Red Raiders Subject of Discussion at Coffee with Turner Gill

Sept. 30, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas coordinators Vic Shealy and David Beatty previewed Saturday’s Big 12 Conference opener against Texas Tech and broke down what it will take for the Jayhawks to be successful in another “Coffee with Turner Gill” event at the Anderson Family Football Complex Friday morning.

Coach Gill and his assistants mingled with Williams Fund members, who were treated to bagels, a fruit tray and coffee in the Chancellor’s Lounge, before starting the presentation on the Red Raiders. Gill introduced Shealy, who explained how Texas Tech has been so successful offensively by spreading out the opposing team’s defense.

Shealy emphasized the importance of creating turnovers and managing the man-on-man situations and advantages in the box that the Red Raider offense looks to create. Shealy also noted the defense has received a boost with the return of Patrick Dorsey up front.

Beatty had a chance to share what Texas Tech tries to do on defense and what the Jayhawks will have to look out for. The Red Raiders operate out of a base 4-2-5 defense, giving them an extra defensive back and more athleticism on the perimeter in an effort to combat a spread attack. Beatty noted the importance of limiting the impact of several key Red Raiders, including talented defensive tackle Kerry Hyder – one of the smaller-, faster-mold linemen that Tech has recruited.

The informative session closed with a chance for a few questions from the crowd and more time to get to know the coaching staff.

Kansas begins its conference slate when it plays host to Texas Tech at Memorial Stadium at 11 a.m. Saturday. The Jayhawks enter the game 2-1 on the season while Texas Tech enters the game with a perfect 3-0 mark. The contest will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net with Bill Land and Dave Lapham on the call and Emily Jones reporting from the sidelines. An audio broadcast of the game is also available on AT&T Jayhawk All-Access or Sirius Satellite Radio channel 117.