Kansas’ Turnover Problem Has Become a Major Concern
Kansas has shown plenty of potential through the first three games of the season, but one issue continues to put the Jayhawks in difficult situations: turnovers.
Kansas entered its bye week at 1-2 after a 24-17 loss to Arizona State in London. While the Jayhawks were able to move the football against the Sun Devils, mistakes repeatedly prevented the offense from taking advantage of its opportunities.
Kansas committed three turnovers against Arizona State, including a costly fumble from running back Dylan Edwards. Arizona State recovered the fumble and returned it 77 yards to the Kansas 2-yard line, setting up a touchdown that gave the Sun Devils an important advantage.
For a team that finished with 414 total yards, giving away possessions became particularly costly.
Quarterback Isaiah Marshall also has been part of the turnover conversation. Marshall threw an interception against Arizona State after throwing two interceptions in Kansas’ previous game against Missouri.
While Marshall has demonstrated the ability to make difficult throws and create plays with his legs, Kansas needs him to balance that aggressiveness with better decision-making.
The issue goes beyond the quarterback, however.
Turnovers can come from several areas of the offense, and Kansas has to make sure it is protecting the football regardless of who has possession. Fumbles, interceptions and mistakes at critical moments can erase productive drives and put additional pressure on the defense.
That was evident against Arizona State.
Kansas’ defense held the Sun Devils to only 228 total yards and 17 offensive points, but the defense was put in difficult situations because of the offense's mistakes. Arizona State was able to capitalize on one of Kansas’ turnovers by quickly turning the Edwards fumble into points.
Those short fields can change the momentum of a game.
Kansas also struggled to stay efficient on third and fourth downs against Arizona State. The Jayhawks converted just six of 16 third-down attempts and failed on all three of their fourth-down attempts.
When an offense struggles to convert those situations, every possession becomes even more important.
The bye week gives Kansas an opportunity to address the problem before returning to action. The coaching staff can use the extra time to emphasize ball security, improve decision-making and find ways to put the offense in more manageable situations.
For Marshall, that could mean knowing when to take a shot downfield and when to take the safer option. For the running backs and receivers, it means securing the football after making plays.
Kansas has enough offensive talent to move the ball, but turnovers can prevent that talent from translating into points.
If the Jayhawks want to turn their season around after a 1-2 start, protecting the football will need to become a priority.
The margin for error in the Big 12 is small, and Kansas cannot afford to consistently give opponents extra opportunities. Eliminating those mistakes could be one of the biggest factors in determining how the Jayhawks respond when they return from the bye week.
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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at [email protected]
