2014 Texas Football Schedule: Kansas Jayhawks

Nov 16, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back Tony Pierson (3) runs for yardage against West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Isaiah Bruce (31) and safety Karl Joseph (8) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back

The one constant on offense for Kansas last year was James Sims. Sims rushed for 1,110 yards and seven touchdowns. He was the offense last season.

Can Kansas bring him back?

Replacing the team’s leading rusher will fall on the shoulders of Tony Pierson and Brandon Bourbon. Pierson is a versatile back with good hands. He led the Jayhawks in receiving despite missing five games. Weiss will move Pierson around to take advantage of his running and receiving skills. Kansas needs this guy on the field.

Bourbon is more of a bruising back. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Bourbon will get the tough inside yards. The Jayhawks landed a four-star recruit in Traevohn Wrench. Wrench would probably benefit from a redshirt year, but with his job on the line, don’t be surprised to see Weiss play the talented freshman if the running game struggles.

By this point we will know if the Texas run defense has improved from 2013. Running the ball is Kansas’ best chance of beating Texas.