In all four conference losses this season, Kansas has given up a minimum of 440 yards, with TCU torching them for 507.
It's safe to say Kansas struggles on defensive.
While BYU did not have the offensive production they wanted against Utah, scoring just one touchdown, the Cougars still outgained the Utes 339-259. BYU has shown they are able to put up points, scoring 34 points or more in five of its six Big 12 games this year.
The Jayhawks have put up 34 points three times all year, each wins, while giving up 34 or more three times in conference play.
Take advantage of turnovers
Kansas' late turnovers have been its kryptonite this year as QB Jalon Daniels has four fumbles in the final four minutes of games. BYU has also taken advantage of turnovers this year and has scored 75 points off turnovers, while teams have scored just 10 off BYU's turnovers.
It also keeps the ball out of the Jayhawks' hands as they have one of the higher time of possession times in CFB at 31:04 per game.
It has been one of the stories of the year for BYU, swinging momentum with turnover-worthy plays. As mentioned in the keys to the game between BYU and Utah, the Cougars forced three turnovers within six plays against Kansas State and it led to 21 points in that span.
Against Arizona, BYU forced two turnovers in three plays that led to 10 points. If the Cougars can find those momentum-swinging plays yet again, they will be in great shape.
Be ready for a shootout
Kansas may be one of the best 3-6 teams the game of football has seen, as five of their six losses have come within a score. The Jayhawks offense accumulates a lot of rushing yards with Devin Neal and Daniels.
Neal has rushed for 874 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Daniels has poured in nearly 400 yards of his own before sack yardage.
In every Big 12 game this year, Kansas and its opponents have hit the projected over/under line. Preparing for an offensive shootout will allow the Cougars to free up its playbook, take the ball out of the hands of Kansas' offense, and control the game at home.
Nighttime at Lavell Edwards Stadium is always intriguing, and the Cougars and Jayhawks meet for the first time in Provo and the third time in history.
