Jim Zebrowski says earlier games will prepare them for Texas tech
Jim Zebrowski said the offense’s overall performance in Orlando had some good and inconsistency. The Jayhawks moved the ball efficiently in the middle of the game on but were slowed by self-inflicted mistakes in the opening drives.
“I like it started out a little slow,” Zebrowski said. “Too many little penalties. Like we had pre-snap penalties we haven’t had for a while. And then I thought we played really well in the middle, second, third, and early part of the fourth. And then kind of couldn’t get the first down at the end and we got stuck inside the 10.”
He said the team found its rhythm once it settled into the game plan.
“It didn’t end great, but I thought the middle was really good,” he said. “I think it went touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown — something like that — a good stretch there. But it started out a little slow. We just have to fix those pre-snap penalties we haven’t had in a while.”
Offensive line showed progress
When Zebrowski and offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa reviewed film, they were encouraged by the physicality and improvement of the offensive line — particularly from center Bryce Foster.
“I thought it was solid,” Zebrowski said. “Bryce, Foster, I thought they all played well. Daryl said Bryce had his best game. So, it’s good to see him because he’s such a good player.”
Zebrowski said the line’s ability to create movement in the run game was one of the biggest positives from the performance. “I think that was probably the highlight, just being physical and displacing some people,” he said. “Heck, we almost scored on a quarterback sneak, which is crazy. But I thought they did a good job in those moments, especially in that stretch of second to third quarter, of really getting some displacement. Saw some pretty good runs. So I think they graded out pretty well.”
Tech’s speed will pose a challenge
Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup, Zebrowski said Texas Tech’s defensive front is fast and athletic across the front seven. He compared the Red Raiders’ speed and physicality to Missouri’s defensive line.
“Very good challenge,” Zebrowski said. “They’re really good. I think what’s good is we’ve played some good teams up to this point. Probably the best D-line we played up to this point was Missouri, so it’s kind of a good indicator. At least you play somebody that’s really ultra-talented up front and has some guys who are potential next-level type guys up there.”
While Missouri’s defensive ends were built more on power, Zebrowski said Texas Tech’s front brings a different look.
“They’re differently built because their D-ends may be a little bit bigger,” he said. “These guys are exceptionally fast off the edge, and their D-tackles are terrific, and the linebacking corps is outstanding. So, the front seven are terrific.”
He said the key for Kansas will be keeping the Red Raiders’ edge rushers from disrupting the game. That means that tackles Calvin Clements and Enrique Cruz Jr., will need to have good games.
“They’re really fast off the edge,” Zebrowski said. “So, you really got to control them, try to do your best to not let them wreck the whole game. That’s kind of the difference.”
Zebrowski mentioned Missouri and also added Cincinnati had a good defensive front. One positive to take from their earlier games is they have faced good defensive lines.
“They’re really good,” Zebrowski said. “And we’ve had different challenges just in terms of front structure a little bit like that, so at least our guys have a little idea of, like, hey, this is the speed and the force that’s coming at you.”
