• Kansas went to an option attack for much of the game to get Sharp out on the edge. Mangino said the change in strategy started during the off week, when coaches decided they were trying to fit a square peg into a round hole with the running game.

Mangino said Sharp had a different running style than other running backs who had success at Kansas, and that the staff made adjustments accordingly.

• While Mangino said the offense and the defense played well, he had a few choice words for the special teams units. Mangino said the kick coverage and kick return teams were putting too much “strain” on the offense and defense, and said changes would be made.

Mangino said there were several games during his time at Kansas where the Jayhawks won the game because they won the field position war against more talented teams. He said he would look at both schemes and personnel to try and find a better fit.

“It’s my number one priority going into practice this week,” Mangino said.

• The defense is getting better. Mangino said Kansas was starting to build a competent unit out of a group that lost who he called two of the best defensive players in the history of the school.

“You don’t get over losing Aqib Talib and James McClinton with the snap of a finger,” Mangino said.

He said the defense began to improve as players’ health improved, and as the coverage and pass rush matured. He said the Jayhawks were thin in a few spots though, something that might not get any better with the injury to Caleb Blakesley. Mangino said he wasn’t sure of the extent of the injury, but that he hoped it wasn’t serious. Jamal Greene saw time in Blakesley’s spot, while Darius Parish rotated extensively as a backup.