SB Nation - Jeremiah Hatch

Hawk Talk: Kansas vs. Texas Tailgate Edition

Denverjhawk — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:12 -0000

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

The Good Guys...

Investigation Aims to Find out if Mangino went to Far.
What Happens with Mangino if Kansas beats Texas?
Mangino Denies Validity of Former Players Claims.
Chris Harris Supports his Coach.
Jayhawks focusing on putting together four solid quarters.
Coach Mangino Happy with New Look Offensive Line.
Kansas Freshman Linebacker Huldon Tharp overcomes some tough odds.
KU v Texas Preview.

Denver's Take...

Wow, what a week. I'm torn at the moment in terms of our coach, but I'm not torn in terms of my support for the players. I'd love nothing more than seeing this group pull together and shock the world in Austin, but I have to admit I'm not holding my breath.

Not sure what the week ahead holds. The end result seems inevitable, but the more we hear and the more we don't hear it sometimes seems like a bad situation that may only get worse. More than a few times Coach Mangino has reminded fans why they believed in him so much. He's stood almost defiant in the face of countless attacks and some pretty credible former players have stepped forward in his defense.

Coach Mangino has done a lot for Kansas football and to see his name kicked around is painful regardless of where you stand on this. Furthermore it's more bad press for a school riding high just two years ago.

This might be the last time we see coach Mangino on the sideline for the Jayhawks. My personal feeling is that how these players respond might tell us a lot about who's right and who's wrong in this situation. That might be an unfair statement with the Longhorns in wait, but do they come together or simply pack it in. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I'm about as anxious for this one as I have been for any game since Colorado. Rock Chalk...and stay tuned.

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Mark Mangino (Youngstown State, 1987) is in his eighth season as the head coach at Kansas. Mangino has continually improved the Kansas program, which had not posted a winning record in any of the six seasons before his arrival. Prior to coming to Kansas, Mangino helped in the turnaround of the Kansas State football program in the 1990s before becoming an assistant at Oklahoma. He also coached at New Castle (Pa.) High School, Youngstown State, Geneva College, and Ellwood City (Pa.) High School.

MANGINO HIGHLIGHTS

Consensus National Coach of the Year (2007).
Only coach in NCAA to earn both the national coach of the year and the national assistant coach of the year honors (Broyles Award in 2000).
Has been a part of 13 bowl games in his last 16 years of coaching.
Is the first Kansas coach to have a winning record since Jack Mitchell (44-42-5) in 1966 (KU had seven fulltime coaches in between).
Was the offensive coordinator for the national champion Oklahoma Sooners in 2000.

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 first bowl game in 1948).
Bowl games in consecutive years (2007 and 2008) for the first time in school history.
Three consecutive bowl victories for the first time in school history.
Eight wins in consecutive seasons (2007 and 2008) for the first 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 first 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' first 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 first 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 first-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 finalists in Aqib Talib (Nagurski Award) and Anthony Collins (Outland Trophy) in 2007.

MANGINO YEAR BY YEAR AT KANSAS
Year Overall Big 12 Bowls
2002 2-10 0-8 / 6th North
2003 6-7 3-5 / 4th North Tangerine Bowl
2004 4-7 2-6 / 5th North
2005 7-5 3-5 / 5th North Fort Worth Bowl Champions
2006 6-6 3-5 / 4th North
2007 12-1 7-1 / t1st North Orange Bowl Champions
2008 8-5 4-4 / 3rd North Insight Bowl Champions
2009 5-5 1-5
Totals 50-46 23-39 3-1

KU VICTORY LIST RECORD
1. A.R. Kennedy, 1904-10 52-9-4
2. Mark Mangino, 2002-present 50-46-0
3. Glen Mason, 1988-96 47-54-1
4. Jack Mitchell, 1958-66 44-42-5

THINGS TO LOOK FOR AGAINST TEXAS:

WR Kerry Meier (2,209) needs 58 receiving yards to pass Willie Vaughn (2,266) for second on the KU career receiving yardage list. Dezmon Briscoe is first at 2,897.
Meier (83) needs 10 receptions for second on the KU season receptions list (holds record with 97 last year).
Meier has caught at least two passes in 31 consecutive games and at least one pass in 32 straight contests.
WR Dezmon Briscoe (2,897) needs 111 receiving yards to pass Carlos Francis of Texas Tech (3,007) for seventh on the Big 12 Conference career receiving yardage list.
Briscoe has caught at least four passes in 13 consecutive games and at least two in 28 straight.
Briscoe (994) needs just 21 receiving yards for fifth, 52 for fourth and 116 for third on the KU season receiving yardage lists.
Briscoe has caught at least one touchdown pass in three straight games and in six of nine games this year.
QB Todd Reesing (2,862) needs 133 passing yards for third on the KU season passing yardage list.

KU-UT NOTABLE -- KU boasts 35 players on its roster from the state of Texas, including starting QB Todd Reesing, who is from Austin and attended Lake Travis High School... Current KU starters from the state of
Texas include OC Jeremiah Hatch (Dallas/Carter), WR Johnathan Wilson (Houston/Klein Forest), WR Dezmon Briscoe (Dallas/Cedar Hill), QB Todd Reesing (Austin/Lake Travis), DE Jeff Wheeler (Houston/Clear Lake), LB
Arist Wright (Houston/Alief Taylor), and FS Lubbock Smith (Dallas/Carter).

The North in 2010

Bill C. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:00:31 -0000

The 2009 Big 12 North race is, to say the least, intriguing heading into November, but the way my brain works, I can't help but keep an eye on the future as all of this plays out. And since it's in my head, I might as well type it out too, huh? As November 2009 begins, let's take a look at...2010.

What we're going to do is simple: we're going to take the most recent two-deeps listed on each team's website, remove the seniors, and see what's left. Obviously there will be plenty more analysis to come, but this will be a nice, preliminary peek. I can't help myself.

Missouri

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Blaine Gabbert (Jr) Jimmy Costello (So)	DE	Jacquies Smith (Jr) Marcus Malbrough (So)
RB	Derrick Washington (Sr) De'Vion Moore (So)	DT	Dominique Hamilton (Jr) Marvin Foster (RSFr)
WR	Jerrell Jackson (Jr) Brandon Gerau (Jr)	DT	Terrell Resonno (Jr) Bart Coslet (Sr)
WR	T.J. Moe (So) Rolandis Woodland (So)	DE	Aldon Smith (So) Brad Madison (So)
WR	Wes Kemp (Jr) Michael Egnew (Jr)	WLB	Zaviar Gooden (So) Donovan Bonner (So)
TE	Andrew Jones (Jr) Beau Brinkley (Jr)	MLB	Will Ebner (Jr) Luke Lambert (Sr)
LT	Elvis Fisher (Jr) Justin Britt (RSFr)	SLB	Andrew Gachkar (Sr) Tyler Crane (Jr)
LG	Austin Wuebbels (Jr) Travis Ruth (So)	CB	Carl Gettis (Sr) Trey Hobson (Jr)
C	Tim Barnes (Sr) J.T. Beasley (Jr)	CB	Kevin Rutland (Sr) Robert Steeples (So)
RG	Jayson Palmgren (Jr) Travis Ruth (So)	FS	Jasper Simmons (Sr) Munir Prince (Sr)
RT	Dan Hoch (Jr) Jack Meiners (So)	SS	Jarrell Harrison (Sr) Kenji Jackson (Jr)

