Halftime Musings: Kansas dominates UNLV in first half, leads 28-10

As those who follow this team have become accustomed to seeing this season, the Kansas Jayhawks didn't get off to a stellar start, giving up a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Following that up with a three-and-out was sure to have fans on edge. But the Kansas defense buckled down after that first drive, and it took a weird series of penalties and confusing calls for UNLV to get back on the board before the half. The Jayhawks lead at the break 28-10.

It was a wild first half that had plenty of drama, puzzling decisions and horrible penalties, but there were also some very clear themes:

Kansas is (too) hyped.

The Jayhawks are clearly the team that has more energy in this game. They are flying all over the field, making big hits and hyping up the crowd. But it's also fair to say that they are a little too hyped up, with stupid penalties compounding and giving UNLV every opportunity to stay in this game.

The Jayhawks have committed 10 penalties in just the first half for 135 penalty yards. That is just 16 yards shy of the entire offensive production for the Rebels. And while many of them are borderline (or just unexplained), there is plenty to actually point to. After the Cobee Bryant interception, DJ WIthers came to the sideline and flapped his hands to draw one of the most bizarre taunting penalties I've seen. Kansas had to kick off from their 20 yard line multiple times in the half, which isn't something that should ever happen.

UNLV cannot match the Kansas physicality

Whether it is wide receivers outmuscling defenders for balls, defensive lineman shedding blockers like they are greased up with butter or Jason Bean and Devin Neal running past and juking players, UNLV is just not able to keep up with Kansas.

The Jayhawks already have two interceptions, but they had an opportunity to get 2 more by wrestling balls away from UNLV receivers. Those fell incomplete, but it's clear that Kansas is the better team.

Kansas DOES have stud wide receivers

I've said multiple times on the Rock Chalk Podcast that the Kansas system is not built on a true number 1 receiver. Maybe that is true when playing the top talent in the nation. But the Jayhawks have three receivers that are all making a case to be the number 1 guy next year. Lawrence Arnold had a fantastic catch in the corner of the end zone that would be good on Sundays. Quentin Skinner wrestled what looked to be an interception away from the defender for a 51 yard reception. Luke Grimm has just 3 catches for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns.