Sharp scores 3 times as Kansas rolls over Colorado

BY DOUG TUCKER

Published: October 12, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. — After deciding that Jake Sharp didn’t fit the offense, Kansas fit the offense to him.

As a result, the No. 16 Jayhawks may have solved a festering problem in the running game just in time for Big 12 action.

Smaller and quicker than Jon Cornish and Brandon McAnderson, the featured runners in 2006 and ‘07, Sharp scored three touchdowns Saturday in a 30-14 victory over Colorado.

The week before, he played a key role in a big comeback victory over Iowa State.

"He’s a different type of running back than we’ve had in the last two years here,” said coach Mark Mangino. "He doesn’t run with the same style as the kids before him who rushed for over 1,000 yards.”

On a career-high 31 carries, Sharp ran for 118 yards while Todd Reesing threw for 256 yards and another score. Kerry Meier, the backup quarterback who’s turned into one of the nation’s top receivers, caught nine passes for 94 yards for the Jayhawks (5-1, 2-0 Big 12)

The adjustments have "absolutely” been a boost to the running game, said the 190-pound Sharp.

"That’s the name of the game. You run plays that you’re good at,” he said.

The Jayhawks used their off week to adjust blocking schemes and install new plays.

The Jayhawks led only 16-14 after Cody Hawkins’ 1-yard touchdown run at the end of the third period.

But Reesing quickly engineered two scoring drives to salt away Kansas’ 20th victory in 23 games and their 13th in a row at home.

Sharp scored on runs of 1, 8 and 7 yards and Reesing was 27-for-34 without an interception.

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