K	Grant Ressel (Jr)	P	Matt Grabner (Jr)
PR	Carl Gettis (Sr)	KR	Jasper Simmons (Sr)

I've got to say, this is the most complete team heading into 2010. Blaine Gabbert will be the most accomplished North QB heading into 2010 and Derrick Washington the second-most accomplished RB. The improved secondary will return just about everybody of importance, and a deep LB corps could be well-positioned to absorb the loss of Sean Weatherspoon with as little drop-off as possible.
Two major question marks: a) who replaces Danario Alexander, and b) who replaces Jaron Baston? Multiple candidates exist to replace Spoon, so that's actually less of a worry, but the WR situation is at least a bit worrisome. Wes Kemp has shown flashes, and if he continues to grow, he could be the deep threat this team needs, but what is it I always say? Until you actually prove it, it's a question mark. Beyond Kemp, guys like Jackson, T.J. Moe (remember him?), Rolandis Woodland, and one of the redshirting freshmen (L'Damian Washington, Jaleel Clark, Kerwin Stricker) will fill out the depth chart, and at least one of them will need to take a step forward.
Of course, you know who else could absorb the loss of Danario? Tight ends. Novel concept, I know.
I really like what I've seen out of Dominique Hamilton recently, but Terrell Resonno seems to have disappeared. Either he or one of the underclassmen (Marvin Foster, Jimmy Burge, George White) will need to raise their game. If somebody competent steps up at WR and DT, this team is loaded.

Colorado

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Tyler Hansen (Jr) Cody Hawkins (Sr)	DE	Marquez Herrod (Sr) Josh Hartigan (Jr)
RB	Rodney Stewart (Jr) Darrell Scott (Jr)	DT	Curtis Cunningham (Jr) Nate Bonsu (So)
FB	Ryan Deehan (Jr) ?	DT	Will Pericak (So) Conrad Obi (Jr)
WR	Scotty McKnight (Sr) Jason Espinoza (Jr)	DE	Forrest West (So) Nick Kasa (So)
WR	Markques Simas (Jr) Will Jefferson (So)	WLB	Jon Major (So) Tyler Ahles (Jr)
TE	Ryan Deehan? (Jr) ?	MLB	Michael Sipili (Sr) ?
LT	Nate Solder (Sr) Ryan Dannewitz (So)	SLB	B.J. Beatty (Sr) Doug Rippy (So)
LG	Ethan Adkins (Jr) Blake Behrens (Jr)	CB	Jimmy Smith (Sr) ?
C	Keenan Stevens (Sr) Mike Iltis (Jr)	CB	Jalil Brown (Sr) Arthur Jaffee (Jr)
RG	Matthew Bahr (Jr) Max Tuioti-Mariner? (So)	FS	Ray Polk (So) Anthony Perkins (Jr)
RT	Ryan Miller (Jr) Bryce Givens (So)	SS	Travis Sandersfeld (Jr) ?

K	Aric Goodman (Sr)	P	Aric Goodman (Sr)
PR	Jason Espinoza (Jr)	KR	Brian Lockridge (Jr)

I mentioned this past offseason that while Colorado was going to stink in 2009, they might actually be positioning themselves to actually fulfill the role of sleeper that has been foisted upon them for most of the last half-decade. Ironically, they might actually emerge as a sleeper just as everybody finally gives up on them.
Of course, there will still be some major question marks. You know I'm not at all impressed with Rodney "Another Short Gain By" Stewart, and while Scotty McKnight (how is he still an underclassman???) is a great possession guy, he'd be a helluva lot better as a #2 or #3 threat than a #1. Unless Markques Simas finally starts to live up to the potential everybody says he has, this team is still severely lacking at WR, and they're losing both of their top tight ends. (I'm going out of my way not to mention Darrell Scott here, as he...whatever. I have no expectations whatsoever for him at this point, and I'm going to let him surprise me.)
I really like Jimmy Smith at CB, but CU's going to be searching for some replacements in the secondary. Jalil Brown has potential, and Ray Polk is young, but depth could be an issue.
Same can be said for the LB corps. Luckily for CU, they should have a strong D-line to maybe deflect some of the concerns.
If CU really does live up to its annual sleeper reputation, it will be in the trenches, where a struggling O-line will at least have experience on its side, and the D-line could be strong. Then again, after watching CU's O-line attempt to handle MU's improving-but-not-amazing D-line, maybe returning a bunch of these guys might not be a good thing.

Iowa State

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Austen Arnaud (Sr) Jerome Tiller (So)	DE	Patrick Neal (Jr) ?
RB	Alexander Robinson (Sr) Beau Blankenship (So)	DT	Bailey Johnson (Jr) Stephen Ruempolhamer (Jr)
WR	Jake Williams (Sr) ?	DT	Austin Alburtis (Sr) ?
WR	Sedrick Johnson (Jr) ?	DE	Roosevelt Maggitt (So) Cleyon Lang (So)
WR	Josh Lenz (So) Darius Darks (Jr)	SLB	Jacob Lattimer (Jr) ?
TE	Collin Franklin (Sr) ?	MLB	Matt Tau'fo'ou (Sr) A.J. Klein (So)
LT	Kelechi Osmele (Jr) Brayden Burris (So)	WLB	Jake Knott (So) ?
LG	Alex Alvarez (Sr) Mike Bangston (So)	CB	Leonard Johnson (Jr) Jeremy Reeves (So)
C	Sean Smith (Sr) ?	CB	Jacques Washington (So) ?
RG	Ben Lamaak (Sr) Trey Baysinger (Jr)	FS	Michael O'Connell (Sr) ?
RT	Scott Haughton (Jr) Zack Spears (Jr)	SS	David Sims (Sr) Zac Sandvig (Sr)

K	Grant Mahoney (Jr)	P	?
PR	Leonard Johnson (Jr)	KR	Leonard Johnson (Jr)

So Paul Rhoads' second year in Ames will potentially see a downright strong offense and a thin, depleted, inexperienced defense. I don't want to overstate the offensive potential (the WR situation is iffy, to say the least), but ISU might have the best O-line in the North blocking for what is at least decent skill position talent.
Arnaud vs Tiller. Could be interesting to watch this competition.
Really, if ISU returned just a couple more decent playmakers on defense, I could talk myself into them being a darkhorse contender. But while I do like what Rhoads has done with the talent on hand this year, I just can't figure they'll be that great next year. They will need another year or two of Rhoads developing his own recruits before I feel a lot more comfortable about the potential of their program.

