SB Nation - Justin Thornton

The Border War: Beyond the Box Score Preview

Bill C. — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:00:14 -0000

You expected some other way to start out this post?

Every Border War win feels a little bit more triumphant than other wins, but this year packs a bit of extra meaning. Missouri has a chance to end both Todd Reesing's career and Mark Mangino's tenure in Lawrence with a single victory; meanwhile, Reesing and Mangino have a chance to extend their lives with an upset win in what is potentially their last game together.

I'll say this out front: I try to tune extracurricular detail out of these previews. I said last week that I don't necessarily believe in a positive Senior Day effect, and just the same, I doubt there is any net gain or loss to things like Kansas fighting for Mark Mangino's life in Lawrence. Extra emotion can go either way in the end, but let's just say this: I expect both Missouri and Kansas to bring their respective A-games to Arrowhead; and really, it shouldn't be any other way.

Offense

Kansas: 2009 Beyond the Box Score Preseason Offensive Preview

While the 2009 KU offense really could improve a bit more in 2009, it's a red flag to me that all of their improvement in 2008 came on Passing Downs. They were actually worse on Standard Downs but overachieved in passing situations (which, if you watched last year's MU-KU game, shouldn't surprise you). As I've mentioned before, disproportionate achievement on Passing Downs doesn't seem totally sustainable from year to year, and while a lot of that Passing Downs success was due to both Todd Reesing and the chemistry that Reesing has with Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe, they still may have been a little too successful, unsustainably so.

Lord knows that with their schedule, they better be at least as good in those situations because...well, they're going to face a lot of those situations.

Once again, KU is a strong Passing Downs team, but they have only been a good overall offense instead of a great overall offense. And with their defense struggling for much of the season, good hasn't really cut it.

Kansas Offense vs Missouri Defense
Category	KU Offense	MU Defense
Close S&P+ (Rk)	115.0 (30)	104.1 (48)
Close Success Rate+ (Rk)	112.4 (23)	100.0 (62)
Close PPP+ (Rk)	121.3 (37)	110.1 (46)

Rushing S&P+	109.2 (41)	111.2 (39)
Passing S&P+	116.9 (30)	98.2 (62)

Standard Downs S&P+	118.4 (24)	112.7 (31)
Passing Downs S&P+	131.4 (17)	95.0 (75)

Red Zone S&P+	127.8 (17)	110.5 (44)

Q1 S&P+	106.1 (65)	90.2 (85)
Q2 S&P+	121.4 (24)	121.6 (29)
Q3 S&P+	144.4 (4)	106.9 (47)
Q4 S&P+	128.3 (11)	115.3 (28)

1st Down S&P+	125.8 (12)	108.0 (44)
2nd Down S&P+	122.7 (29)	99.4 (62)
3rd Down S&P+	117.6 (34)	113.7 (38)

Line Yards+	104.6 (53)	103.7 (46)
Close Sack Rate+	91.9 (69)	90.8 (73)
Standard Downs / Passing Downs Sack Rate+	107.3 (59) / 85.5 (81)	102.5 (57) / 116.4 (39)

As you'll see, both offenses have significant advantages in this one, so the game could come down to which individual playmakers step up the most. Danario Alexander and Sean Weatherspoon, or Dezmon Briscoe, Kerry Meier and Darrell Stuckey? Blaine Gabbert or Todd Reesing?

When KU Has the Ball...
KU Rushing	Advantage: Push
KU Passing	Advantage: KU
Best Time for KU:	Q1, Q3
Best Time for Missouri:	Q2

Mizzou Advantages:

Passing Downs Sack Rate+

And for KU...

Close SR+, PPP+, S&P+
Passing S&P+
Standard, Passing Downs S&P+
Red Zone S&P+
Q1, Q3, Q4 S&P+
1st, 2nd Down S&P+

No matter what happens in this game, Missouri will once again end up with a more successful regular season than Kansas. This has been the norm with Gary Pinkel against Mark Mangino. That said, it's pretty easy to see that KU has a number of matchup advantages to work with, and if Todd Reesing is dialed in and playing well, this game is a complete tossup shootout.

Mizzou's path to success, however, comes on Passing Downs. They must successfully blitz on those downs; if they do, KU's other advantages can be negated pretty quickly.

Quarterback

While he completed 66% of his passes at 7.8 yards per pass against OU and Mizzou, Reesing proved his all-or-nothing tendencies by completing just 54% at 5.4 yards per pass against Texas and Texas Tech (with a 3-3 TD-INT ratio) at home. In the end, most would love to have a "gamer" like Reesing leading your team, but his confidence in his abilities to make plays ends up being, at times, his biggest flaw. He posted a QB rating right at 149 each of the last two years, but he also took 56 sacks in that time, and his interceptions rose to 13 in 2008, not a bad figure per say, but not as in control as the seven he threw in 2007. That's why Kansas only finished 25th in Passing S&P+ and not higher--we remember the great plays, but we forget the sacks he's taken and the occasional atrocious throws he's made.

Todd Reesing: 276-for-441 passing (62.6%), 3,118 yards (7.1 per pass), 18 TD, 9 INT

As a whole, Reesing has certainly put up solid numbers this year; however, after QB ratings in the 148-150 range both of his first two years as a starter, his has fallen to just 131.4 this year, and he has been every bit as all-or-nothing as in years past. Against Iowa State, he went 37-for-49 for 442 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT; he followed that up with another 401 yards against Colorado. Then, against Oklahoma and Texas Tech, he went a combined 42-for-77 (54.5%) for 405 yards (5.3 yards per pass), 1 TD, 3 INTs, and a sub-100 QB rating. We should all expect to see his best performance tomorrow, but anything less than his best might not get the job done.

Running Back

Jake Sharp is the least-scary good running back in the country. He was the main cog in a rushing attack that was 7th in the country in Success Rate+, he's scored 19 touchdowns, caught 44 passes, and put up a combined 1,143 yards from scrimmage the last two seasons, yet his lack of explosiveness got him ranked 198th among 269 eligible running backs in POE, the rushing performance measure I created for Football Outsiders. He's good for a couple of huge games a year, usually against bad defenses (he destroyed Kansas State for 181 yards and 4 TDs last year and went for 118 and 3 TDs against an OU defense adapting to the loss of Ryan Reynolds), but in all he's a steady but so-so runner. You could do worse than starting Jake Sharp, but you could certainly do better.

Toben Opurum: 133 carries, 554 yards (4.2 per carry), 9 TD, 13 receptions, 105 yards (8.1 per catch), 1 TD
Jake Sharp: 95 carries, 400 yards (4.2 per carry), 4 TD; 26 receptions, 188 yards (7.2 per catch), 3 TD
Rell Lewis: 10 carries, 60 yards

Toben Opurum is out with an injury, but I cannot really say I can tell any difference whatsoever between Opurum and Jake Sharp. Their numbers suggest that they are virtually the same running back. Opurum is a bit bigger, and Sharp is a bit faster, but in all, KU's running game probably will not get going that much on Saturday (knock on wood). Mizzou's rush defense has improved considerably throughout this season, and if they can stop Sharp and get to Reesing on passing downs, they should win. It's if they don't get to Reesing where the problems may start...

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends

KU executed a risky but perfect gameplan against Mizzou in 2008. They continued to dink and dunk, stretching the field horizontally with Meier and Briscoe, relying on the KU defense to fend Mizzou's offense off for as long as possible. If Mizzou sustains some drives in the first half, then the Mizzou defense doesn't completely wear out in the fourth quarter, but alas, that's what happened. When all was said and done, Briscoe and Meier combined for 23 catches, 221 yards, and 3 TDs (two of which came in Q4), and an exhausted Mizzou secondary saw its communication fall apart down the stretch. Again, dink-and-dunk is always risky because it takes a lot of plays to sustain a drive and opens up more opportunities for mistakes. But if you can pull it off, it works brilliantly, and it worked against Mizzou in 2008.

WR Kerry Meier: 92 receptions, 931 yards (10.1 per catch), 6 TD
WR Dezmon Briscoe: 70 receptions, 1,095 yards (15.6 per catch), 7 TD
WR Jonathan Wilson: 35 receptions, 449 yards (12.8 per catch)
WR Bradley McDougald: 31 receptions, 285 yards (9.2 per catch)

TE Tim Biere: 12 receptions, 134 yards (11.2 per catch)

KU's Border War strategy last year was very effective; what's scary is, Mizzou has become even more vulnerable to that sort of strategy in 2009. If Mizzou is unable to corral the short pass, Reesing could very easily go over 400 yards. If Mizzou fans are having nightmares tonight, it is probably because of Meier and Briscoe.

Offensive Line

Todd Reesing is one of the best when it comes to improvising and creating on the fly, but that doesn't mean you want him doing it every play. For KU to win the North (which means either taking a game against Texas, Oklahoma, or Texas Tech, or running the table in the North), converted tight end Tanner Hawkinson will likely need to quickly become the real deal at left tackle, and Jeff Spikes (or whoever wins the RT job) will need to become pretty stable, pretty quickly. The ends in this conference are more athletic and experienced than in recent years, and...again, this team needs Reesing healthy and upright.

KU's offensive line has been distinctly average in 2009, improving slightly as the year has progressed. Mizzou's line, meanwhile, has also improved as the year has progressed, particularly in terms of line yards and passing down sack rates. If Mizzou can win this matchup by quite a bit, it could negate the passing advantage KU appears to have.

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Defense

Kansas: 2009 Beyond the Box Score Preseason Defensive Preview

While the offense actually got better, the defense got measurably worse despite nine returning starters (sound familiar, Mizzou fans?). They lost a second-team All-American in James McClinton at defensive tackle--the only loss other than Aqib Talib--and it seems to have made a difference.

Kansas was a bit worse defending the pass, a lot worse at defending the run, and in particular they gave up a ton more big plays (PPP+). This year, they return their entire secondary and three of four starters on the defensive line (losing only end Russell Brorsen)...but lose all three starting linebackers. So the passing numbers improve and the rushing numbers regress, maybe?

I was half-right above. The rushing numbers have certainly regressed ... but then, so have the passing numbers. After some adjustments resulted in better defensive play in the middle of the season, KU's defense just has not been able to maintain a spark. They looked good at times against both Kansas State and Nebraska in recent weeks, but their breakdowns have been killers, as evidenced by the fact that they rank a ridiculous 93rd in PPP+. Mizzou's big-play ability, matched with KU's inability to stop the big play, represent Mizzou's single biggest advantage.

KU Defense vs Missouri Offense
Category	KU Defense	MU Offense
Close S&P+ (Rk)	92.3 (82)	117.2 (27)
Close Success Rate+	96.2 (76)	108.4 (37)
Close PPP+	87.4 (93)	133.1 (21)

Rushing S&P+	84.0 (107)	107.6 (47)
Passing S&P+	99.9 (57)	125.9 (17)

Standard Downs S&P+	93.4 (85)	114.6 (28)
Passing Downs S&P+	106.3 (50)	109.5 (53)

Red Zone S&P+	92.3 (87)	85.9 (104)

Q1 S&P+	106.0 (53)	118.1 (42)
Q2 S&P+	107.9 (54)	115.1 (44)
Q3 S&P+	86.2 (98)	122.8 (22)
Q4 S&P+	92.6 (79)	105.8 (55)

1st Down S&P+	94.2 (77)	120.2 (22)
2nd Down S&P+	97.0 (69)	108.5 (53)
3rd Down S&P+	102.1 (60)	110.1 (57)

Line Yards+	94.1 (84)	97.7 (77)
Close Sack Rate+	135.7 (16)	150.0 (28)
Standard Downs / Passing Downs Sack Rate+	141.6 (19) / 112.2 (48)	251.2 (10) / 113.6 (51)

When they are not forcing turnovers, this unit is simply not getting the job done.

