Jim Zebrowski scouting report on Kansas State, much more

As Kansas prepares for its in-state showdown with Kansas State, offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski broke down several key topics, including lessons from the Texas Tech game, how defenses have affected KU’s option game, and what he sees from the Kansas State defense.

They knew Texas Tech would be a challenge

Zebrowski said that heading into the Texas Tech game, the offensive staff already expected it would be difficult to get vertical shots down the field. The Red Raiders’ defensive front, especially the defensive ends, forced Kansas to take a more controlled approach.

“Well, even going into that game, getting home fast helps,” Zebrowski said of Tech’s defensive line. “I think the D-ends, I think the front four, even going in that game I’m like, it’s going to be a completion game. I don’t know if we’re going to be able to get much, now we got some side pocket throws. We did get some throws and I think some good throws still. But I knew it was going to be completion.”

Kansas leaned into the quick passing game to try and move the chains and stay ahead of the sticks. Zebrowski said the quarterback play execution was still solid, the Jayhawks completed 27 of 33 passes, but they gave up nine sacks.

“So that kind of made me say let’s keep the chains moving,” he explained. “Sometimes your pass game kind of becomes an extension of your run game. Those type of games. kind of an NFL model or style, you’ve got to get rid of the ball so fast. Those guys are coming so fast and getting home. So that’s where I kind of looked at it as a completion-type game and hoping to get a couple. The touchdowns were great, not explosive big plays, but it’s going to be harder to sit back.”

Zebrowski credited Texas Tech’s zone structure and discipline, saying Kansas had limited opportunities to push the ball deep against a team that forced quick throws.

Running the option less

When asked about Kansas running less option this season, Zebrowski said the shift has been dictated by how defenses are aligning against them. He explained that each week’s game plan starts with evaluating the edges and secondary structure, and when the numbers don’t favor running option, KU turns to other plays.

“What they do sometimes defensively, how they play their edges, how they play their second, and how they play back end, you kind of look and see if the numbers are in your favor for the option variations a little bit,” Zebrowski said. “And if there aren’t, you just don’t worry about it because obviously they’re great things.”

He added that recent struggles, including a fumble in one of their last attempts against Cincinnati, also played a part in the decision to limit those calls for now.

“We need to keep working with it and not give up on it, but being able to still use it for sure,” he said. “But sometimes it’s what the defenses are doing, being wide edges or different secondary structures, which usually will then give yourself a chance to do something else.”

Respect for Kansas State’s defense

Turning to Kansas State, Zebrowski said it’s easy to see why the Wildcats have maintained their reputation as one of the most physical defenses in the Big 12.

“The whole defense,” he began. “I’ve always said this, we know the coaching staff really well, obviously throughout time. Those guys are really good coaches. Overall, the whole group is. But the front defense is really good.”

Zebrowski pointed specifically to Kansas State’s front seven as the key unit of the defense.

“The front seven stands out, you know, and it has for years,” he said. “I feel like the linebacking core is really good, they’ve just been around, plays really hard.I always believe watching them and it still does that, they play just hard. They’re physical, they play hard, they come downhill.”

He also singled out the unit’s versatility, noting that Kansas State creates problems with its variety of looks and ability to generate takeaways.

“They do a good job creating turnovers, and we’ve got to minimize that situation,” Zebrowski said. “But I think overall, if you have to say what stands out, it’s that front seven making plays and being very multiple and versatile. They’re very smart too in the stuff they do. They do a lot of different things up front.”