Border War: First-half thoughts

Here are my thoughts on how the first half of the Border War went.

Kansas leads Missouri 21-18. Here is the box score:

1. The offensive line is getting bullied.

It’s not standing out quite as much as last week because running lanes are still getting opened up once in a while. And there haven’t been any free rushers charging Beau Pribula.

But the Tiger offensive line is struggling once again. There’s going to have to be a major improvement there in the second half or the comeback will not succeed.

2. Ahmad Hardy is as good as advertised even against better competition.

I was slightly worried that Ahmad Hardy would see some depleted production as he faced a better defense. But he just keeps working.

His legs never stop churning, he never stops making people miss.

It’s incredible to watch. He ended with 78 yards in the first half, 48 of which came on his first three carries.

I can’t wait to see what he can do throughout the season if the Tigers start to tifugre out the offensive line better.

3. The defense is not playing up to expectations overall.

The safety saved the performance a bit. But overall, it was a tough time for the Tiger defense.

It doesn’t help that one of the touchdowns came on a fumble recovery, so really the defense has only allowed 14.

But that includes getting beat on a couple of deep passes and not landing any pressure until Zion Young turned a strip sack into a safety.

The defensive line is going to need to keep landing pressure through the second half to hold up.

4. What an incredible final drive.

I don’t really know what else to say about that. First reaction, no time to digest. A fantastic run by Jamal Roberts and an incredible catch-and-run from Kevin Coleman.

Just a great way to end the half and grab the momentum going into the break.

5. I did say a few ridiculous things were going to happen.

A fumble recovery for a touchdown, another fumble that turned into a safety, a deep pass, multiple momentum swings.

And of course the Donovan Olugbode one-handed, fourth-down, sideline-hugging, double-covered catch that I can’t get out of my head.

Is there anyone watching whose heart rate is staying below 100 beats per minute?

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