When Missouri Has the Ball...
Missouri Rushing	Advantage: Mizzou
Missouri Passing	Advantage: Mizzou
Best Time for KU:	First Half
Best Time for Missouri:	Second Half

MU's advantages:

Close SR+, PPP+, S&P+
Rushing, Passing S&P+
Standard Downs S&P+
Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 S&P+
1st, 2nd, 3rd Down S&P+
Standard Downs Sack Rate+

KU's advantages:

Red Zone S&P+

As with Mizzou's defense, KU's defense has few advantages, but can use what they have to great benefit. If KU is able to hold Mizzou to three points instead of seven by shutting things down in the red zone, then they will find it a lot easier to outscore Mizzou.

Defensive Line

So if KU felt the absence of James McClinton more than any other in 2008, then it's up to either Jamal Greene (21 tackles, 7 TFL/sacks) to become a much more consistent force or Jeff City's own Richard Johnson (14 tackles, 2.5 TFL/sacks) to overtake him if KU's run defense is to improve. If not them, then who? Man-beast Darius Parish moved to OL. Somehow, someway, there needs to be a better push up the middle.

And on the outside too. Solid-not-spectacular end Jake Laptad (8.5 TFL/sacks) offers hope for a pass rush, but he'll need help. The lack of a pass rush was bad enough last year that LB James Holt moved to end toward the end of the year, and KU fans seem to have hope that 4-star JUCO transfer Quintin Woods will thrive pretty quickly. The other options (Jeff Wheeler, Maxwell Onyegbule, or some younger guy) don't seem ready or capable, so all eyes are on Woods. If Woods doesn't catch on, KU fans start getting worried.

DE Jake Laptad: 37.0 tackles, 12.0 TFL/sacks, 2 FF, 1 FR, 6 QBH
DE Max Onyegbule: 23.5 tackles, 10.0 TFL/sacks, 1 INT, 1 FR, 2 PBU, 5 QBH
DT Caleb Blakesley: 12.5 tackles, 3.0 TFL/sacks, 1 QBH
DT Richard Johnson: 12.0 tackles, 3.0 TFL/sacks, 1 FR, 2 QBH
DE Jeff Wheeler: 11.0 tackles, 6.5 TFL/sacks, 3 FF, 8 QBH

As with many highly-touted JUCO transfers (hello, Jocques Crawford ... and Andy Maples, for that matter), Quintin Woods came to Lawrence with much ado and produced almost nothing. He has a whopping four tackles for the season. Which means my prediction more or less came true -- Woods didn't catch on, and the KU defensive line was a liability, at least against the run. Rushing the passer, they've been pretty solid. Laptad (6.5 sacks), Wheeler (5.5) and Onyegbule (5.0) have all had their moments, and KU has been at its most successful getting pressure on the passer while not committing LBs to the blitz. They've been a sieve against the run, though.

Linebackers

While the RB situation isn't in wonderful shape right now, it's still no surprise that Angus Quigley was moved from RB to LB. There's clearly a major void in terms of proven playmakers, so really at this point Kansas just needs as many warm bodies as possible to throw out there and see what they've got. Never say never, but it's hard to see this unit gelling into a solid unit quickly. Whether they call it this or not, you do have to figure that with an experienced secondary, KU will be playing a lot of 4-2-5 or nickel coverage.

LB Drew Dudley: 64.0 tackles, 8.0 TFL/sacks, 4 QBH
LB Huldon Tharp: 44.5 tackles, 0.5 TFL/sacks, 2 PBU, 2 QBH
LB Arist Wright: 34.5 tackles, 4.0 TFL/sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 3 PBU, 2 QBH
LB Justin Springer: 18.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL/sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 PBU, 2 QBH

True freshman Huldon Tharp has gotten some good press recently for racking up a large number of tackles in recent weeks; but that's all they are: tackles. He is not much of a disruptive force -- much more Luke Lambert than future Sean Weatherspoon. Drew Dudley, on the other hand, has been a pleasant surprise. With Angus Quigley failing to figure out the LB position in just one offseason (that is the norm, not the exception), Dudley, a junior, has stepped up and made a decent number of plays behind the line of scrimmage.

The LB corps has been solid in pass coverage, but their run support and blitzing have, as a whole, left something to be desired.

Secondary

As devoid of experience that the KU linebacker corps is, the secondary is the polar opposite. Five players with solid starting experience return, led by Mizzou killer Darrell Stuckey, who almost single-handedly fended off the Tiger offense for the entire first half last November at Arrowhead. ... Mark Mangino has some interesting ingredients, and he's not afraid to shuffle things around. Justin Thornton's been around forever (seems like just yesterday that he was getting decapitated by Tony Temple at Faurot Field), and while he's a proven commodity, he's also in Mangino's doghouse. If he doesn't end up starting (I assume he will, but...well, Mangino's got an angry side), then it looks like Anthony Davis will be the man opposite Daymond Patterson at CB. Both are sophomores. Meanwhile, junior safety Chris Harris was a star freshman in 2007 before losing his starting spot last year. He still managed the second-most successful tackles in the secondary in 2008, however, and I'm going to figure he'll still play a role opposite Phil Strozier and Stuckey.

CB Chris Harris: 67.0 tackles, 6.5 TFL/sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 7 PBU
S Darrell Stuckey: 66.5 tackles, 3.5 TFL/sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 2 PBU, 1 QBH
S Justin Thornton: 58.0 tackles, 3.5 TFL/sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, 6 PBU
S Lubbock Smith: 32.0 tackles, 1.0 TFL/sacks, 1 PBU
CB Daymond Patterson: 27.5 tackles, 0.5 TFL/sacks, 1 INT, 5 PBU
CB D.J. Beshears: 16.0 tackles, 1 PBU
CB Anthony Davis: 14.0 tackles, 1.0 TFL/sacks, 1 PBU
S Ryan Murphy: 11.0 tackles, 2.0 TFL/sacks, 2 INT, 1 FR, 2 PBU, 2 QBH
S Phil Strozier: 11.0 tackles, 1 PBU, 1 QBH

It's been a strange year for the KU secondary. Relatively speaking, it has still somewhat been a strength of this defense, but 2009 has seen all sorts of personnel shuffling and slump busting. Career doghouse resident Chris Harris has turned out to be the star of the secondary (again), while Justin Thornton has, at times, taken Harris' place in the doghouse. Darrell Stuckey has certainly been good, but he hasn't quite lived up to my own expectations for him. Meanwhile, Lubbock Smith emerged as a potential leader in the secondary but has been hindered recently by injury. He is a game-time decision.

In all, this is a crafty, experienced secondary, and I'm sure that, if given the opportunity, they will take advantage of any mistakes by Blaine Gabbert or any drops by Mizzou receivers. That said, they still aren't quite as scary as I thought they would be, and I'm a lot more confident in Mizzou's potential ability to win a shootout than I was a couple of months ago.

Special Teams

KU was decent in the kicking and punt return games, but kick returns produced eight yards fewer in 2008, and that really can make a pretty big difference. It might help explain how KU's Offensive S&P+ actually improved in 2008, yet KU scored 10 fewer points per game. Dez Briscoe was outstanding in limited opportunities, but it seems KU is making a concerted effort not to wear him out (Jeremy Maclin managed to do it all, ahem...just sayin'...), and early indications (according to Rock Chalk Talk) are that sophomore Isiah Barfield might take over the duties, at least to start.
If KU gets anything from the kick return game, this is a decent special teams unit, not as good as Nebraska's (NU really does seem to have the best special teams unit in the North at this point), but solid. Alonso Rojas leaves something to be desired punting, but this is an offensive conference--kicks matter a hair more than punts, right?

Punt Returns Rank: 83rd (Daymond Patterson: 20 returns, 8.2 avg)
Net Punting Rank: 73rd (Alonso Rojas: 48 punts, 41.4 avg)
Kickoff Returns Rank: 51st (Bradley McDougald: 20 returns, 19.2 avg; Dez Briscoe: 16 returns, 23.9 avg, 1 TD)
Opponents' Kickoff Returns Rank: 90th (Jacob Branstetter: 60 kickoffs, 8 touchbacks)

Field Goals: 80th (Jacob Branstetter: 12-for-18, long: 57)
PATs: 78th (Jacob Branstetter: 38-for-40)

In all, special teams are a giant "meh" unit. They are average to below average in both place-kicking and punting, and their return units are, Dez Briscoe aside, average as well. In all, Mizzou should be able to flip the field rather well with Jake Harry, and Mizzou's average return units might find at least some moderate success. But Briscoe is the key. To avoid overuse, Briscoe has not been the key return man this year, but he showed what he could do if given the opportunity with his effortless TD return last weekend in Austin. I get the sneaking suspicion that Briscoe will be the main return man tomorrow, and ... well, that scares the living daylights out of me. IF Mizzou doesn't give up serious field position and/or a touchdown in the kicking game tomorrow, they win the special teams battle. But with the way Mizzou has been covering on kickoffs, that's a huge if.

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Three Keys to the Game

Passing Downs

KU's offense will likely be relatively efficient on Saturday, meaning Mizzou must make stops on passing downs when given the opportunity. They have a pass-rush advantage in those situations, but if they don't make the sack or force a poor throw from Reesing, their propensity for breakdowns makes them extremely vulnerable. If they're giving up the dink-and-dunk stuff and allowing big plays on Passing Downs, they probably cannot win.

Danario Alexander vs Dez Briscoe

Alexander has been the best receiver in the country over the last month, and if he performs to that level again, Mizzou could score at will. Primarily because of Domino, Mizzou's offense has a significant advantage over KU's defense in terms of The Big Play, and if KU successfully takes that away (lord knows they've got the talent and experience to do so), they take away the biggest weapon in the Mizzou arsenal. Meanwhile, the other scariest guy on the field is Briscoe. While Meier gives Mizzou fans nightmares after last year's heroics, Briscoe is still the more dangerous guy. The winner of the Alexander/Briscoe battle will go a long way in determining the winner of the game.

MU's Running Game

Most of the previews, this one included, has focused on these two teams' respective passing games, but if Mizzou's slowly improving run game can eat away chunks of yards and Mizzou is able to both overpower KU and beat them with the big play, then they can both run up points and dominate the flow of the game. Potentially the most underrated facet of the last two games at Arrowhead was MU's running game. In 2007, Tony Temple racked up 98 yards in 22 carries. In 2008, Derrick Washington ended up with a respectable 54 yards in 11 carries but averaged under four yards per carry for the first three quarters, when Mizzou's offense was struggling and the defense was unable to get off the field. If Mizzou is running well from the start, their passing game will open up like a Venus Flytrap.

Prediction

Gotta say, I do NOT like how well KU is capable of running the short passing game considering how vulnerable Mizzou has been to just that over the last few weeks. That is just not a matchup I like for Mizzou. However, Mizzou's own big-play ability might neutralize that a bit, and besides ... it's not like I let my own feelings get in the way of these predictions anyhow, right? The numbers say Mizzou by 4.7, so we'll go with Mizzou 31, Kansas 26. Nothing between a 17-point win for Mizzou and a 17-point win for Kansas would surprise me, but being that the last two games have both gone down to the wire, we can probably expect more of the same here.

