GAME PREVIEW: vs. Oklahoma

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Kansas Jayhawks (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) get set for their sixth game of the 2019 season, as they welcome the No. 6/4 Oklahoma Sooners (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas on Saturday at 11 a.m. on ABC.

The Jayhawks are coming off a tough loss against TCU on September 28, falling 14-51, to finish off September with a 1-3 record. Kansas will look to bounce back on Saturday against Oklahoma, where the Sooners hold the all-time series advantage at 76-27-6, including a 35-14-3 record in Lawrence.

So far this season, senior quarterback Carter Stanley leads the way on offense with 945 passing yards and nine touchdowns on 84-of-129 passing. Defensively, the duo of Bryce Torneden and Mike Lee have held down the Kansas secondary, with Lee ranking second in the Big 12 in solo tackles per game, with 5.43.

Leading into Saturday’s matchup with Oklahoma, head coach Les Miles met with the media.

GAME INFORMATION:

Oklahoma Sooners (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) at Kansas Jayhawks (2-3, 0-2 Big 12)

Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m.

Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

Watch: ABC (Dave Pasch (PxP), Greg McElroy (A), Tom Luginbill (A), Bryan Ryder (P), and Mike Roig (D).

Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network

Heading into his first matchup against a ranked opponent as the head coach at Kansas, Les Miles holds a 45-33 record in his career against ranked opponents, including a 2-2 record against Oklahoma when the Sooners are ranked. Kansas holds a 26-169-2 record against ranked opponents all-time, with their last win against Oklahoma coming on October 4, 1997.

The Kansas defense has stayed strong with their backs against the wall this season, ranking atop the Big 12 Conference in red zone defense this season, holding opponents to scores on 16 of 22 attempts (72.7%). Kansas’ red zone defense also ranks 16th nationally in the category, while forcing one turnover while backed up in the red zone, which came against Indiana State.

Sophomore Pooka Williams Jr., ranks second in the Big 12 in career all purpose yards per game, compiling an average of 134.07 per game. Last year’s Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Williams has totaled 351 all-purpose yards so far this season, including 308 yards on the ground. Last year against Oklahoma, Williams had a career-day, rushing for 252 yards in Kansas’40-55 loss in Norman.

The secondary duo of Bryce Torneden and Mike Lee have stepped up in the run game for the Jayhawks this season, with both players ranking in the top-three in the Big 12 in tackles by a safety. Torneden leads the group with 7.4 tackles per game, while Lee is tied for third, with 6.0 tackles per game. Both players have been known for their ability to stop the run and provide sparks for the defense.

SERIES HISTORY:

Overall: Oklahoma leads, 76-27-6

In Lawrence: Oklahoma leads, 35-14-3

Current Streak: Oklahoma won 14

Longest KU Win Streak: 8

Last 10: 0-10

Under Les Miles: 0-0

Last Meeting: Nov. 17, 2018 (L, 40-55)

First Meeting: Nov. 7, 1903 (W, 17-5)