Kansas

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Kale Pick (So) ?	DE	Jake Laptad (Sr) ?
RB	Toben Opurum (So) ?	DT	Jamal Greene (Sr) ?
WR	Dezmon Briscoe?? (Sr) ?	DT	John Williams (So) Richard Johnson (Jr)
WR	Johnathan Wilson (Sr) Tertavian Ingram (Sr)	DE	Quintin Woods (Sr) ?
WR	Bradley McDougald (So) Chris Omigie (So)	SLB	Justin Springer (Sr) ?
TE	Tim Biere (Jr) Ted McNulty (Jr)	MLB	Drew Dudley (Sr) ?
LT	Tanner Hawkinson (So) Ian Wolfe (Sr)	WLB	Huldon Tharp (So) ?
LG	Brad Thorson (Sr) Carl Wilson (Sr)	CB	D.J. Beshears (So) Daymond Patterson (Jr)
C	Jeremiah Hatch (Jr) Brad Thorson (Sr)	CB	Chris Harris (Sr) Calvin Rubles (Sr)
RG	Sal Capra (Sr) Trevor Marrongelli (So)	FS	Lubbock Smith (So) ?
RT	Jeff Spikes (Jr) Michael Martinovich (Jr)	SS	Phil Strozier (Sr) ?

K	Jacob Branstetter (Sr)	P	Alonso Rojas (Sr)
PR	Daymond Patterson (Jr)	KR	Bradley McDougald (So)

So KU's biggest question mark (offensive line) will return completely intact next year, while most of the known skill position talent disappears. I listed Dez Briscoe on the two-deep above, but I've got to be honest: I'm about 92% sure he's going pro this year. His stats are ridiculous, he's got decent NFL size, he's been suspended for academic reasons, and supposedly he was tied to those football-vs-basketball brawls earlier in the year. That's not a recipe for someone who's going to go out of his way to stick around campus for another season.
Without Briscoe, I have to figure this is going to be a run-heavy offense next year. Kale Pick's got a lot to prove, but with Toben Opurum and an experienced line, they might (might) be able to rely on the run. Then again, they'll still need some sort of passing attack, and...who will be the #1 receiver? Johnathan Wilson, I guess? Color me unafraid.
I'm not even going to try to figure out if KU's D is going to be any good. They've improved recently, but they lose Darrell Stuckey and two linemen, and the depth from LB corps vanishes. I assume this will be a decent unit, and really you can start to maybe see the identity KU might be going with--defense first, run-heavy, grind it out.

Kansas State

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Carson Coffman (Sr) ?	DE	Brandon Harold (Jr) ?
RB	Daniel Thomas (Sr) ?	DT	Prizell Brown (Sr) ?
FB	Braden Wilson (So) Lucas Hamm (Sr)	DT	Raphael Guidry (Jr) ?
WR	Lamark Brown (Sr) ?	DE	Antonio Felder (Sr) Joseph Kassanavoid (So)
WR	Collin Klein (So) Chris Harper (So)	LB	Kevin Rohleder (Sr) ?
TE	Travis Tannahill (So) ?	LB	Alex Hrebec (Jr) ?
LT	Zach Hanson (Jr) ?	LB	Troy Butler (Sr) Thomas Ferguson (So)
LG	Zach Kendall (Sr) Trevor Viers (Sr)	CB	Joshua Moore (Sr) Darious Thomas (So)
C	Wade Weibert (Sr) ?	CB	Stephen Harrison (Sr) David Garrett (Jr)
RG	Kenneth Mayfield (Sr) Colten Freeze (Jr)	FS	Emmanuel Lamur (Jr) ?
RT	Clyde Aufner (Jr) Ethan Douglas (So)	SS	Tysyn Hartman (Jr) Torrell Miller (So)

K	Josh Cherry (Sr)	P	Ryan Doerr (So)
PR	Tysyn Hartman (Jr)	KR	Daniel Thomas (Sr)

Like Kansas, this looks to be a pretty run-heavy, can't-pass-on-them team, with Daniel Thomas running behind a super-experienced line and a well-coached defense that is iffy in the front seven but stout in the secondary. In other words, this looks like a Bill Snyder team (sans the All-American linebackers). We've made a big deal out of the fact that they're losing about 35 seniors this year (and that's only a slight exaggeration), and that will absolutely murder their depth, but if they stay reasonably healthy, the Snyder identity might be able to take shape a bit more.
Now, I say they'll have a good secondary...I'm still unsure about how good the secondary is now, but returning all four current starters certainly suggests decent improvement for next year.
I believe I heard that Chris Harper is moving to WR instead of competing at QB, right?

Nebraska

Projected 2010 Depth Chart
QB	Cody Green (So) Zac Lee (Sr)	DE	Cameron Meredith (So) Josh Williams (So)
RB	Roy Helu, Jr. (Sr) Rex Burkhead (So)	DT	Baker Steinkuhler (So) Terrence Moore (Jr)
FB	Tyler Legate (So) Mike Hays (Jr)	DT	Jared Crick (Jr) ?
WR	Niles Paul (Sr) Antonio Bell (So)	DE	Pierre Allen (Sr) ?
WR	Curenski Gilleylen (Jr) Khiry Cooper (So)	Will	Blake Lawrence (Sr) Matthew May (Jr)
TE	Mike McNeill (Sr) Dreu Young (Sr)	Mike	Will Compton (So) Micah Kreikemeier (So)
LT	Mike Smith (Sr) ?	Buck	Sean Fisher (So) Eric Martin (So)
LG	Keith Williams (Sr) ?	CB	Prince Amukamara (Sr) Dejon Gomes (Sr)
C	Mike Caputo (Jr) ?	CB	Anthony West (Sr) Alfonzo Dennard (Jr)
RG	Ricky Henry (Sr) ?	FS	Eric Hagg (Sr) Austin Cassidy (Jr)
RT	Marcel Jones (Jr) D.J. Jones (Sr)	SS	P.J. Smith (So) Courtney Osborne (So)

K	Alex Henery (Sr)	P	Alex Henery (Sr)
PR	Niles Paul (Sr)	KR	Niles Paul (Sr)

How the hell is Pierre Allen still an underclassman? I was completely convinced that both he and Barry Turner were seniors, but I guess not.
Next question: how much of Nebraska's defensive identity is grounded in Ndamukong Suh? He and Turner depart, but will Allen and the stout Jared Crick be able to keep the great D-line play coming? And how much of Crick's success is due to offenses' fear of Suh?
The shine is quickly wearing off of Roy Helu, Jr., but he does return next year (lord knows he's not going pro), and with yet another experienced O-line, NU should be able to run the ball pretty well. That will obviously take some pressure off of Cody Green if Green is not, after all, ready to be NU's savior.
I really like what NU has returning at CB, but...safety? I think I like their second-string CBs more than their first string safeties. Will be interesting to see if there's some position shifting when all is said and done.