Hawk Talk: Kansas Senior Day

Denverjhawk — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:00:24 -0000

News and Notes from the Week that was and the game to come...

The Good Guys...

Current losing streak hurts the Jayhawks.
Spread offenses falling out of favor in the Big12?
Opurums touches dwindle as Sharp returns.
KU Seniors final season not what they'd hoped.
Daymond Patterson fighting for playing time.
Nebraska front four a tough challenge for Kansas.

Denver's Take...

Short and sweet. Kansas is going to have to dig down deep and find something within themselves that hasn't been their for four weeks. Nebraska couldn't be a tougher challenge for this offense on the ropes but on Senior day I'm cautiously optimistic that the fire and passion returns. It has too or this season on a the brink goes down the tubes.

Some powerful words came out of some Kansas players this week and the first real sign that their still is some fire in the belly. Now it's time to translate it to the field. If any extra motivation was needed, look to Suh's quote about kicking a dog while he's down. In case you were wondering Kansas is the dog he's referring to.

I'll be in the seats for this one, an OGT will be up about a half hour before the game so enjoy and let's get a win, hell let's see if we can hang 77 on these guys...mmmm...that might be a stretch. Let's just find a way to win.

More Notes and Things to Look for After the Jump...

SENIOR DAY -- Saturday's game will be the final home appearance for the following seniors: LS Kayl Anderson, DT Caleb Blakesley, WR Kerry Meier, DE Maxwell Onyegbule, WR Raimond Pendleton, OL Jose Rodriguez, LB Angus Quigley, QB Todd Reesing, LB Jake Schermer, RB Jake Sharp, DE Dustin Spears, S Darrell Stuckey, S Justin Thornton, DE Jeff Wheeler, LB Arist Wright.

SENIOR NOTES -- Here are a few notes on this year's senior class:

In the last four seasons, the group is a combined 31-16 with three regular season games remaining.
Has posted a 21-5 record at home.
Has been to bowl games in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history.
Has posted KU's best two Big 12 North finishes tying for first in 2007 and placing third in 2008.
Has five players who have started at least 20 games (S Darrell Stuckey 39, QB Todd Reesing 35, WR Kerry Meier 35, DT Caleb Blakesley 29, S Justin Thornton 27).

KU-NU SERIES -- Nebraska leads the all-time series by an 89-23-3 count, including a 46-8-1 advantage in games played in Lawrence. Kansas has won the last two meetings in Lawrence, posting a 75-39 victory in 2007 and a 40-15 win in 2005. The 2005 victory snapped a 36-game losing streak to the Huskers, which began in 1969. Since that streak, the teams have split the last four games with the home team winning each time, including a 39-32 overtime victory by the Huskers in 2006 and last year's 45-35 NU win in Lincoln.

KU-NU IS NATION'S LONGEST UNINTERRUPTED SERIES -- The Kansas-Nebraska series will be played for the 104th consecutive year. That marks the nation's longest uninterrupted series. Minnesota and Wisconsin will be meeting for the 103rd time this year. KU and NU first met in 1892 and actually played 12 straight years until not playing each other in 1904 or 1905. Since resuming the series in 1906 the
teams have met every season.

SERIES IS THIRD-MOST PLAYED AS WELL -- The 115 prior meetings between the Jayhawks and Huskers rank as the third-most played rivalry in FBS history behind 118 games between Minnesota and Wisconsin and 117 games between Kansas and Missouri.

KU-NU LAST YEAR -- Nebraska outscored Kansas 31-21 in the second half en route to a 45-35 victory on a cold (35 degrees with 21 mile per hour winds) in Lincoln in 2008. The teams were tied at 14 at halftime behind Todd Reesing touchdown passes to Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe. KU led 21-17 with 4:32 left in the third quarter before NU's Roy Helu, Jr., scored twice. KU fought back with a Jake Sharp touchdown with 9:55 left in the game to come within 31-28 before the Huskers iced the game with two straight touchdowns. Reesing became the Kansas all-time passing yardage leader on his scoring toss to Meier. He finished the day 15 of 30 for 304 yards and three touchdowns, while Briscoe caught six passes for 176 yards and Sharp rushed 22 times for 90 yards. Darrell Stuckey recorded a team-high 15 tackles. NU produced 495 yards of offense to 422 by Kansas as the Huskers controlled the ball for 34:46.

KU-NU LAST TIME IN LAWRENCE -- Todd Reesing threw a school-record six touchdown passes and had 354 yards through the air, while Brandon McAnderson ran for 119 yards and a school-record tying four touchdowns as then No. 8 Kansas defeated Nebraska 76-39 in Lawrence on Nov. 3, 2007. After a three and out on its first possession, the Jayhawks scored on 10 of their next 11 possessions (exception was a one play kneel down to end the first half). KU's 76 points were the third-most in team history, as well as the most allowed by Nebraska in its history. The Jayhawks ran 90 plays en route to 572 yards of total offense. Reesing set school records for touchdown passes in a game (six) and in a single-season (23). Four of his TD passes came in the first half to four different receivers. KU forced four straight Nebraska turnovers in the second half, while forcing five on the day.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR AGAINST NEBRASKA:

WR Kerry Meier (2,082) needs 80 receiving yards to pass Mark Simmons (2,161) for third on the KU career receiving yardage list.
Meier (16) needs one touchdown catch to tie Willie Vaughn and Bruce Adams (17 each) for second on the KU career list. Dezmon Briscoe is first at 28.
Meier has caught at least two passes in 30 consecutive games.
Meier (197) and Briscoe (196) are just shy of 200 receptions for the their career. Jordy Nelson of Kansas State is 10th on the Big 12 career list with 206.
Briscoe has caught at least four passes in 12 straight games and at least two in 27 in a row.

Hawk Talk: Kansas vs Texas Tech Tailgate Edition

Denverjhawk — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:00:20 -0000

News and Notes leading up to this weekends matchup...

The Good Guys...

Jake Sharp battles injury in attempt to continue to contribute.
Everyone's a little puzzled when it comes to the Big12 North.
Jayhawks land a commitment this week in St. Louis area linebacker Ed Fink.
Kansas looks to refocus on the running game.
Reesing and the Kansas offense fighting to get out of a rut.
Opurum the Equalizer?
Tech no pushover.
Reesing retains his confidence.
Kansas v Tech preview.
Young secondary in for a serious test in Lubbock.
A look at Jayhawk strength coach Chris Dawson.

Denver's Take...

Well I'm done guessing scores and outcomes as this season has gotten pretty crazy and it's hard to draw much from a team's performance week to week because it appears to have no bearing on the current week.

All I know is Tech is a winnable game but the Jayhawks are going to have to do something different than they have in recent weeks. The Red Raiders will look to turn this in a shootout because quite honestly their defense has nearly as many concerns as the Jayhawks.

Kansas needs to avoid the early mistake and ensure themselves the chance to actually execute a gameplan for the first time in three weeks. Problem with both CU and OU is that the moment you go down early with a defense that you don't have a lot of confidence in the tendency is to scrap whatever you wanted to do and try to go with your strengths. Problem is those strengths haven't been as much of a slam dunk as we once thought.

Run the ball, keep the offense balanced and on defense avoid the big play. Sorry Labba I'm with Bowen on this one. Tech has a young quarterback and some inexperienced offensive lineman. Let's give these guys a little room to work underneath and try and pressure the QB into mistakes. This one for a variety of reason very likely could be the shootout you'd expect and the one who blinks first might just lose.

Rock Chalk Jayhawks, let's get this train back on the tracks.

More Notes and Things to Look for After the Jump...

KU-TT SERIES -- Texas Tech leads the all-time series 10-1, including a 4-1 advantage in games played at Lubbock. The Red Raiders have won three straight in the series, including last season's 63-21 victory at
Lawrence. KU's lone win the series was a 34-31 double-overtime victory at Lubbock in 2001. The teams played four times (1965, 66, 69 and 70) before the formation of the Big 12 Conference in 1996.

KU-TT LAST YEAR -- No. 6 Texas Tech's offensive firepower was too much for No. 19 Kansas as the visiting Red Raiders posted a 63-21 victory at Lawrence on Oct. 25. Texas Tech scored touchdowns on nine
of its first 11 possessions, while stopping KU's 13-game home field winning streak. The teams were tied at 14 after the first quarter. However, the Red Raiders scored 49 unanswered points before KU scored a touchdown with 3:52 remaining in the game. Texas Tech ran up 556 total yards, while KU managed just 315, its fewest in the previous 27 games. KU turned the ball over five times on the day, including on three straight possessions to start the third quarter.

KU-TT LAST TIME AT LUBBOCK -- Texas Tech built up a 20-0 halftime lead en route to a 30-17 victory on Oct. 1, 2005 in the last meeting at Lubbock. The Red Raiders had 380 yards of total offense, while KU managed just 271. Jon Cornish ran for 111 yards for the Jayhawks, while Brian Luke threw for 109 yards and Adam Barmann threw for 45 more. KU fumbled six times, but only lost one in the game.

KU'S ONLY WIN IN THE SERIES WAS A THRILLER -- As mentioned earlier, KU's only win in the series was a 34-31 double-overtime victory at Lubbock on Oct. 6, 2001. The teams traded rushing touchdowns in the first overtime before KU's Johnny Beck nailed a 37-yard field goal on the first possession of the second overtime. KU LB Marcus Rogers intercepted B.J. Symons in the second overtime to seal the victory for the Jayhawks. KU trailed 24-13 before Beck hit a 44-yard field goal with 4:11 left in the game. KU forced a Red Raider punt and then drove 63 yards for a touchdown pass from Mario Kinsey to Termain Fulton with :21 left. The two-point conversion (a Reggie Duncan rush) sent the game into overtime. Duncan rushed for 227 yards for KU, which put up 310 rushing yards and 404 total. Texas Tech had 358 yards.

KU-TT CONNECTIONS -- KU Head Coach Mark Mangino and TT Head Coach Mike Leach were on the offensive staff at Oklahoma in 1999... Kansas boasts 35 players on its roster from the state of Texas.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR AGAINST TEXAS TECH

WR Kerry Meier (1,958) needs just 42 receiving yards to become the fourth Jayhawk in school history to record 2,000 career receiving yards.
Meier (16) needs one more touchdown catch to tie for second on the KU career touchdown receptions list.
Meier has caught at least four passes in 10 straight games, at least two in 28 straight and at least one in 29 consecutive games.
Reesing (9,782) needs 218 passing yards to become the fifth player in Big 12 history to record 10,000 career passing yards.
WR Dezmon Briscoe (2,634) needs 189 receiving yards to break into the Big 12 top 10 for career receiving yards (Jordy Nelson of Kansas State had 2,822).
Briscoe has caught at least four passes in 10 consecutive games and at least two in 25 straight games.
Since missing his last two field goal attempts at UTEP, PK Jacob Branstetter has made six consecutive field goals.
DB Ryan Murphy has been in on a turnover in two straight games and in three of the last four (two interceptions and a fumble recovery).

DID YOU KNOW? -- PK Jacob Branstetter's five longest field goals of his career have come in his last five attempts. Against Colorado he made a 37-yarder to establish a career long. That did not last long as later in that game he made 43 and 42-yarders. Last week against Oklahoma, he drilled a 39-yarder and then booted a 57-yarder. His previous long was a 34-yarder vs. Missouri in 2008.

