Kansas (Jiggy Jrod) and SMU (Steamrollr22)National Championship Preview: KU vs SMU
Article By: The stage is set for the College Football Championship in the NDL for Season 29, featuring a thrilling matchup between the #1 seed Kansas Jayhawks and the #2 seed SMU Mustangs. Both teams have dominated throughout the season, and now only one will walk away as the champion. With star players and dynamic coaching strategies, this game is set to be a high-octane affair that will come down to a few key battles on the field.
Kansas Jayhawks (#1 Seed)
Record: 14-1 (9-1)
Coach:
Jiggy Jrod
Kansas enters the championship game riding a wave of momentum after back-to-back dominant performances in the College Football Playoff. Led by the explosive QB Jalon Daniels, the Jayhawks have been nothing short of spectacular offensively. Kansas ranks #1 in the nation in total offense, with an astonishing 6,873 total yards and 629 points on the season. Their balanced attack—3,038 rushing yards and 3,835 passing yards—makes them an unpredictable and potent threat on every down.
However, what really sets Kansas apart is their big-play ability. Running back Devin Neal has been unstoppable on the ground, averaging an incredible 11.19 yards per carry and racking up 1,991 rushing yards this season. Combined with Daniels’ 33 touchdown passes, Kansas has shown the ability to strike from anywhere on the field.
Though their pass defense has been somewhat vulnerable (14th in the Big 12), Kansas has found ways to make big stops when necessary, thanks to standout performances from safety Marvin Grant (77 tackles, 9 TFL) and defensive end Dakyus Brinkley (10.5 sacks).
Key Factor for Kansas: Can Kansas' defensive front dominate SMU's offensive line and force them to become one-dimensional? If Kansas can take away SMU’s run game and pressure their quarterback, they will be in prime position to win.
SMU Mustangs (#2 Seed)
Record: 15-0 (9-0 ACC)
Coach:
Steamrollr22
The SMU Mustangs enter the championship game with their own impressive resume. Coach Steamrollr has led the Mustangs to an undefeated season, and they have built their success on a balanced offense and an opportunistic defense. SMU's offensive firepower has carried them all season long, and while they may not have the individual superstar numbers that Kansas boasts, the Mustangs play with a balanced, methodical approach that has proven tough for opponents to stop.
SMU's key offensive player is quarterback Preston Stone, who has shown excellent poise and decision-making throughout the season. He’s supported by a strong running game led by Jaylan Knighton, who has been instrumental in keeping defenses honest. SMU's ability to mix the run and pass will be crucial if they hope to keep Kansas’ defense on its heels.
Defensively, SMU has shown resilience, particularly in the red zone. They are adept at bending but not breaking, forcing teams into field goals rather than touchdowns. Led by linebacker Kobe Wilson and safety Isaiah Nwokobia, the Mustangs will need to contain Kansas' dual-threat quarterback and limit the big plays from Devin Neal.
Key Factor for SMU: SMU’s secondary must step up. Kansas has shown they can beat teams deep with their passing attack, and if SMU’s defensive backs can’t keep up, it could spell trouble. Winning the turnover battle will also be crucial, as Kansas rarely makes mistakes on offense.
The Matchup
This championship game will be a clash of two different styles. Kansas comes in with a high-octane, big-play offense, while SMU will look to slow the game down, control the clock, and limit Kansas' explosive opportunities. The game could be decided by Kansas' ability to protect Jalon Daniels from SMU's pass rush, as well as SMU’s ability to extend drives and capitalize on Kansas’ occasional defensive lapses.
Both coaches have a lot at stake—Coach Jiggy Jrod looks to cap an incredible season with a championship for Kansas, while Coach Steamrollr22 aims to bring SMU its first title in the league. With all the talent on the field, expect this game to be filled with drama, momentum swings, and perhaps a few unexpected twists.
Summary:
This game has all the makings of a classic. Kansas’ big-play potential could be too much for SMU to handle over the course of the game. If Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal get into a rhythm early, it could force SMU to play catch-up, which may not suit their style. However, if SMU can control the pace and force Kansas into a few key mistakes, the Mustangs could pull off the upset.
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