As a Missouri fan, I look at this information and quickly conclude that Missouri will be the 2010 favorite, and really I'd say I have pretty good basis in fact for that opinion. That said, Nebraska is intriguing, and even though K-State is not a stat-friendly team (I've already accepted that they're better than the stats say--I just can't figure out how much better), Bill Snyder really might get them back into the hunt despite the youth and lack of depth. Colorado could be interesting depending on who the head coach is (ahem), Kansas has recruited well and will see plenty of talented-but-young players hitting the field, and Iowa State might have the best offensive line in the division. I'd like to think Missouri might run away with this thing, and I'm sure it could happen (the trip to Lincoln aside), but with five of six North teams (all but Kansas) looking potentially better next year than this year, we might have another fun race on our hands.

SB Nation Big 12 Roundtable - Big 12 North Roulette Edition Recap

RPT — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:15:18 -0000

his week's SB Nation Big 12 Roundtable Recap takes a look at some of the different thoughts expressed around the Big 12 blogosphere. This week's participants included Double T Nation, I Am The 12th Man, Clone Chronicles, a power rankings submission from Rock M Nation, Corn Nation, and Bring On The Cats.

1. This question was posed by Rock Chalk Talk's Denverjhawk in Rock M Nation's Live Thread on Saturday: Could a Big 12 North all-star team compete with and/or beat Texas?

It's a small sample size, but the group seems to agree that Texas would be beatable in this scenario. BracketCat of Bring On The Cats actually went through and created a two-deep for a North all-star team.

WR X: Jared Perry (MU) / Scotty McKnight (CU)
LT: Nick Stringer (KSU) / Tanner Hawkinson (KU)
LG: Alex Alvarez (ISU) / Keith Williams (NU)
C: Jeremiah Hatch (KU) / Wade Weibert (KSU)
RG: Ricky Henry (NU) / Kurtis Gregory (MU)
RT: Dan Hoch (MU) / Ryan Miller (CU)
TE: Riar Geer (CU) / Jeron Mastrud (KSU)
QB: Todd Reesing (KU) / Blaine Gabbert (MU) (if healthy)
RB: Alexander Robinson (ISU) / Daniel Thomas (KSU)
WR H: Kerry Meier (KU) / Danario Alexander (MU)
WR Z: Dezmon Briscoe (KU) / Brandon Banks (KSU)

LDE: Jeffrey Fitzgerald (KSU) / Barry Turner (NU)
DT: Ndamukong Suh (NU) / Curtis Cunningham (CU)
NT: Jared Crick (NU) / Daniel Calvin (KSU)
RDE: Jake Laptad (KU) / Aldon Smith (MU)
SLB: Sean Fisher (NU) / John Houlik (KSU)
MLB: Jesse Smith (ISU) / Will Ebner (MU)
WLB: Sean Weatherspoon (MU) / Phillip Dillard (NU)
LCB: Cha'pelle Brown (CU) / Joshua Moore (KSU)
FS: David Sims (ISU) / Tysyn Hartman (KSU)
SS: Darrell Stuckey (KU) / Emmanuel Lamur (KSU)
RCB: Chris Harris (KU) / Carl Gettis (MU)

PK: Alex Henery (NU) / Jacob Branstetter (KU)
P: Matt DiLallo (CU) / Mike Brandtner (ISU)
PR: Daymond Patterson (KU)
KR: Brandon Banks (KSU) / Kendial Lawrence (MU)

Head Coach: Bill Snyder (KSU)
Associate Head Coach: Paul Rhoads (ISU)
Offensive Co-Coordinators: Ed Warinner (KU) / David Yost (MU)
Defensive Co-Coordinators: Vic Koenning (KSU) / Carl Pelini (NU)

Two things stand out to me when looking at this list:

1) It quickly becomes clear why Kansas and Kansas State basically will be playing for the Big 12 North title next week.

2) This team could give Texas trouble. It might not win, but Reesing throwing to his and Missouri's receivers would be a major threat. The big weakness is the offensive line. I'm not sure there are enough standouts to hold off the likes of Sergio Kindle.

But ohmygod, that defense. Fitz, Laptad and Suh teeing off on McCoy, while Jesse Smith and 'Spoon prowl the middle, and half a dozen NFL prospects man the defensive backfield? Yeah, that could make a statement. And Banks at returner would be the X-factor offsetting Jordan Shipley's contributions for the Horns.

Hell, Bill Snyder could win a national title with this roster.

2. Forget ACC Roulette. For our intents and purposes, the Big 12 North is now the most entertaining battle of supremacy in mediocrity. Handicap what happens with the division from here.

Taking my phrasing of using the word "handicapping," Mark from Clone Chronicles breaks it down into odds:

K-State: I think they win 1 more game at the most, but I could see them lose out. How funny/sick would it be if they went 4-4, had a share of the Big 12 North lead, yet were not bowl eligible? Remember, they played 2 FCS teams, so they need to get to 7 wins, not 6. I think they finish either 3-5 or 4-4. I'd put a 5% chance on them winning the North.

Iowa State: It all depends on how healthy they are. I look at their schedule and see a small chance at 4-0, decent shot at 3-1, but most likely going 2-2. That would put them at 4-4 in the conference as well. Due to tiebreakers, Iowa State could get to 4-4 with losses to Kansas, K-State, and Missouri, which would put them out of it.. I think they would have to win out to win the North, so I'd put a 5% chance on them winning it as well.

Kansas: I think they lose @ Tech and @ Texas for sure. That puts them best case at 4-4. Losing to Colorado doesn't hurt them too much in tiebreakers if they beat Nebraska, K-State, and Missouri. I'd give them a 35% chance of winning the North.

Nebraska: I would not want to be a Nebraska fan right now. If their offense plays like it has the past two weeks, they win 1 or 2 more games max (@ Baylor and either K-State or @ Colorado). If they can figure out whatever their problem is, all of their games are winnable except for Oklahoma. I think they beat Baylor and Colorado. K-State is a tossup right now. I think Kansas is a loss, if the Jayhawks offense gets going. I think they can get to 4-4, but I could be talked into 3-5 pretty easily. I'd give them a 15% chance of winning the North.

Missouri: Easiest schedule down the stretch: @ Colorado, Baylor, @ K-State, Iowa State, and Kansas (at Arrowhead). Can you find 4 wins from that group? I can. They could even rip off a 5 game winning streak and take this thing. I'd be interesting if Iowa State was at 4-3 and Missouri was at 3-3 the week they played. Since I think they have the only chance to realistically win 5 games, they are my favorite at this point. I give them a 40% chance to win it. Truth be told, if they can win 4 games including Kansas, I think they would win the tie-breakers. They can win 5 of these games, likely will win 3-4, but even at 4, they have a chance to win the North.

Colorado: I think they probably lose out, sorry Ralphie. 0% chance of winning the North this year.