DID YOU KNOW? -- LB Justin Springer made a career-high nine tackles against Oklahoma, while three freshmen - D.J. Beshears, Lubbock Smith and Huldon Tharp - were the next leading tacklers for KU with seven each.

YOUTHFUL DEFENSE -- In its last game against Oklahoma, the Jayhawk starting defense included four freshmen, one sophomore, three juniors and three seniors. The freshmen starters included DT John Williams (two season starts), LB Huldon Tharp (three starts), CB D.J. Beshears (one start) and FS Lubbock Smith (two starts).

DID YOU KNOW? -- The Kansas defense has just four players who have recorded 100 career tackles in SS Darrell Stuckey (256), FS Justin Thornton (202), CB Chris Harris (174) and LB Arist Wright (115).

DID YOU KNOW? -- Twenty different players have started on defense this season.

Kansas Football Notable Quotables 10.13.09

Denverjhawk — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:03:50 -0000

Looks like it may have been a rough week if you play defense or special teams for the Jayhawks. The staff elected not to name either a "Defensive" or "Special Teams" player of the week following the lackluster performances last week during the Iowa State game.

This week Coach Mangino talks Colorado, Jake Sharp, fixing the defense and the play of Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe.

On the player side of things we here from Sal Capra, Chris Harris, Toben Opurum, Todd Reesing, Alonso Rojas, Darrell Stuckey, Justin Thornton and Johnathan Wilson.

If there is one positive in this weeks opponent, it might be that their offense is in as much turmoil if not more than our defense.

Players of the Iowa State Game

Offense: Todd Reesing

Defense: None

Special Teams: None

Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week: Dexter Linton

Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week: Riley Spencer

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Recap of last Saturday's game vs. Iowa State:

"We handled ourselves pretty well on offense. Several players stepped up and made a lot of plays, as I had said before. Todd Reesing had a really big day, as well as Dezmon Briscoe, Kerry Meier and Toben Opurum, who did a great job with his role. I thought our offensive line played pretty well. On the defensive side of the ball, obviously, we were giving up too many points. We did not get enough three-and-outs, and that is something we will definitely work on this week."

On this week's game vs.Colorado:

"Colorado is a good football team at home. They always play well in Boulder and we understand the challenge there. They have made a change at quarterback. Tyler Hansen will now replace the coach's son, Cody Hawkins. From all indications, they are making that a permanent move. We know that Tyler Hansen is similar in the passing game to Cody Hawkins in a lot of ways. They share a lot of the same characteristics. Obviously, he [Hansen] is a little bit faster. Maybe a little quicker, better athlete, which brings a new dimension to their offense in running. We will certainly be prepared for that challenge. On defense, they can be stellar at times. They gave Texas a rough time in the first half. They had some good calls and made some good plays, so it will be a challenge for us. We are looking forward to going to Boulder and playing well and trying to get another Big 12 North win."

On Colorado's game vs. Texas game last week:

"I thought they did some good things on defense in the beginning. Offensively, they moved the ball a little bit. Texas gave up a big play and Colorado was then able to win the field position battle in the first half. Unfortunately, Colorado gave up some big plays in the second half and Texas was then able to run off with it."

On the progress of Jake Sharp:

"It's day-to-day. It will be a game-time decision. Hopefully, we will get the green light, but it is really day-to-day."

On the relationship between star receivers Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe:

"Well it depends on what kind of an environment you're being coached in. And the other people who are around you also plays a significant role. One of the things about our ball club is we have been able to have some success here in the last couple years because we are unselfish. Kerry Meier is the poster boy for unselfishness. Our kids realize they need one another. No one person is going to do it alone. It is going to take a cast of many. Our players are the type that cheers for each other, pat each other on the back. Our players understand that for the University of Kansas to have a really good football program, everyone has to have their toe on the line in the same direction. They are all smart enough to understand that and they have always done that since I have been here."

On the play of wide receivers Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe complimenting one another:

"I don't know if they compliment each other; I think what they do is put extreme pressure on the defense. You cannot play a combo, double-team coverage on one of them and try to play a single-coverage on the other without any kind of help. It is difficult to do. They create a dilemma for the defenses because they [the defense] are dealing with two pretty high-level players who run well, have good ball skills and can catch the ball in a crowd. They can catch the ball under pressure from a defender, so defenses are trying to make a decision whether to play strictly zone, or play man-to-man by trying to man-up their speedy guys with them or maybe a man-free concept with a man and a safety over the top helping out one another. It is difficult to try and double-up on one of those guys because it really puts the rest of your defense on an island."

On other teams' different attempts to defend Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe:

"We see all kind of things. Since the beginning of the year, we have had several different types of approaches from dropping eight, blitzing play after play, man concepts, two-deep zones, cover four. We have seen a three-man rush and a lot of other things. Todd is doing a really good job of managing all that. That is probably the reason we are 5-0 because he is prepared to deal with those different looks."

On fixing the defensive problems exhibited in last weekend's game vs. Iowa State:

"As I watch the tape and study it, I feel like we just need to play to our players' strengths. I think in some areas we need to just have them do what they do best. Not try to make them do things that may be really good, sound schemes, but do not fit our personnel. We have to continue to work on the things that fit our personnel. We have to do a better job with communication on the field between our players. I don't think we tell each other much what is going on. We are going to get our calls out sooner, when it is needed. That is something, strategically, you do not want to do all the time, but when it is needed, we'll try to get our calls out sooner to give them a chance to get lined up and talk to each other. I think we have to tackle better. I think more than anything, we, as coaches, have to know what our players are capable of doing and do that. We have a lot of good things in our package, but we have to do only what our players can do. I think we will rebound nicely and our defense will be able to feel a lot better about the direction we are going."

On the play of Todd Reesing and talk of the Heisman:

"I can't tell you I have been obsessed with it. But when you get an opportunity to go home in the evening, since we have played a lot of these morning games, I have had a chance to watch a lot of college football lately. They talk about all these different players, who I'm sure all deserve to be mentioned in the Heisman talk. But it's early; we have only played five games. For Todd to make a true run at it, we have to win a lot of games. It is on us as a team as much as it is in his hands. He is not obsessed with it and neither am I. But, I really believe that if you look at his body of work over the last three years, what he has done here...he is off to a 5-0 start, he is in the top five or six in a lot of passing and offensive categories. The real appreciation I have for Todd Reesing is watching him play. Statistics don't tell the whole story, they tell part of it and his stats are impressive. But the way he controls the line of scrimmage, the confidence he plays with, the throws that he makes and the times that he is in difficult situations where it looks like it is going to be a minus-yardage play and he turns it into a plus or a first down, that is the beauty of Todd Reesing. I just would hope that all the people who have a vote for the Heisman would at some point in time have an opportunity to see him play. If not in person, then watch him play on television because I think they will have greater respect for what he does for his team and how he plays and not just match statistics up. He will bode well against most in statistics, but it is actually how he plays the game. If the Heisman is truly for the best player in college football, then I really believe that mid-season, he deserves to be mentioned in that group."

Junior Offensive Lineman Sal Capra

On blocking for an offense that can make plays:

"It is fun knowing that if you make a block it could turn into a touchdown or an amazing play by Kerry Meier, Todd Reesing or Dezmon Briscoe."

On being a starter this season:

"It is gratifying after all the hard work and of three years of playing behind people."

On the bond of the offensive line:

"Pretty much all we do right now is football. Through two a days to right now we have formed a bond together, joking around, hanging out and playing football."

Junior Cornerback Chris Harris

On the Jayhawks' performance against Iowa State:

"I felt like we were kidnapped or something. It didn't feel like us playing out there and I couldn't figure out why we were playing so terribly."

On what they will have to do to improve:

"We all need to hold each other accountable and make sure everyone is doing his job. Once we do that, I think we should be fine."

On preparing for Colorado:

"They're going to throw a lot of different formations at us so we have to be ready. We saw that they changed their quarterback, so we don't know what they will try and throw at us."

On whether the defensive leaders talked to the defensive line after the Iowa State game:

"We just said that pretty much we have to keep believing and keep working - working for each other and playing for each other."

Freshman Running back Toben Opurum

On playing Colorado:

"Colorado is a team that is looking to pull out a big win to continue the season. It's going to be tough to go to Boulder and pull out a victory there. We will be tested at the level we're playing right now. A win at Colorado would be big for us."

On playing in an unfriendly environment:

"I've heard stories about all the Big 12 teams we're playing on the road. That's how teams are supposed to be when other teams come to play. Fans are supposed to be intimidating and they're supposed to get into the game. It really sets the emotions for the game and the players."

Senior quarterback Todd Reesing

On Mangino talking about Reesing's contention for the Heisman:

"Obviously it's not a focus but it's nice to hear. Any time your own coach thinks you're worthy of mention for an award such as that, you can't help but be happy about it. For Coach Mangino to mention an individual award is pretty out of character since we all know his focus is more team-oriented, as well as my focus. But for him to say that and think that I'm worthy of being mentioned as a candidate, it is good to have his support on my side."

On the performance between him, Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe against Iowa State:

"I don't know how you can get much better than that - with those guys getting the numbers they did with yards and catching-wise. The whole offense was pretty unbelievable. For having three guys like that put up those kinds of numbers, those are numbers that anybody would take for a career-day and on any given game, having three numbers like that is pretty spectacular."

On the different ways teams have tried to stop the Kansas offense:

"Every team has its own approach. Certain defenses are better at certain things. Every team knows its limitations and its strengths. Everybody is going to have their own game plan and their own way that they feel is best-suited for their team to defend us. It's going to change every week - one team is not going to play us the same as another team. We have to be ready for it. The teams may do something different than they've done all year. We're known to put up a lot of yards and a score a lot of points and people are going to give us different looks to try and throw us off balance. We're ready for anything they'll throw at us and we'll adjust on the run as we always have."

Junior Punter Alonso Rojas

On his contributions:

"The field position battle is very important for us. We feel like the further back a team is, the harder it is for them to get downfield. It gives the defense a lot of breathing space. I take a lot of pride in being able to help and that the defense can benefit off my good play."

Senior safety Darrell Stuckey

On the change in quarterbacks at Colorado:

"The quarterback play may be slightly different, but the play calling will be exactly the same most likely. It's one of those things where we'll go out there and play against a complete team. The quarterback is obviously a big part of their offense, but at the same time, he has to be willing and able to fit within the scheme of their offense too. And, at the same time, we have to be prepared for anything and everything when we go out each game."

On Coach Mangino's statement that the elevation will not be an issue:

"I agree with that. It's one of those things where you may find yourself breathing a little faster, but the air is the same and just as clear - you may just be a little shorter of breath."

On whether the team prepares differently for Colorado:

"Not at all. We run and condition after practice every week the same way. It's one of those things where we need to be prepared to play them."

Senior cornerback Justin Thornton

On whether the team will change its preparation to deal with Colorado's new quarterback:

"We probably won't change too much. They're kind of similar type players. We'll just be ready for it. We've seen him (Chris Hansen) a little bit earlier in the season, but not a whole lot. I'm pretty sure they're going to do a lot of the same things they did with their other quarterback (Cody Hawkins) in there. It's not too big of a difference. I think we'll be all right."

On the defensive wake-up call against Iowa State:

"That would be fair to say (the team got a wake-up call). Any time something like that happens to you, you either have to make changes and get it fixed, or you're just going to be an average team."

