Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones: Five players to watch
By Brian Spaen
The seniors will be honored in Iowa State’s final game at Jack Trice Stadium this season, therefore we’ll recognize two of them along with three key players for the Kansas Jayhawks.
Nov 16, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back James Sims (29) scores a touchdown against West Virginia Mountaineers cornerback Daryl Worley (7) and safety Karl Joseph (8) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
James Sims (KU running back, #29, Sr.)
Sims is just behind Baylor’s unstoppable duo, Lance Seastrunk and Shock Linwood, with 91.4 average rushing yards per game. He accumulated 211 yards and three touchdowns on 22 attempts against West Virginia last week. If Iowa State leaves any big gaps open for him, he’ll have similar production.
Kirby Van Der Kamp (ISU punter, #13, Sr.)
What happened to the Cyclones’ instant offense against Oklahoma lately? Not only has he seen multiple shanks in the last couple weeks, but he should have angled a punt out of bounds late in the first half and instead put the Sooners in position for a 91-yard touchdown return. Things are sure to click again, and maybe he’ll get a boost of confidence after being selected to play in the Senior Bowl.
Trevor Pardula (KU punter, #16, Jr.)
Why also Kansas’ punter? Iowa State’s defense has answered the bell, at least in the first half of action recently. Pardula averages a little over seven punts per game. In his 67 total on the season, 22 of them have went over 50 yards and 20 of them landed inside the opponents’ 20.
Jacques Washington (ISU safety, #5, Sr.)
Washington led the Cyclones on defense with 13 total tackles (seven solo) in the loss to Oklahoma. He’ll be playing his final game at Jack Trice Stadium along with four other senior starters on defense.
Isaiah Johnson (KU safety, #5, So.)
Johnson is tied at 66 total tackles (40 solo) with Ben Heeney at the top of the team list. His production has fallen off a bit in the previous four games, but he’s had an outstanding sophomore campaign. He also has four interceptions on the year.