3. Is Oklahoma back on track after taking care of business against Kansas? Their national aspirations are obviously done, but can we expect to see a fairly dominant Sooner team down the stretch?

Skin Patrol of Double T Nation still believes in Oklahoma, though not without a few good-natured barbs.

Er... well they beat Kansas, which means Oklahoma and Colorado have that in common now, I suppose. Cynicism aside, Vegas is still ruthlessly behind Oklahoma, and wise man say: When sinners are behind Sooners, general public should be too. OU politicking aside, the reality is that they've lost to some pretty good teams by some pretty slim margins, and are probably one of the better 4-3 teams in the country. A good rule of thumb for a team as talented and well-coached as Oklahoma is that if it looks dead, it's probably just sleeping.

4. Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Kansas State managed to completely shred the transitive property. What did the games between these schools tell us about these teams?

Husker Mike of Corn Nation unofficially creates the "WTF" category for wins, a category that may or may not include at least 20 games at this point.

Taylor Potts will be transferring from Texas Tech at the end of the season? We knew A&M was bad, and Tech can be pretty good. But A&M's victory in Lubbock defies logic, unless you throw Potts under the bus. I think you've got to throw the A&M victory into the WTF category as the anomaly for now until A&M proves their mettle again. (Hell, even Colorado has managed to win a couple of games this season...)

5. Did Texas find its mojo in Missouri, and does Oklahoma State have enough to take the Horns down in Stillwater this week?

We are shocked -- shocked -- to learn that Beergut of I Am The 12th Man doesn't believe Texas found its mojo.

No, texas didn't find its mojo, they simply played a team that is tanking right now in Missouri. Missouri's leader is their QB, Blaine Gabbert, and with Gabbert injured right now, their offense is struggling. With no offense to lead them, they were sitting ducks for texas' defense. Missouri's defense is nothing to write home about outside of Sean Weatherspoon, so texas' offense looked better than they really are against them.

I do think texas will beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater, and I don't even think it will be close. OSU doesn't believe they can beat texas, and that mental edge will help texas. I do look forward to watching Joe Wickline's offensive line go up against texas' DL. If Oklahoma State can run the ball, they will make it a game, but I don't think that will happen.

6. Power Poll! Who wins on a neutral field?

Noteworthy: Double T Nation abstained from voting.

1. Texas -- unanimous decision at the top
2. Oklahoma State -- edges out No. 3
3. Oklahoma -- just narrowly misses out sitting at No. 2
4. Texas Tech -- voters appear to think the A&M game was an aberration
5. Kansas State -- Huge variation for the Cats, who varied from No. 4 to No. 10
6. Nebraska -- That defense is top three. That offense is bottom three.
T7. Kansas -- 'Hawks vary between No. 4 and No. 11 on individual ballots
T7. Iowa State -- The Clones are starting to feel the love
9. Missouri -- Tigers in desperate need of a win after rough stretch to open Big 12 play
10. Texas A&M -- Further proof of the lack of trust in the Tech/A&M result
11. Colorado -- Didn't get voted any higher than No. 10
12. Baylor -- Fare thee well, Hot Tub Griffin

SB Nation Big 12 Roundtable -- Big 12 North Roulette Edition

TB — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:15:48 -0000

via cdn0.sbnation.com

Another weekend, another crazy batch of results in the Big 12. Our answers to the most pressing questions of the day are below.

This question was posed by Rock Chalk Talk's Denverjhawk in Rock M Nation's Live Thread on Saturday: Could a Big 12 North all-star team compete with and/or beat Texas?

TB: Yes, they could compete with UT, but sadly, I can't say with certainty they would win. I really miss 1996-2003.

Panjandrum: Honestly? Yes. It's not a silly question, per se, but to think that one team in this conference is THAT much better than an entire division is silly. Texas is not a complete team themselves; they struggle running the football, and that will come back to bite them.

I get why someone would ask this question, but truthfully, the answer is simple. The North all-star team would probably roll UT.

BracketCat: To properly answer this question, I need to see what such a team actually would look like. Here's my best stab at a two-deep:

WR X: Jared Perry (MU) / Scotty McKnight (CU)
LT: Nick Stringer (KSU) / Tanner Hawkinson (KU)
LG: Alex Alvarez (ISU) / Keith Williams (NU)
C: Jeremiah Hatch (KU) / Wade Weibert (KSU)
RG: Ricky Henry (NU) / Kurtis Gregory (MU)
RT: Dan Hoch (MU) / Ryan Miller (CU)
TE: Riar Geer (CU) / Jeron Mastrud (KSU)
QB: Todd Reesing (KU) / Blaine Gabbert (MU) (if healthy)
RB: Alexander Robinson (ISU) / Daniel Thomas (KSU)
WR H: Kerry Meier (KU) / Danario Alexander (MU)
WR Z: Dezmon Briscoe (KU) / Brandon Banks (KSU)

LDE: Jeffrey Fitzgerald (KSU) / Barry Turner (NU)
DT: Ndamukong Suh (NU) / Curtis Cunningham (CU)
NT: Jared Crick (NU) / Daniel Calvin (KSU)
RDE: Jake Laptad (KU) / Aldon Smith (MU)
SLB: Sean Fisher (NU) / John Houlik (KSU)
MLB: Jesse Smith (ISU) / Will Ebner (MU)
WLB: Sean Weatherspoon (MU) / Phillip Dillard (NU)
LCB: Cha'pelle Brown (CU) / Joshua Moore (KSU)
FS: David Sims (ISU) / Tysyn Hartman (KSU)
SS: Darrell Stuckey (KU) / Emmanuel Lamur (KSU)
RCB: Chris Harris (KU) / Carl Gettis (MU)

PK: Alex Henery (NU) / Jacob Branstetter (KU)
P: Matt DiLallo (CU) / Mike Brandtner (ISU)
PR: Daymond Patterson (KU)
KR: Brandon Banks (KSU) / Kendial Lawrence (MU)

Head Coach: Bill Snyder (KSU)
Associate Head Coach: Paul Rhoads (ISU)
Offensive Co-Coordinators: Ed Warinner (KU) / David Yost (MU)
Defensive Co-Coordinators: Vic Koenning (KSU) / Carl Pelini (NU)

Two things stand out to me when looking at this list:

1) It quickly becomes clear why Kansas and Kansas State basically will be playing for the Big 12 North title next week.

2) This team could give Texas trouble. It might not win, but Reesing throwing to his and Missouri's receivers would be a major threat. The big weakness is the offensive line. I'm not sure there are enough standouts to hold off the likes of Sergio Kindle.

But ohmygod, that defense. Fitz, Laptad and Suh teeing off on McCoy, while Jesse Smith and 'Spoon prowl the middle, and half a dozen NFL prospects man the defensive backfield? Yeah, that could make a statement. And Banks at returner would be the X-factor offsetting Jordan Shipley's contributions for the Horns.

Hell, Bill Snyder could win a national title with this roster.