On the team being unbalanced:

"We know that we can be a good defense. After a performance like that (Iowa State), what else can you say? It was an unbalanced performance throughout the day. The offense carried us the entire day. If it wasn't for Todd Reesing and the o-line and the offensive skill positions, we would have had a loss to Iowa State. It's definitely a wake-up call for us and we're going to make some changes and try and get things fixed. I promise we won't turn in a performance like that the rest of the year."

Junior Wide Receiver Johnathan Wilson

On the success of others helping him improve:

"It definitely helps Bradley (McDougald) and me. Other teams will try and play up to our level of talent, so we have to be ready."

On playing with other talented wide receivers:

"You can't be selfish because this is a team atmosphere."

On playing with Todd Reesing:

"He takes control of the game and makes plays on his own. He scrambles all over the place, and usually those plays are not designed to do that. That's what makes him so special."

Kansas Football Notable Quotables 10.6.09

Denverjhawk — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:00:56 -0000

Coach Mangino talks Iowa State and Coach Paul Rhoads. He also makes hints to the fact that Jake Sharp may in fact not play as he still hasn't hit the practice field at 100%. Plus a couple of tidbits on how the bye week will be beneficial to the team.

On the player side of things, Darrell Stuckey, Justin Thornton, Kerry Meier, Brad Thorson and Tanner Hawkinson all weigh in on topics ranging from this weeks game, to the benefits of the bye week and even a little of what makes Coach Mangino's blood really boil on gameday.

Without further ado...notable quotables from this weeks Kansas football presser.

Kansas Football Press Conference

Oct. 6, 2009

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Opening comments on this week's game vs. Iowa State:

"This Saturday we host Iowa State, and as you know, last Saturday we did not have a game, so we used that time to work on some basic fundamentals. We worked to sharpen things up a bit. Toward the latter part of last week, we started our Iowa State preparation. Iowa State lost a very tough game against K-State last Saturday. After watching Iowa State on tape, we have found they are certainly a disciplined team in the way they approach things, which is a good way for a first-year head coach to approach his team. They do what their kids are capable of doing and play to the strengths of their talent base. I think they are an interesting team."

On Iowa State's defense:

"They are sound fundamentally on defense. They are lined up where they are supposed to be, they play the ball well - run to the football. They have a couple defensive linemen who have played for a long time and are decent players, most notably No. 62, Nate Frere."

On Iowa State's offense:

"On the offensive side of the ball, their quarterback [Austin Arnaud] is a very good athlete. He can throw the ball, as well as run it. They key is, you do not want him to get into a rhythm. They have shown they have a couple good running backs. One of whom was down for a portion of the game at Arrowhead, but he [Alexander Robinson] is expected to play this weekend and he is a very speedy guy. His back-up, named Jeremiah Schwartz, is a big, thick guy who weighs 230 pounds and is kind of a straight-ahead runner and powerful runner. They have a very big offensive line, physically. So, they present challenges for us, but we will be ready for those challenges."

On the advantage of the bye week for KU's young offensive line:

"You have a chance to assess where you are at with them; find the areas in which they are growing and developing and then the areas that they need to continue to work on. Rather than being rushed as coaches with the game plan and schematics, this week we had a chance to sit down and assess not only the schemes, but also the technical aspects of playing the game. It's really good for everyone, but especially the young kids because they get a chance to catch their breath and see what they did the first few weeks and where they need to improve as we move on."

On last year's Iowa State game:

"We have presented last year's game against Iowa State as ‘this is what happens when you show up and are not ready to play and not mentally sharp'. I think our kids prepare well every week, but they took some things for granted. That is what happens in college football when you take things for granted, you put yourself in a big hole. Now, our team showed a lot of character coming back in the second half. We played two totally different halves, but if don't show up ready to play, or you take your opponent for granted, you will get stunned. We were fortunate that our kids showed a lot of poise to come back in the second half."

On the second-half of last year's game vs Iowa State:

"Everybody did a good job of staying calm and poised. When you're down 20 points at the half, it doesn't do any good to kick the water bucket, so the coaches were not going to do that kind of stuff. We talked about trying to get the kids in the right frame of mind by staying positive. Technically on offense and defense, we asked ourselves ‘what can we do against them on offense and what do we need to do to stop them on defense?' The coaches went in the locker room and went over those changes. Then I gathered them [the team] up and said ‘listen, we deserve to be where we are right now, but we can change it. This is a good test of our courage and we will find out what kind of football team we are in this second half.' The kids stayed calm and the offensive coaches had a nice series set up for when we came out for the second half. We got a quick score with Jake [Sharp], then the defense held up, then we got another score and you could feel the tide turning. The kids never had a bit of panic. It was a terrible first half, but it was a good teaching moment for us at halftime, preparing for that second half."

On status of senior running back Jake Sharp:

"I think we all thought he would get on the practice field today and we would cut him loose, but unfortunately, it has not developed that way. I think by Thursday's practice, if he can go out and execute everything at full speed 100%, we will play him. However, if there is any sign that he is not 100% or that he cannot play to the best of his abilities, we will not play him. We will consider using him in a limited role, but, to be honest, someone would have to convince me that it is in his best interest. I want it where he can play the whole game or be a starter and maybe have a series off or take breaks here or there, but I want him to be completely functional. He is a guy whose speed and quickness are his assets, and if he doesn't bring those to the field, he is not a 240-pound running back, so we have to have him feeling really good."

On Coach Rhoads' transition into head coach at Iowa State:

"Years ago, I met him a couple of places and had some friends on the Pitt staff when he was there. He is highly respected, a hard-working guy and really has a good reputation. He is really smart, so I believe he will do well. From just watching the tapes, he is on the right track. He is doing the things that first-year coaches do when a program is down a little bit. You can tell he is teaching the right things."

Senior Safety Darrell Stuckey

On the things that make Coach Mangino upset;

"If we come out flat, if he feels like we are under estimating someone, or if we are not playing to the best of our abilities because we didn't prepare like we should have individually, not because of the schemes we had. He hates mental errors and lack of focus."

On how to keep your poise:

"Sometime you have to be honest with yourself. You have to look back and really analyze how you and your team have been playing. You have to see if they are beating us or if were beating ourselves. If you know it's because of missed tackles, because of this play here, or if there was a breakdown of communication you know they are not beating you."

Senior Wide Receiver Kerry Meier

On the Iowa State game last year:

"It was definitely a learning lesson. We can't find ourselves digging that deep of a hole, especially in Big 12 play. Teams are going to be ready to come out and play four quarters and that's what we are going to have to do."

Thoughts on the bye-week:

It was good in a lot of areas. It gave us a chance to re-evaluate ourselves and see where we are at to try and figure out what we can do to get ourselves better. It gave us a chance to get a jumpstart on Iowa State to figure out what they are doing and developing schemes to beat them."

Senior Cornerback Justin Thornton

On last year's game against Iowa State:

"It's definitely something to learn from. If an opponent gets up 20-0 on you at halftime, you've definitely got to realize that you've got to be focused going into every game, otherwise someone will sneak up on you and beat you. They're a decent team this year; they're in the Big 12. In this day in age anyone can beat anyone. As long as we come in focused, we should be fine on Saturday."

On keeping composure when down by a lot:

"It's tough. It all comes with the leadership. We've got guys who have been in that situation before. All the guys who were in that situation last year, if something like that were to happen again we'd know how to handle ourselves. Experience helps and goes a long way in situations like that."

Junior Offensive Lineman Brad Thorson

On last year's game against Iowa State:

"I think it was a demonstration for us last year that we had a lot of talent and could win with our backs against the wall. It was a big test for us early in the season, but this is a different Iowa State team this year. They're still doing some things similar, they've got a lot of the same personnel. But they definitely have a different mentality this year so it's difficult to take a whole lot from that game and transfer it to this year."

On Iowa State's loss to Kansas State:

"They're going to be fired up because of that. I think they'd be fired up regardless. Up until that game, their only loss was to their in-state rival and Iowa is pretty good. They've shown they can play against great competition. Sometimes games like that (K-State game) jump up on you and surprise you, but I definitely think they are going to come in here and try to redeem themselves."

On the offensive line as a unit:

"We all really like each other and that really pays off. Every player has his own idiosyncrasies and we all play off each other really well and we've just got a great mentality. We are willing to joke with each other and on the field we can really understand each other because we are close."

Freshman Offensive Lineman Tanner Hawkinson:

On having a bye week:

"It's nice. It's relaxing to get a few days off over the weekend. It's always nice to play too and always nice to get out, so it's different, but definitely a nice feeling."

On getting the first four games under his belt:

"These first four games kind of came quick. Everything kind of came quick for me. Back in the spring, I had a bunch of time to develop and learn. But having last week off really helped in taking a deeper look in what more I needed to learn and develop."

"Well, That Was Basically Exactly What We Expected" -- Kansas 35 Southern Miss 28

rockchalk — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:53:52 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

2 months ago: Kansas coach Mark Mangino talks with a game official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

Going in, everyone kept on talking about how "scared" they were for Southern Miss. And for good reason -- the Golden Eagles have a very good offense, a passable defense and a really solid coaching staff. They are kind of like that one mid-major you never want to play in the NCAA Tournament. We all continued to say that it wouldn't be easy, that it would be a legitimately tough test and that it would be all okay as long as we won.

Well, that's pretty much what happened. Denver showed off his immense football predicting abilities, prognosticating a 38-28 Kansas victory, with the final score 35-28. So, yeah, it's basically exactly the type of game we expected.

Mostly filled with offense. Enough intrigue to get the Kansas fanbase nervous for the first time this year. Not in the bag until a minute-or-so left. Some national pundits calling for the upset, and acting like they were half-correct given the close game.

So, the point is -- it isn't a bad thing it was so close. The Golden Eagles know how to play football well. We aren't perfect. Don't freak out. I'm glad it was this close. It should be helpful to at least have some experience in close-and-late situations. The College Football Landscape is beginning to look like 2007 again -- it's our job to make sure we put ourselves in position just like two years ago. Except, yeah, let's win that game in Arrowhead.

Extra thoughts after the jump

Todd and the passing game looked better, which is comforting. I don't think anybody was seriously freaking out or anything, but it was nice to see him pick apart a not-terrible Golden Eagle defense. The pass to Kerry Meier on the first score was absolutely perfect, too.

Toben Opurum, I like what I see. I'm kind of miffed that Rell Lewis didn't get anything in the way of a carry, but obviously the staff feels there is a substantial gap between the two. And TO, or Toben, or whatever certainly didn't disappoint -- nearly 4 yards a carry on 28 carries is nothing to sneeze at. Of course, we still desperately need Jake Sharp and a 1-2 punch for future games, but Toben can be the man. Kind of.

Best part of the game was the dominating, suffocating run defense. The first three games, Clint Bowen and Company reared back their head and continually went after the quarterback. Repeatedly, we put in pass-rush specialists, sometimes even in non-passing downs, with the goal to get to Trevor Vittatoe or Thaddeus Lewis. With Southern Miss, though, the real danger is runningback Damion Fletcher -- he is going to play in the NFL, and he is as talented as any runningback we'll see all year. So, the defensive strategy changed. No longer was the primary goal to get to the quarterback, but instead to try and 2007 it, limiting the running game. And it worked beautifully -- 10 carries, 27 yards. That is fantastic. Probably the worst game Fletcher will have all season.

Of course, that still doesn't entirely excuse the embarrassing amount of pass rush on 3rd and long. Maybe it was turning back on the get-to-the-quarterback-at-all-costs switch or something, but even when the run wasn't a possibility, we really struggled in getting much pressure at all on Austin Davis. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if opponents have figured out that four defensive end front, so now it's time for Bowen and Bill Miller, with a bye weak, to throw in a new wrinkle.

