ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Jake Sharp and a maligned Kansas defense have started quickly to push the Jayhawks to a 31-0 halftime advantage over Kansas State.

Sharp rushed for 154 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns to pace the Jayhawks' quick start. And Kansas' defense has done the rest, producing four turnovers and limiting KSU to 126 yards.

Sharp bounced back after receiving a stinger early in the second quarter which idled him for several plays. The junior running back is on track to break the Big 12's season high of 217 rushing yards set by Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin against Washington State. Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing has been efficient as the Jayhawks have converted 6-of-7 third-down plays.

KSU's struggles were typified early in the second quarter when quarterback Josh Freeman fumbled into the Kansas end zone. Even worse, he suffered a nasty gash on his left forearm. Freeman reappeared after the injury was patched up during the resulting defensive possession.

The major reason for Kansas' early success has been the play of its offensive line. Tackles Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes both have had big halves after disappointing performances in back-to-back losses against Oklahoma and Texas Tech the last two weeks.

And on defense, the active Kansas linebacking corps of Mike Rivera, James Holt and Joe Mortensen have been all over the field.