Forget ACC Roulette. For our intents and purposes, the Big 12 North is now the most entertaining battle of supremacy in mediocrity. Handicap what happens with the division from here.

TB: K-State needs only one more win to get into a possible tiebreaker, and two more wins would probably win the division outright. Two home games against division opponents remain. Odds: 10-1

Nebraska is 1-2, so it needs to win three out of five if we assume a 4-4 tiebreaker, or four out of five if we assume 5-3 wins it. Still has a home game with Oklahoma and road trips to Colorado and KU. Oh, and no confidence right now. Odds: 12-1

KU is 1-2 and, with road trips to Lubbock and Austin remaining, has zero margin for error. Throw in a trip to Manhattan and playing Missouri in Kansas City, and this is looking more like history <s>a</s>waits. Odds: 15-1

Missouri is 0-3 but by far has its easiest games left. Still, they need to win out to get to 5-3, and that's a tall task for a team with a hobbled quarterback and a defense that's pointing fingers right now. Odds: 15-1

While Iowa State is 2-2, they needed every bit of eight Nebraska turnovers to get there, and who knows how long they'll be without Austen Arnaud and Alexander Robinson. Without those guys, it looks like a bleak picture for ISU, although it's entirely possible they get bowl eligible as they only need one more win. Odds: 30-1

Colorado is 1-2, but has a coach who is hell-bent on playing his son at quarterback. Also, can't win on the road. Will be a threat at home, but they're the least likely team to take the division, in my opinion. Odds: 50-1

Now, do you see why I'm not an oddsmaker?

Panjandrum: If the magic number is five, I will try and handicap how likely it is that each team gets to five wins:

KSU: KSU has two more home games against North teams (KU/MU) and two road games (OU/NU). I still think NU beats KSU in Lincoln, but I'm going to favor KSU against KU and MU in Manhattan at this point. Neither of those teams look good on the road, and KSU has played well enough at home to win.

Since KSU only needs to win two of their next four to get to five wins, they seem the most likely at this point.

Odds: 30%

Nebraska: I don't like discounting a team with a really good defense, but unless they get their offense right, i don't think they can win four of five to get to the title game. A team with no confidence and a shaky QB situation is a bad, bad combo (just ask KSU about one month ago), but maybe the defense can carry them through.

Odds: 20%

Missouri: Missouri has to run the table to get to five wins. However, that's a little more manageable now that they have NU, UT, and OSU off of the table. We'll see how they fare against teams more on their level. But, the real question is what their 'level' is without a healthy Gabbert.

Odds: 20%

Iowa State: The Clones are a real feel good story right now, but they shouldn't have gotten out of Lincoln with a win. They need three wins, and with road games in College Station and Columbia, and a home game with Oklahoma State, I would say the chances of getting to five wins are pretty slim.

Odds: 15%

Kansas: KU needs four wins, and they have the most brutal schedule left of any of the North teams. They have three true road games (Texas Tech, Texas, Kansas State), one neutral site game (Missouri), and one home game (Nebraska). There is no way in Hell that they're winning four games. Truthfully, KU fans better hope they win one more to get bowl eligible with that schedule.

Odds: 10%

Colorado: I'm not even going to do an analysis. Colorado is the worst football team I've watched KSU play this year (with the exception of the FCS teams). Yes, I thought Louisiana was better. They have no hope of winning the North or going to a bowl game, and Dan Hawkins should be fired because I can't stomach watching football that's that bad ever again.

Odds: 5%

BracketCat: Oh, man, I don't know jack about gambling. I'll defer to TB on this one.

Is Oklahoma back on track after taking care of business against Kansas? Their national aspirations are obviously done, but can we expect to see a fairly dominant Sooner team down the stretch?

TB: I'll say that they showed they won't mail the season in. Also, they showed that it wasn't a fluke that they lost close games to (relatively) good teams in the non-con and the RRS. When it's all said and done, they'll be second or third in the South, meaning they'll be second or third in the conference overall. Not what Oklahoma is used to, but with an all-new offensive line and the injury bug biting at every skill position, not bad.

Panjandrum: Oklahoma is like a lot of the other teams in this conference; they're incomplete. Defensively, they're very, very good. Offensively, they struggle. I don't know if they're 'back on track' as much as exposed as a 'good but not great' team.

BracketCat: No, because KU sucks. Don't get me wrong -- Oklahoma is better than people have been giving them credit for, but the offense still is pretty painful to watch. Ironically, the Sooners remind me a lot of some of the classic TCU teams, including the one that beat them in Norman. Lots of defense, unimaginative offense. It's ironic because I think TCU would beat OU this year nine times out of 10.

Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Kansas State managed to completely shred the transitive property. What did the games between these schools tell us about these teams?

TB: They showed us each team's floor and each team's ceiling. K-State is only as bad as it played in Lubbock on its worst night, and is only as good as it played against Texas A&M on its best. Ditto A&M and Texas Tech. I understand the punditry's desire to use logic as an explanation for every result, but sometimes everything just goes horribly wrong in a game played by 18-22 year olds.

Panjandrum: Honestly, I think this says more about A&M than it does about any other team. I think they have a lot of weapons, but Mike Sherman is a mouth-breathing moron that can only gameplan a victory by blind luck.

BracketCat: They told me that comparative scoring is worthless and predicting game outcomes is all about understanding matchups. Texas Tech beat Kansas State because Tech's system is a terrible matchup for any team that has trouble scoring points. K-State beat Texas A&M because A&M hadn't yet played outside the state of Texas and was starting a gazillion freshman and sophomores.

A&M beat Tech because Tech always has had a problem with A) defending mobile quarterbacks once they get going, B) getting into a rhythm if the other team's running game is controlling the line of scrimmage, and C) turning it over repeatedly and losing at home to coaching geniuses like Dan Hawkins and Mike Sherman. See? Matchups.

Did Texas find its mojo in Missouri, and does Oklahoma State have enough to take the Horns down in Stillwater this week?

TB: Texas definitely needed a game where it got out to the races and put up big numbers and points. I still think OSU does have what it takes. It's going to be one of those special nights that, if the home team wins, its fans will never forget. The stadium will be packed, the bright national spotlight will be shining, and the inside track to a division championship and, for Texas, a national championship, is at stake. On paper, Texas looks better, but not overpoweringly better, and perhaps not enough to overcome the fired-up team they'll face Saturday.

Panjandrum: I think Texas is the best team in the conference, so beating a crippled Missouri team wasn't a surprise. Oklahoma State is a talented team that could possibly pull off an upset, but it's going to take a monumental effort from Zac Robinson if that's going to happen. No Dez Bryant or Kendall Hunter makes it that much more difficult.

BracketCat: In short, yes and yes. Texas got its act together just in time, because Oklahoma State has the running game to keep Colt McCoy off the field for long stretches of time. That said, I still think Texas will find a way to win this one. They just seem to have a hex over the Cowboys in Stillwater, even when they get down by multiple touchdowns as has happened many times in the past decade.