We have four good players in the secondary. Four players who nearly everyone is confident in, at least on some level. Daymond Patterson, Darrell Stuckey, Justin Thornton and Chris Harris (who has struggled some since moving back to a pure corner, however). Of course, with our switch to a base 4-2-5 defense, we're left searching for that fifth member. Coming into the season, it was supposed to be Anthony Davis. He picked up three PI penalties in the first game. If he faltered, as he did, Calvin Rubles was the back-up option. He showed major JUCO rust. Then we re-arranged everything and tried out Phillip Strozier. He had middling results. He's still seeing the field, unlike the other two who are gone, but not as much. That would be because of Brian Murphy, who showed up in a big way yesterday. He was quite often tasked with defending the tight end on third down passing situations. And quite often, our secondary did a good job of forcing the ball to the tight end, short of the first down marker. And nearly every time, Brian did an excellent job of wrapping up, making the tackle short of the first down and getting the offense the ball back. Don't forget the interception, either. Being a hometown boy and all, it would be sweet if he can emerge as a RS sophomore and turn into a really solid player. He showed serious flashes of that yesterday.

Kerry Meier, do you really have to graduate?

But since you do, and it isn't negotiable, at least we have Bradley McDougald. Todd already trusts him to get open on third downs, and he is doing a pretty good job at it. As opponents key more and more on Kerry Meier, he is the guy who is going to benefit. He'll end up on a linebacker, and that just isn't fair.

Also -- Me likey McDougald at kickoff returner. For whatever reason, Briscoe hasn't been all that great. We're obviously looking at other options (Stuckey returned a kickoff too, IIRC), and McDougald had a good first audition.

That's all for now. Starting in Big 12 play, these will go up either Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. I promise x 1000. I'll get this whole thing worked out.

Kansas Press Conference Quotes 9.15.09

Denverjhawk — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:45:14 -0000

Coach Mangino looks back at UTEP and ahead to Duke. He also discusses the improvement with the defensive line as well as the fact that the running game is coming along nicely.

On the player side of things we hear from Steven Foster, Toben Opurum, Bradley McDougald, Daymond Patterson, Todd Reesing and Jake Sharp. Nice to see that some of our younger guys in the program are stepping up enough to get noticed, things look good for the future.

Players of the week and press conference quotes after the jump...

KU Players of the Game vs. UTEP

Offensive: Sal Capra

Defensive: Max Onyegbule

Special Teams: Kick-off coverage unit

Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week: Prinz Kande

Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week: Erick McGriff

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Recap of last week's game vs. UTEP

"I am very pleased and our staff is pleased with the effort on both sides of the ball, as well as our kicking game. I thought it was one of those games where we really felt like we were in control of the game from early on, and maybe just left some points on the field, but still played pretty well on offense. We did some good things in the run game and pass game, and we did a good job controlling the line of scrimmage on offense, which is something we really needed to do."

"On the defensive side of the ball, I think we are improving. We are improving in areas of playing the run better and getting pressure on the quarterback with a four-man rush. We closed the zones hard and played well in the secondary, as well as some good man coverages. I liked the way we attacked the ball and attacked the receivers. So, overall it was a good effort."

Opening statements on this week's game vs. Duke:

"Duke is just in their second year under David Cutcliffe, and you can see they are a team that is getting better. They are a team that stays on track. They do not panic. They stay with their game plan. Their offense is deliberate. They are always trying to get better at the plays they run, which you can see is part of their coaching philosophy. They beat Army last week, but they were going into the fourth quarter 14-13. They came back on a drive with Sean Renfree, who is actually the back-up quarterback, and then they had two interceptions for touchdowns as well. So, they don't panic, they are able to stay calm and do what they have to do. They are using two quarterbacks. Thad Lewis has been their starter and he will start this week, but their back-up is very capable as well. On the defensive side of the ball, they are sound fundamentally. They have a good-looking defensive tackle named Vince Oghobaase. He is a big, strong guy who comes off the ball well. They are smart and play good, sound, fundamental defense. So, we are looking forward to getting back to Memorial Stadium and playing very well."

On the speed of running back Jake Sharp:

"He is physically quicker. He is quicker and faster to acceleration than he was a year ago. He had a great offseason of working out and doing the things that are necessarily to make you better. He is a very, very hard worker."

On the team's improvement of making sacks:

"Based on Saturday night's performance, I am pleased, but we need to continue to do that. A lot of it is just fundamental play and I felt coming in to this season, we needed to be better pass rushers and in order to do that, we needed to be better fundamentally. I thought we needed to take care of the little things in a pass rush, like rushing a half-man instead of a full-man and getting a good jump on the ball. We tell them to use their hands, for instance we tell our defensive lineman that if your numbers are exposed to the offensive lineman, he is taught to punch those numbers and lock out. But if you come off flatback and ready to dip or rip or swat or whatever move you want to use, the offensive lineman will have trouble getting his hands on those numbers. You have to play at ‘pad-level.' Getting your pads down is the whole start of good pass rush. We drill the heck out of pass rush work in training camp. I know the kids are probably sick of it, but they are starting to see the benefits of doing it. Saturday was a good night but we have to continue to do that now. As we keep going in competition, we'll be stiffer and stiffer."

On rotating centers Brad Thorson and Jeremiah Hatch:

"Hatch was just not feeling good and could not function. Thorson is our back-up center and he plays it well, and we also feel good about our back-up guards. We would like to play the way we started the game with Hatch, but we were forced to do that and that is okay. It is good we were forced in that situation because we know now what kind of work we can get out Thorson at center."

On progression of Justin Thornton:

"Justin is an intelligent player. He is a smart kid. He knows our defense very well and has played in it for a number of years now. Because he understands the mental aspect of it and he is a good athlete, he is able to fit in different places and help us. I would be comfortable if we needed to use him at corner, although I would prefer not to do that. He understands the nickel position, the free position and the strong position. He has made himself useful. He is like a utility player in baseball; those guys who stay on rosters for years because they can do more than one thing. He is able to do it because he understands it and he is very smart."

On KU's run game:

"The defenses that we have played in the first two games wanted to stop the pass. Watching how they played us and the adjustments they made kind of told us what they were going to do. They [our opponents] do not want Todd [Reesing] coming in there and passing for 400-500 yards. So, it is great because if they are going to play us that way, we can run the ball."

On progress of Toben Opurum:

"Toben has done a good job. Now, he has a lot to learn, as there is a lot more to this game than getting the ball and running up field with it. He has to learn the little things that come with being a good running back. He is just a true freshman, who is learning something new everyday either on the practice field or in the classroom. But he is doing well and I am impressed with his progress."

On defensive end Max Onyegbule:

"It does not matter what you look like. There are a lot of guys out there that do not look like players, but are very productive. There are others who really scare you when you see them, but then they cannot play. Max came in here as a linebacker, never having played defensive end, but he looked like a defensive end to me, so we made the change after his first year. He really worked his tail off in the weight room. You can see he looks bigger and stronger because to play the end position you need to be able to pass rush, squeeze guards, full backs, run plays. There are big tackles that are trying to smother you on run plays, so you have to be physical and Max did a good job of getting himself ready in the weight room. The next step was understanding everything that was going on, and I thought toward the end of last year the light really started to go on for him. Now, he is really playing with confidence and playing hard. I think he had to learn how to play the game hard on every snap. Those are the reasons he is much improved."

On Kansas' offensive performance vs. UTEP:

"I think our expectation, as coaches, is perfection. We know our offensive unit has the chance to be really good, so where there is a little mistake here or there, we think that should not happen. Most teams in America would like to have the offensive performance we had Saturday night, but yes, we did leave points on the field. There were a couple reasons, for instance there were a few times we were not real crisp on routes and did not recognize things right away. We had bad communication in the pass game on a few things, but nothing major. Sometimes it was just flat-out execution. We dropped some balls that we do not normally drop. We had a fumble, which we seldom do, because we get after our kids and work them pretty well fundamentally on how to hold on to the ball. But 34 points, and all the yardage we had, is pretty good for our first road game and I think we will take that and run with it."

Sophomore Defensive Lineman Steven Foster:

On having to learn fundamentals on the fly after switiching from fullback to defensive end:

"I have never really played defensive end before, but with Coach (Tom) Sims, he really just simplified everything for me and he taught me the basics. I still work with him after practice a little bit because I don't have everything down perfect and nobody else does either. It's just a continuing process. We go over it every single day in the meeting room and at practice. So it gets easier for me."

On the importance of the defensive line:

"In the passing game, obviously it's important in the pass rush. We have got to get the quarterback. If he has too much time he can stand back there and make plays, especially with some of the quarterbacks we have in the Big 12 like (Sam) Bradford and (Colt) McCoy. If we give them too much time, then they are going to make plays. In the run game, the defensive line does a lot because we can hold up offensive linemen so our linebackers can run free and make plays."

Freshman Wide Receiver Bradley McDougald

On what caused some miscues in the first half:

"I would say it is the momentum. We were driving, but then later on in the drive, it would seem like we were going through the motions and not fully focused. Once we came back out in the second half and started scoring and started moving the ball more efficiently, things started to sharpen up a little bit."

On the first road game:

"It was good. It wasn't as hostile as I thought it was going to be just because our offense was moving the ball and taking the crowd out of it, which helped a lot. It was good to get that under my belt to build my confidence so I know what to expect when I go on the road from here on out."

On playing Duke and being back at home:

"Being back at home, we will have our fans behind us. We are looking to have a big turnout with the fans. Just coming in and looking at the film, we are trying to pick up their tendencies as always. This week at practice, I think the coaches are going to stress the little things to make our overall game better so we can actually punch it into the end zone instead of just kicking field goals."

Freshman Running Back Toben Opurum

On his first road game:

"The road game was definitely a different atmosphere than what I am used to. Playing here, we have all the fan support. It is a different atmosphere going to UTEP. They have got crazy fans down there. The stadium was beautiful."

On whether he is feeling more comfortable on the field:

"I feel like the coaches are working me a little bit more. I was able to work with the offense and I am getting a more comfortable being able to just recognize signals and recognize different things."

On how Jake Sharp is able to help him:

"Jake (Sharp) has had a great season. I think it really helps that he is doing so well because that helps me do well when I've seen what he has done off the field. I get to look up to that. Anytime before practice, he is helping me out on certain plays and all the time trying to get me to become a better player for this program."

Sophomore Cornerback Daymond Patterson

On how KU's pass rush has helped him:

"The pass rush this past weekend was real good, probably one of our better ones. It really made it easy out there playing DB this week just because the quarterback was out there scrambling so much and he didn't know where they were coming from."

On the nickelback position:

"You have got to be more physical to play the nickel because you are basically a linebacker removed from the box who is covering people. Also you have got to be able to come in and fill gaps inside and outside and make plays on the run a lot. It is probably more of a safety position than a corner position."

On Duke:

"We have watched a little film on them, so I am not really aware of everything they do. I do know they are trying to get their program moving forward. We are just looking to get a little scouting report on them and go in and watch a little film and see what they have got."

Senior Quarterback Todd Reesing

On Duke:

"They are a BCS conference team. They are a talented team with a lot of kids that have a lot of ability. Just like last week, we were going to a place with a defense that has guys that can play and guys that can make plays and it is something we have to get ready for."

