Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

KU falls to Texas Tech, 42-21

LUBBOCK, Texas | Three weeks after Kansas coach Mark Mangino promoted quarterback Todd Reesing for the Heisman Trophy, Mangino benched Reesing in the fourth quarter of a spirit-crushing 42-21 loss to Texas Tech.

Yes, this one had to hurt more than losses the last two weeks to Colorado and Oklahoma. The Jayhawks were in the game from the start thanks to an inspired defensive performance – KU forced two fumbles in the first half that led to 14 points – but never could get moving offensively against a Red Raiders’ defense that gave up 52 points last week in a loss to Texas A&M.

The Jayhawks finished with a season-low 258 total yards and gave away three costly fumbles that led to 21 Texas Tech points. KU’s offense, viewed as one of the top units in the country after starting the season 5-0, can only be described as dysfunctional as the Jayhawks sit at 5-3 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12.

KU led 21-14 and in the third quarter and had the advantage of being able to kick off to Texas Tech at the Tech 40-yard line because of back-to-back personal foul penalties by the Red Raiders.

Instead of attempting to onside kick or squib the ball to gain field position, the Jayhawks elected to have kicker Jacob Branstetter boot it into the end zone for a touchback. The Red Raiders proceeded to march down the field and tie the game behind quarterback Taylor Potts, who came into the game for starter Seth Doege.

On the next possession, KU wide receiver Kerry Meier fumbled the ball to Tech, which immediately took the lead 28-21 on a 17-yard run by Baron Batch.

KU got it back and was faced with fourth-and-1 from its own 31. The Jayhawks elected to go for it instead of trusting their defense. Reesing fumbled the ball, and Texas Tech’s LaRon Moore recovered and ran it in for a 32-yard touchdown.

The game was over then, and Mangino took Reesing out in favor of Pick, who couldn’t get KU back into the game.

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