Power Poll! Who wins on a neutral field?

TB:

1. Texas -- Big tilt in Stillwater will decide this team's championship aspirations.
2. Oklahoma State -- Quietly, Mike Gundy's crew is going about its business without its biggest stars, but the big test is Saturday.
3. Oklahoma -- Maybe not a national title contender this year, but still vastly superior to any North foe.
4. Texas Tech -- I'd like to drop the Pirates after that debacle in Lubbock, and I'm admonishing the Tech fans for chanting "No more Potts!" Way to throw one of your own under the bus. But back to the question: Who do you move ahead of these guys?
5. K-State -- On this day, in this place, I have to rank them here. The next four weeks will either solidify or decimate that opinion.
6. Nebraska -- Through it all, they still have that defense. Eight giveaways and ISU only scored nine points? If they ever get their offense figured out and get healthy, they'll be back as the favorite to win the North.
7. KU -- Any rational person knew they would probably lose to OU, but they didn't put up much of a fight and Todd Reesing doesn't look like himself right now. Can make amends with a win in Lubbock, but let's just say I'm not counting on that.
8. Missouri -- It's pretty simple right now. If Blaine Gabbert gets healthy, they're a contender in the North again. If he doesn't, they're not.
9. Iowa State -- I can hear the gasp to my northeast as Cyclone fans wonder how I can rank them this low at 2-2. Maybe it's a little unfair, but while you can't take that Nebraska win away from them, they needed every single one of NU's eight turnovers to win. On average, that's not going to happen very often.
10. Texas A&M -- This probably seems all wrong until you remember that some were ranking the Aggies 13th last week. Very nice win over Tech, and we're probably still putting too much stock into the big loss at K-State, but I'm not sure who I can bump.
11. Colorado -- Momentum from the KU win vanished in Manhattan. Buffs need to regroup.
12. Baylor -- Yeah.

Panjandrum:

1. Texas
2. Oklahoma State
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas Tech
5. Nebraska
6. K-State
7. Missouri
8. Kansas
9. Texas A&M
10. Iowa State
11. Colorado
12. Baylor

BracketCat: Man, this gets harder every week.

1. Texas -- Finally playing like the most powerful team in the Big 12, and just in time.
2. Oklahoma -- Defense alone makes them the second-best team in the conference.
3. Oklahoma State -- After this week, both Oklahoma schools should have the same Big 12 record.
T4. Nebraska -- Despite an embarrassing two-week stretch, I still think this is the most talented defense in the North. Combined with a sort-of-favorable schedule, it should be enough.
T4. Texas Tech -- You gave up 50+ to Mike Sherman? WTF? Sorry, that negates even the head-to-head tiebreaker.
T6. Kansas -- Let's just call this the muddied middle. It should sort itself out in the next three weeks.
T6. Iowa State -- Ditto. I'm making allowances for injuries here.
T6. Missouri -- Not as bad as their record, but not as good as the hype.
T6. Kansas State - Still not sure we're not a product of our schedule a little bit. Again, will know a lot more in three weeks.
10. Texas A&M -- Big win gets you out of the basement... for a while.
11. Baylor -- Despite meeting my 12th-place criteria with an ugly blowout loss at home, I still think the Bears would beat the Buffs on a neutral field.
12. Colorado -- Oops. Guess you actually do suck after all. You just sucked a little less than KU on one particular Saturday.

Offensive Line Early Season Report Card

Denverjhawk — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:00:17 -0000

In the preseason we looked at several areas that would play a major factor in how the Jayhawks season would turn out. The offensive line, running back depth, defensive front seven pressure, the linebackers and the backup quarterback to name a few.

Three games in now and as sad as it may seem we are already a quarter of the way through the Jayhawks regular season. So how does everyone grade out so far? Taking into account experience at the position, maturity in the system and even player expectations here's a bit of a subjective look at how the offensive line has graded out by position?

Tanner Hawkinson LT - B+

Starting with the left tackle position we have what many considered the biggest question on the offensive line headed into the season with Tanner Hawkinson. A redshirt freshman who isn't even a full year into playing the position has bounced from tight end to defensive end, tacked on 40+ pounds and moved to the toughest and most scrutinized position on the offensive line. Granted the competition hasn't been the stiffest but he's still performed admirably through 3 games at a brand new spot.

Tanner does have all the tools as we've been led to believe from day one, possessing quick feet, athleticism and he seems to be settling in to his new found frame. Tanner has protected the backside of Todd Reesing, gotten off a solid first block in most running situations and has done so with limited help from the tight end position.

Now it's possible if expectations were higher Hawkinson could be graded lower. However, for a guy that as of one year ago joined the Jayhawks as a 240 lb. tight end, one can't help but feel optimistic for what's to come. There will be bumps in the road as conference play begins, but Hawkinson should have a bright future with the Jayhawks.

B+ for Hawkinson, he's handled the transition well and with time he looks like he could very well be a big time talent at the left tackle. Things will get much tougher from here on out though and the bar has been set a little higher after the first 3 games.

Brad Thorson LG - A-

Brad Thorson's move to left guard in the offseason may well prove to be one of the most important of the year. Kansas likely knew the fate of one of the guard spots all along but the left side was a bit of a question mark. Kansas had several talented redshirt freshman fighting for the role, but consistency can always be a concern with youth.

Thorson has brought stability and consistency to the left side much the same way his counterpart on the right provides the interior. Entering his fourth season of major college football after two with Wisconsin and now one with Kansas, Thorson knows what it takes, he is extremely intelligent and brings an aggressiveness and athleticism to this spot that is important in Kansas' offensive game plan.

Thorson can get out and move, make a hit, finish a block and has been reliable through three in terms of being at the right spot at the right time.

A- for Thorson, not a lot of expectations at this spot going in and he's provided a solid upperclassmen on the interior. Thorson's addition changed us from a potentially very young offensive line, to one with a little more maturity.

Jeremiah Hatch - B-

With Hatch it's not that he's doing anything wrong, it's that he's just not quite to the level that many expected yet. Now that may have a whole lot to do with his reported illness as teammate Jeff Spikes noted him vomiting in the locker room prior to the UTEP game and then apparently all over the Sun Bowl field as well. Now that's the only game we have him reported to be ill, but odds are if he's like the majority of the world he wasn't 100% the next game either.

The other concern with Hatch has been the consistency in his snaps. Obviously one of the most important roles for a center in the spread is to get the quarterback the ball cleanly so he can make his reads quickly and make the throw. It's been discussed that Todd hasn't always looked in sync this year and at times high and low snaps could be too blame.

Still Hatch deserves the benefit of the doubt as he was Kansas' best lineman by the end of last season and he should come along this year as he get's into a groove. Low grade on this one primarily due to expectations, but by no means has Hatch been a MAJOR weakness to this team.

B- for Hatch, because he's better than we've seen. Hatch has been billed as a future All Big12 center and both his game and leadership will step it up to make that happen.