On Duke's recruitment of him:

"They recruited me. They were my only other school that I was looking at that I had an offer from before I came here. I had a chance to go up there and went to their camp. They hadn't offered me anything, so I went up there and threw and ended up getting an offer after that. It is a school, that obviously academically, was very interesting for me, but after I came here I kind of knew that here is where I wanted to go. It was definitely a school I looked at. It is a school that has a very good reputation academically and they were looking to build their program at the time and it was something I saw as an opportunity."

On Coach Mangino saying the team left points on the board at UTEP:

"Absolutely. I don't think he needs to tell us that for us to know that. There is no question that we left points on the board. We got down to the red zone and were not able to convert touchdowns. That is my fault for not getting the ball where it needs to be sometimes and guys not executing, so it is disappointing. It is encouraging though that you put up 570 yards of offense and walk away a little disappointed, but that is the truth of it. We did not feel like we played our best game on offense. That was on me. I did not have my best game. It is hard to be too upset after a loss, but now after it is all over and we enjoyed the fun of a win. I am ready to get back to work. I did not play my best and was not as sharp for whatever reason. No one always can play their best - I mean, even (Roger) Federer lost yesterday - so it's good to get back to work. I can't wait to get back out there this week and get that passing game back to where it needs to be."

Senior Running Back Jake Sharp

On the first two weeks of play by the offensive line:

"I think, basically, we come out with the same mentality - whatever they are going to give us, we are going to take. And with two great outings, those guys have really come together and I am really happy to run behind those guys. I think that is the basis of the success of our running game."

On his increased speed this year:

"I keep working hard on my lifts and stuff like that. Coach (Chris) Dawson - he is the man to ask on that one. I just do the same stuff, but increase the intensity. Being in my last year, guys like Kerry Meier and I just put in extra work. We just do a little extra every day and it has paid off so far."

On how his extra work has brought a good start:

"It is something where you can see the results. It is very pleasing and I am very happy with it."

On the team's early road success:

"It was a definite emphasis. We goofed a bit in the past going on the road early. It was an emphasis that we were going to go out and play a great game. We were going to play a team that was more than capable of beating us and causing us problems, but with the right metal attitude and mental frame of mind, we were able to do what we wanted to do."

Hawk Talk: UTEP the Morning After

Denverjhawk — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:39:41 -0000

A look at news and notes about the game...

Jayhawks win but the team is still looking to improve.
Defensive line finally puts it together in an impressive performance against UTEP.
Position changes in the secondary help out in UTEP win.
Miners say, "We just couldn't stop them."
KC Star story about the game.
Box Score
Game Report

Denver's Take...

While the offense still ended up with nearly 600 yards in total output the defense was the story in El Paso and that is a very good sign.

Chris Harris back to corner, Justin Thornton to the Nickel spot and Phillip Strozier at safety seemed to solve any concerns in the defensive secondary and the coverage led to a few sacks up front.

On the defensive line the front four to their credit was also making it happen themselves. Maxwell Onyegbule and Jeff Wheeler the two most talked about defensive ends in terms of potential throughout their careers finally seemed to realize a little bit of that at the Sun Bowl.

Sure UTEP shot themselves in the foot at times but regardless of who you are playing, when a team that can't break the century mark in total yards for the better part of three quarters you are doing something right.

Even the linebacking corps seemed solid with both Arist Wright and Drew Dudley providing excellent run support as well as playing pretty solid in coverage when called upon. If you need a stat to show what these guys did, UTEP only put together 4 yards rushing and numerous times I saw Drew Dudley meeting the Miner backs in the holes or in the backfield.

Lastly on the defensive side of the ball the game plan itself was much improved, far less vanilla and at times did look to disrupt the rhythm of the UTEP offensive game. All in all this was a big confidence builder on the defensive side of the ball and something we all needed to see.

From an offensive perspective Jake Sharp and Dezmon Briscoe showed up to play, both having tremendous outputs. The team as a whole as I said was near 600 yards but it still looked a mess at times. Todd Reesing was battling some bad snaps at times which might have led to some of his questionable play making but I'll cut the guy some slack as he's usually a warrior out there for us. It might have even felt good for him to know he didn't have to win every game for us.

Our two headed monster of Jake Sharp and Toben Opurum combined for 166 of the teams 255 rushing yards behind a modified offensive line that saw Thorson move back to center, Capra to LG and Trevor Marrongelli enter the game at right guard and count me among those impressed by this guy. Ultimately I really want Hatch back in the game and his snapping concerns addressed but it's good to know we have some solid depth on the interior. The competition in this area is stiff and it's going to get harder and harder for the coaching staff to keep a guy like Marrongelli off the field.

In terms of pass protection it did seem that Todd Reesing was scrambling less, most of his jitters in the pocket seemed more a result of either his own indecision or a lack of open receivers. Tanner Hawkinson again protected the backside but Jeff Spikes did stumble a bit at the right tackle and at this point might be the one weak link up front that has shown through 2 games.

Finally, the third phase of the game on special teams. Kick return game looked good as Daymond Patterson nearly broke two punt returns for touchdowns. Jacob Branstetter and Alonso Rojas continue to look pretty solid in terms of kicking when it comes to the kind that determines field position. The biggest concern that was exposed today was hands down the kicking accuracy of Branstetter. It's early and I'm hoping those were jitters but right now this is an area that could lose a game for us and that's scary.

Overall, Kansas dominated this one and the reality is we still are far from putting together our best game. Duke next week and then another decent test in Southern Miss before Iowa State and Big 12 conference play. There's a lot of football to go but if there is one thing the first two weeks have shown it's that this year is wide open in the Big 12. Put the pieces together and there's no telling what Kansas might accomplish.

Postgame Quotes and Notes after the jump...

- With the win KU: Started a season 2-0 for the seventh consecutive season... Won its fourth straight game dating back to last year... Stopped a three-game non-conference road losing streak... Improved to 18-2 in its last 20 non-conference games... Improved to 25-7 in its last 32 games overall...

- KU Head Coach Mark Mangino tied for second among KU coaches for career victories with his 47^th win (47-41 overall). He is tied with Glen Mason (47-54-1) and behind A.R. Kennedy (52-9-4).

- New starters from last week included RB Toben Opurum (first career start for the freshman as KU started two running backs) and WR Dezmon Briscoe on offense and DT Caleb Blakesley and S Phillip Strozier on defense. Chris Harris started at cornerback this week after starting at nickel back in the first game.

- KU recorded three sacks in the first quarter to extend its streak of recording at least three sacks in a game to four straight dating back to last year. The first-quarter sacks were by Max Onyegbule, Jeff Wheeler and Patrick Dorsey.

- Jake Sharp's 30-yard run from the KU six-yard line in the first quarter, was the second-longest rush of his career (47 vs. Kansas State last season).

- Sharp moved into 10^th place on the KU career rushing list as he entered the game with 1,933 yards and moved past Kerwin Bell (1,970).

- Sharp tied for fifth place on the KU career rushing touchdowns list after entering the game with 20 scores on the ground.

- Sharp moved into third place on the KU career receptions by a running back list after entering the game with 54 career grabs.

- Sharp scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the same game for the fourth time in his career.

- Sharp recorded the fifth 100-yard rushing game of his career, including his second in two games this season (had 123 in opener against Northern Colorado).

- Sharp has rushed for 15 touchdowns in the last 11 games.

- KU junior Justin Thornton recorded his eighth career interception in the second quarter after a deflection by Daymond Patterson.

- WR Dezmon Briscoe recorded his fifth straight 100-yard receiving game dating back to last year and in fact had 121 yards by halftime. It marked his eighth career 100-yard receiving game which tied Willie Vaughn for the most in KU history.

- Briscoe moved into third place on the KU career receiving yardage list as he entered the game with 1,903 yards and Richard Estell had 1,997.

- Briscoe has now caught at least two passes in 20 consecutive games.

- QB Todd Reesing moved into ninth place on the Big 12 career total offense list as he entered the game with 8,392 yards and Josh Freeman of Kansas State had 8,421 in his career.

- DE Maxwell Onyegbule had a career-high tackle total (had five vs. Texas last year). His first five tackles were for loss, including two sacks.

Hawk Talk Northern Colorado Tailgate Edition

Denverjhawk — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:00:36 -0000

A look at news and notes from game week about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

The Good Guys...

Clint Bowen looks to improve in his second season as defensive coordinator.
Toben Opurum and Bradley McDougald will look to make immediate impact on the field as freshman.
Stadium Improvements in the works with more luxury boxes on the east side.
Stuckey named a Lowe's Senior CLASS Award Candidate.
Special teams improvement a major focus for this years team.
Daymond Patterson ready to step up in his Sophomore campaign at corner.
Season opener a sellout.
A look at the competition for the linebacker job for the Jayhawks.
Kale Pick solid as the backup quarterback?
Sal Capra and Brad Thorson finding their niche with the Jayhawk program.
Toughness a key to Mangino's success with the program.
The offensive returnees look to make a big splash this season.
A look at a Reesing Top 10, tip 10 plays that is.
ESPN Game Preview.

The Bad Guys...

UNoCo Bears open the season for the third straight year against top QB talent
Quarterback Ryan Waggener confident headed into the season.
A look at the Bears offensive line situation.
Preseason preview for the UNoCo Bears
Bears have struggled since the jump to D1.

Denver's Take...

In a word; tuneup. That's plain and simple what this is. The Jayhawks will overmatch the UNoCo Bears in nearly every way. From a physical standpoint, talent wise and overall coaching. The important thing is to get something out of this one.

Last years opener I remember almost from the get go getting that feeling that we weren't going to be on par with 2007. The offense wasn't as crisp, the defense struggled in areas and it was as this year against a lesser opponent. Sure it was still and easy win but it was still apparent.

Things I'm looking for in this one are how the line gels. Do they look like they are on the same page and does Tanner Hawkinson look the part. How does Hatch handle the interior from a leadership standpoint and do program guys in Capra and Thorson look like the right moves. Is Jeff Spikes taking that next step and ready to lock down the right side in a dominant fashion.

Keep Reesing healthy and get Kale Pick some minutes late. We know what we're getting from the first line of receivers but how does the second unit in look. We should get a good look at a few more than normal because Dezmon Briscoe won't be playing in this one. He'll be on the sideline but don't expect him in the game today.

Will Jake Sharp and Topen Opurum get the running game off to a faster start this season and can Toben provide the blocking in the backfield that we missed last year in the passing game.

Defensively how strong does out defensive line rotation look and does the defensive backfield handle their business effectively and with confidence.

The linebacker rotation will be a big area I'll be watching. Who's in, how often, what combos and how effective are they. If we struggle here against UNoCo how concerned should we be.

Lastly on special teams I want to see us control the field position through better kick coverage and a much improved return game. Play this one on a short field and make the other team work harder with a long field. Even without Briscoe returning kicks today this needs to happen.

A tune up for sure, but a lot of expectations in terms of what we need to see to begin to ease the concerns of Jayhawk fans everywhere and show that this season truly can be a special one.

Final Score: Kansas 55 UNoCo 10

Also here is your friendly reminder to join fellow Hawks in the open thread if you don't already have plans...I will be sporting blue in a kickoff tailgate of sorts at Casa de Denver, grilling watching football and cheering the Hawks to victory. The flag is hoisted out front. Let's play some football.

Supplemental Notes and more things to look for after the jump...

