Kansas offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski is certainly not afraid to go for it on fourth down.
That was on full display Saturday when the Jayhawks played Fresno State.
The Jayhawks converted two fourth-down chances out of three in their 31-7 drubbing of Fresno State. For Zebroswki, there are several elements that go into fourth-down decision-making.
“With the new analytic types, it’s right when the drive starts — it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but you’ve got some parameters potentially and you’re always prepared for it,” Zebrowski said. “What it does is it (prepares) you in practice to have those calls ready to go.
“Back in the day, you’re going for it once, maybe twice. Now it’s like you never know how many times you have to have fourthdown packages ready to go.”
The early glimpses of Zebrowski’s play-calling have been positive — and certainly not conservative. In that regard, Zebrowski differs from last year’s OC Jeff Grimes, who tended to play it safe at various points.
Zebrowski’s track record would suggest that won’t be the case. In fact, Zebrowski logged 17 fourth-down attempts in a game while coaching at Wisconsin- Whitewater.
For reference, KU — under Grimes — only attempted 15 fourth-down attempts all last season. Kansas converted 10 of its tries, for a fourth-down conversion percentage of 66.7%. Still, the Jayhawks’ number of attempts ranked dead last in the Big 12.
In fact, there were only six schools that had fewer fourth-down attempts than the Jayhawks. That said, Kansas did rank second in the nation in third-down conversion percentage (50%).
As for this season, the first time the Jayhawks attempted to go for it on fourth down was on a fourth-and-1 at the 19. That attempt resulted in a 19-yard rushing touchdown by Leshon Williams.
All three fourth-down conversion attempts Saturday came with the Jayhawks needing two or fewer yards. So there’s no guarantee a complete overhaul to the Jayhawks’ game-day strategy is coming.
Still, even the idea of an extra down to move the chains can make the difference for an offense. It opens up the playbook on third down, making the Jayhawks more unpredictable and helping them sustain drives.
“It gives you some flexibility,” Zebrowski said about going for it on fourth down.
On the topic of that offensive creativity, the Jayhawks also showcased a fair share of option plays. They used pre-snap motions and shifts to test the defense. Many of those adjustments came on third down.
“What you’ve got to be careful of is always trying to play for a number and not playing for the first down (on) third down,” Zebrowski said. “That’s one little balancing act people have sometimes. The numbers, if they tell you you’ve got the most chance of this, then you’re always trying to play for that number.”
The key, Zebrowski added, is “balance” — knowing when to call a third-down play to get the first down, and knowing when it might be better to call a safer play that could set up a closer fourth-down attempt.
