Kansas @ West Virginia preview
Milan Puskar Stadium
Nine of the 10 teams in the Big 12 will continue their seasons beyond this weekend. The lone exception is Kansas, which will conclude its woeful campaign on the road against conference newcomer West Virginia on Saturday. The Jayhawks are winless against Big 12 foes this season - and have dropped 20 conference games in a row. The task of ending their troubles may be a tough one against the ultra-talented Tavon Austin and the Mountaineers. Austin accepted a pass from Geno Smith and scampered 75 yards for a score as West Virginia snapped a five-game losing skid with a 31-24 triumph over Iowa State last Friday. The All-American has 106 receptions for 1,149 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, FSN. LINE: Kansas -20
ABOUT KANSAS (1-10, 0-8 Big 12): The Jayhawks had the week of Thanksgiving to focus on turkey as opposed to being reminded of having the stuffing beaten out of them - as was the case in 51-23 loss to Iowa State on Nov. 17. Kansas first-year coach Charlie Weis didn't shy away from admitting his team focuses primarily on its rushing game. James Sims has posted a 123.6-yard average in conference play and fellow rusher Tony Pierson has amassed 73 yards in the same circumstance.
ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA (6-5, 3-5): The Mountaineers have altered the offense to include Austin in a tailback role. Although he primarily serves as a slot receiver, Austin rushed for a school-record 344 yards against Oklahoma before adding 74 more on the ground versus Iowa State. Smith, who will join Austin and 20 others by celebrating Senior Day, has thrown for 3,597 yards and 37 touchdowns this season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. West Virginia is likely looking at a bid to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego should it win Saturday's contest. A loss would likely put the Mountaineers in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.
2. Kansas has recorded a rush of 55 yards or more in four consecutive games.
3. West Virginia won the lone meeting back in 1941.
PREDICTION: West Virginia 45, Kansas 14