KANSAS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN MANGINO ERA

Four bowl games in a six-year span (2003-present). That represents one-third of KU's bowl appearances in just six years (eight bowl games in the previous 56 years since KU's fi rst bowl game in 1948).
Bowl games in consecutive years (2007 and 2008) for the fi rst time in school history.
Three consecutive bowl victories for the fi rst time in school history.
Eight wins in consecutive seasons for the fi rst time since 1908 and 1909.
Twenty wins in a two-year period, the most in consecutive years in school history (won 18 games combined in 2006-07 and 1904-05).
Six wins in four straight seasons (2005-08) for the fi rst time since 1903-06.
Combined 33-17 record from 2005-08 for the most wins in a four-year period in school history.
Set new home attendance average records in each of the last four seasons.
KU returned to the national polls in 2007, the Jayhawks' fi rst ranking since 1996.
KU was ranked in a school-record 19 consecutive Associated Press polls from 2007 through half of 2008.
Reached No. 2 in the polls after winning fi rst 11 games in 2007.

KANSAS HONORS IN MANGINO ERA

KU has produced 72 All-Big 12 selections.
KU has produced 45 Academic All-Big 12 First Team selections.
Four Jayhawks were drafted after the 2007 season, including fi rst-round selection Aqib Talib.
In 2007 and 2008 KU had a combined three All-Americans and 24 All-Big 12 selections.
A number of Jayhawks have made national award lists, including two fi nalists in Aqib Talib (Nagurski Award) and Anthony Collins (Outland Trophy) in 2007.

EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE -- In the last two years the Kansas offense has ranked among the best in the country. The 2007 team set school records in total offense, passing and scoring. Last year's team set a new record in passing offense.

Year       Total Offense    Passing           Scoring
2007     479.77 (8th)    291.00 (17th)   42.77 (2nd)
2008     432.38 (21st)    305.62 (8th)     33.38 (22nd)

THINGS TO LOOK FOR AGAINST UNC

KU has won fi ve straight home openers.
KU has won 17 consecutive non-conference home games.
KU has won 18 straight home games played at night.
KU has had nine straight home games with 48,000 in attendance.
QB Todd Reesing has thrown a touchdown pass in 18 consecutive games.
Reesing (619) needs eight completions to pass Jason White of Oklahoma (626) for 10th and 36 to pass Josh Heupel of Oklahoma (654) for ninth on the Big 12 Career Completions list.
Reesing (8,105) needs 317 yards of total offense to pass Josh Freeman of Kansas State (8,421) for ninth on the Big 12 Career Total Offensive Yardage list.
Reesing (1,196) needs 19 plays to pass Eli Roberson of Kansas State (1,214) for 10th on the Big 12 Career Total Offensive Plays list.
WR Dezmon Briscoe has produced four straight 100-yard receiving games.
Briscoe (7) needs one 100-yard game to tie Willie Vaughn for first on the KU Career 100-Yard Receiving Games list.
Briscoe has caught at least two passes in 19 consecutive games.
Briscoe (1,903) needs 95 yards to pass Richard Estell (1,997) for third on the KU Career Receiving Yards list.
WR Kerry Meier has caught at least two passes in 21 consecutive games.
Meier (10) needs one touchdown reception to tie two others for ninth on the KU Career Touchdown receptions list.
Meier (5) needs one 100-yard receiving game to tie two others for third on the KU Career 100-Yard Receiving Games list.
RB Jake Sharp (1,810) needs 53 yards for 12th, 105 for 11th and 161 yards for 10th on the KU Career Rushing Yardage list.
Sharp (19) needs two rushing touchdowns to tie for sixth and three to tie for fi fth on the KU Career Rushing Touchdown list.
Sharp (6) needs one 100-yard rushing game to tie fi ve others for seventh on the KU Career 100-Yard Rushing Games list.
Sharp (52) needs three receptions for fourth and fi ve receptions for third on the KU Career Receptions By A Running Back list.
Briscoe and Sharp (132 each) need six points to move into a tie for ninth place on the KU Career Points list.
S Darrell Stuckey (7) needs one interception to tie for 10th on the KU Career Interceptions list.

SHARP LOOKING FOR 800 AGAIN -- RB Jake Sharp is looking to become the fi rst Jayhawk since Laverne Smith from 1974-76 to rush for at least 800 yards in three straight seasons as he gained 821 in 2007 and 860 last year.

ACTIVE KU CAREER TACKLES
Player, Class Career 2009
S Darrell Stuckey, Sr. 202
S Justin Thornton, Sr. 155
NB Chris Harris, Jr. 124
LB Arist Wright, Sr. 77
DE Jake Laptad, Jr. 58
S Phillip Strozier, Jr. 41
DT Caleb Blakesley, Sr. 40

ACTIVE KU CAREER INTERCEPTIONS
Player, Class Career 2009
S Darrell Stuckey, Sr. 7
S Justin Thornton, Sr. 7
NB Chris Harris, Jr. 3
S Phillip Strozier, Jr. 2
LB Arist Wright, Sr. 1
DE Maxwell Onyegbule, Sr. 1
WR Isiah Barfield, So. 1

ACTIVE KU CAREER SACKS
Player, Class Career 2009
DE Jake Laptad, Jr. 10
DE Maxwell Onyegbule, Sr. 6.0
DE Jeff Wheeler, Sr. 4.5
DT Caleb Blakesley, Sr. 2.5
DT Jamal Greene, Jr. 2.0
LB Arist Wright, Sr. 1.0
NB Chris Harris, Jr. 1.0
DT Richard Johnson, So. 0.5

SB Nation Big 12 Roundtable: Week One

rockchalk — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:36:07 -0000

This is the first installment of this year's version of the Big 12 Roundtable. As the kickass logo shows, all ten blogs should be participating, making it worth your while. This week, Rock M Nation is hosting, so head over there sometime tomorrow for a recap post which will take the best from all of the individual posts. The goal for me is to get at least one quote up there. Even if it is for sympathy. Beggars can't be choosers.

1. Everyone knows the national talking points for each Big 12 team by now (Oklahoma has new linemen! Bill Snyder's back at Kansas State! Baylor might upset somebody!). Give us a storyline for your team that isn't quite getting the attention it should.

The defense returns nearly everybody. Whenever anybody talks about Kansas' defense, it always centers around the loss of Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera and James Holt. All three present big losses, particularly the latter, but nearly every other contributor from 2008's defense will be back in a Jayhawk uniform this season.

More specifically, the secondary gets a bad rap. And deservedly so -- we gave up a ridiculous amount of points and yards and all of that last season. However, it should be much better this season -- everyone is back, for one, and it's the deepest group in Kansas history. Darrell Stuckey is a legitimate All-American candidate, Daymond Patterson should be All-Big 12, while Anthony Davis, Justin Thornton and Chris Harris have all shined for stretches -- Thornton and Harris in 2007, Davis in fall practice. People should be surprised about how much better our secondary is.

2. The Big 12 continues to be derided by other conferences as a pass-happy, no defense, made-for-TV free-for-all. The question must be asked, how accurate is this description, and is the perception something of which the conference should be ashamed?

It's partly the truth, partly exaggeration, as most extreme claims are. Obviously, offense reigns supreme in the Big 12, but it isn't like there aren't good defenses, either. Oklahoma held the vaunted Florida offense, which ripped ESSS EEEE SEEEE defenses to shreds all season long, to only 24 points. Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy, both Big 12ers, are probably the tw

o best interior defensive linemen in the entire country.

So, the perception is far greater than the reality. As to whether the perception matters at all -- I don't really care, no. It isn't like the Big 12's offense-first perception hurt them in bowl placement last year, and it shouldn't anytime in the future, either. Sam Bradford still won the Heisman, so that didn't have much of an impact (if one at all).

Football, as a whole, follows trends. Right now, the trendy offense is the spread, and no conference has adapted as quickly to this newest wrinkle of fabric than the Big 12. Basically, that is what the Big 12 is being punished for -- adapting quicker than the SEC (of course, a spread offense would never work in the SEC) and all of the other conferences to this new age of college football.

In 15 years, or whatever it is, when defenses have learned how to severely limit the spread, and the en vogue style becomes to run the ball 45 times a game, will the Big 12 be made fun of if they adapt quicker there, too?

3. Over the summer, ESPN's Tim Griffin compiled a list of the Top 25 moments of the Big 12 era that stirred up a bit of internal debate. Which moments for your program were either overrated or underrated?

Happy memory or not, Armageddon at Arrowhead should have been a Top 10 moment in league history. Probably even Top 5. I mean, compare it to Tim Griffin's Number 2 item on the list, Texas Tech's win over Texas last season.

Kansas (#2) and Missouri (#4) had a combined ranking of 6. Texas (#1) and Texas Tech (#7) had a combined ranking of 8. According to the rankings, at least, Kansas and Missouri were better teams relative to that year's competition. ADVANTAGE: ARMAGEDDON at ARROWHEAD (AA)
Kansas vs. Missouri took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. TT-UT took place on November 1st, a full 4 weeks prior to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A DVANTAGE: AA.
None of the four teams ended up playing in the MNC game, so no bonus points added there.
KU vs. MU was the biggest game in school history for BOTH schools; it was only the biggest game in Texas Tech history, diminishing the impact.

The only things that would lead you to believe the Red Raiders' win is superior is that (a) it ended on a last-second play and (b) it was at Texas Tech, prompting a rushing of the field and such. Fine. Maybe put it a spot-or-two ahead of Armageddon. But a Texas man like Tim Griffin, or anybody that grew up/lived in the Kansas or Missouri area, doesn't really understand what that game meant. It's one of my favorite Kansas football memories/moments of all time -- just because of what it meant, and all of the pregame hype.

The game was huge. The atmosphere was ele

ctric. It's a joke, an absolute joke and a travesty, to have it ranked at #23. I couldn't tell you anything else about the list, because I stopped reading it after that.

But, what is particularly irksome is, for example, #15 was Texas' 66-3 loss. How the hell is that a top moment in Big 12 history. I mean, what the eff (David Blaine)?

I'm done.

4. We've seen no less than 30-40 "Best Big 12 Coaches" power rankings in the offseason, but rarely is there the same press for the coordinators. If you had to replace your offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator with coordinators from within the conference, who are you poaching and why?

Offensive Coordinator isn't as easy for me now that Larry Fedora is out of the conference. I think he's just aces (just for you, Labba), which is why I'm already panicking about the Southern Miss game. Anyways, with him disqualified, I suppose I'll go with Mike Leach. That counts, right? No? Shoot. Um, I don't really...know...any...coordinators. So, I'll just copy RMN's answer and go with Oklahoma State's offensive coordinator. If I like Fedora so much, and their offense seemed to have stayed the same, that means the new guy is like a clone of Fedora! Yeah! That's it. What's his name?

Defensive Coordinator is awfully easy, though. Give me Will Muschamp and you take whoever you want, and we'll have a defensive coordinator battle off. Oh, we weren't talking actual fistifights? No matter -- Muschamp can coach up some defense as well. And it's always fun to watch over-30 white men jump up and down and act like they are hip. Or whatever. Anyways, that's my choice. And no, it's not because he's the only defensive coordinator I can name.

5. Time to start our weekly Big 12 Power Poll. Rank the Big 12 teams from 1 to 12. (Note: This IS a power poll and isn't intended to account for schedule)

1) Texas

2) Oklahoma

3) Oklahoma State

4) Kansas

5) Missouri

6) Nebraska

7) Texas Tech

8) Baylor

9) Colorado

10) Texas A&M

11) Kansas State

12) Iowa State

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Yay.