Sal Capra RG - A

Not a whole lot to say about this one other than Capra is steady as they come so far. Going back even to last season it was apparent that Capra had the football IQ and work ethic to be a player in this program and those qualities have put him in a position to succeed as a junior.

Capra is probably the first guy on the list who came in with expectations of being solid and has performed to those expectations. Capra has graded out very well according to his own coaches and in watching the game it's clear he is getting the job done in his spot whether it be the right side or the occasional stint on the left.

Capra's story has been well documented and while he may not have been a well hyped recruit or an immediate impact player, he has turned himself into a formidable offensive guard in the Kansas system.

A for Capra, he's been reliable, consistent and when's the last time a guard received offensive player of the week honors.

Jeff Spikes RT - B-

Jeff Spikes is a bit of a mystery at times, he has the physical tools and was once hyped by the coaching staff as the next great left tackle of Kansas football. Sure that's a lot to live up to but Spikes hasn't even been afforded the opportunity to fulfill that role as he's been "downgraded" to right tackle.

Spikes is however only a redshirt sophomore and it was always known he was very raw coming in. I for one am also of the opinion that the right tackle is as important in many instances as the left, but due to the NFL millions that great left tackles command it's a position that can be overlooked.

This season the expectations for Spikes were stepped up a notch, he's performed well at times and he's also looked like a matador in the bull ring at times. Spikes has looked fairly solid in terms of run blocking and it seems that comes easier to him which isn't a huge surprise as it often is for many. However, in a pass blocking scheme he's improving but still not quite there.

This isn't a knock on Jeff Spikes as I do see him as a player in progress and someone that from a football IQ perspective isn't making as many mistakes as last season. The issues at this point are fewer and with time he'll get there. My concern is this, if anyone watched the Texas v Texas Tech game and saw Sergio Kindle destroy Taylor Potts coming off the right edge it had to make you cringe a little bit because Spikes can have those same struggles as the competition level picks up over the next three quarters of the season.

B- for what he's done so far, simply because I was hoping for more. Still happy with his potential in the long hall and he does seem to be "getting it" a little more every game.

Bench - B-

Off the bench thus far we've seen Thorson move to center, Trevor Marrongelli fill in at right guard and John Williams on the occasional jumbo package. What we haven't seen is what we have depth wise at tackle.

Thorson can make the move to center if needed despite the concerns with his snap early on. Good news is, if he is forced to make that move Capra is just as reliable on the left and Trevor Marrongelli is a firey, angry, solid replacement at right Guard.

Throw in the mix John Williams who the staff has given some snaps to early and Kansas has enough on the interior to feel confident.

At the tackle spots it's an incomplete at this point and truthfully there are a lot of things that could be done if one of the tackles needs replacing. With the depth on the interior Kansas could move Hatch back to the outside, or bring in Ian Wolfe off the bench. Neither is ideal but it can be done.

B- grade for this group right now. Interior get's an A, while the tackle spot it incomplete. Hopefully it won't matter anyway.

Overall this is a situation of being good but not great and the Kansas staff would likely say the same. This unit has done well against the talent level it's been playing but it will need to step up their game in the coming weeks to perform against the top of the Big12.

One thing working in their favor is Kansas does have the benefit of breaking in so many new faces with such an experienced group on the field at the skilled positions.

It's clear the Jayhawks are improving the talent they are putting on the field up front, it's only a matter of getting the experience and developing their skills at this point. If the development continues in the right direction, Kansas will likely look at this area as a position of stength in 2010 as they break in a whole new set of skill position players.

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 Tailgate Edition

Denverjhawk — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:01:00 -0000

A look at news and notes from this week about the Jayhawks and their upcoming game....

The Good Guys...

Steven Foster may have found a home at defensive end.
The Springer Twins, Justin and Jeremy, will face off this week.
Jake Laptad a coaches dream.
Tanner Hawkinson successful through one game at protecting Todd Reesing's blind side.
The Jayhawks look for a better result in their first road game of the season in 2009 vs. 2008.
UDK piece on everybody's favorite head hunting kicker, Jacob Branstetter.
Bill Miller brings experience to a young defensive staff.
Change has been a good thing for Brad Thorson.
UTEP's passing game will look to test the Jayhawk secondary.
Chris Harris looks to have regained some of his 2007 confidence.
KC Star Game Preview

The Bad Guys...

UTEP looks to cut down on penalties after a tough first game with the zebra's.
QB Trevor Vittatoe looks to be a threat through the air and on the ground.
Miners focused for this years biggest home game.
El Paso Times piece on Reesing and the rise of the Jayhawks

Denver's Take...

Last week the Jayhawks put together a convincing win against an inferior opponent. A new found running game and a more balanced attack met the Jayhawks to start 2009 although much of that might be attributed to Northern Colorado's focus on limiting the pass. Regardless of how well things looked though, the Bears did expose some potential chinks in the armor.

On the other sideline, on all accounts UTEP played pretty poorly for at least half a game last week and ultimately it ended up costing them. The question is whether they can rally against a big time opponent and make things difficult in their own backyard.

My thought is this, Kansas defense will still be looking to find itself a bit but I just don't think that alone will be enough for UTEP to upset the Jayhawks. This one might get up and down but Kansas' offense has now shown they will be very difficult to stop. Throw Dezmon Briscoe back in the mix and it will take a pretty big UTEP defensive effort to stop the Jayhawks attack.

In terms of the Kansas defense, I don't look for things to settle here and I'm expecting a few changes on the depth chart in this one across the board. With that said, we'll get closer but the Jayhawks will still be vulnerable. In the end though Kansas stops UTEP more than the UTEP stops Kansas and the Jayhawks will win the turnover battle with some fairly savvy defenders running around and making plays.

My final thought is this, look for Kansas to go for the jugular early with a big play on the opening drive. From there Kansas keeps their foot on the gas and surprises many with a relatively easier win than expected.

Final Score: Kansas 42 UTEP 24

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

DID YOU KNOW? -- While Kansas has never played UTEP, the Jayhawks have played in the school's home stadium - the Sun Bowl. The Jayhawks met Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl on Christmas Day to cap the 1975 season. The Jayhawks lost 33-19 to the Panthers as Tony Dorsett rushed for 142 yards for Pittsburgh. Kansas was led by Laverne Smith, who rushed for 118 yards and Nolan Cromwell, who added 99 yards on the ground. Nearly 4,000 KU fans made the trip to El Paso for the game and were part of a then-Sun Bowl record crowd of 30,272.

DID YOU KNOW? -- Sure its only after one week, but Kansas is tied for the national lead in four NCAA offensive statistical categories including fewest tackles for loss allowed (1.00), fewest sacks allowed (0.00), fourth-down efficiency (100.0 percent) and red-zone efficiency (100.o percent). KU was two of two on fourth downs and scored on all six of its trips in the red zone against Northern Colorado last week.

This Week's Game
KU-UTEP SERIES -- Kansas and UTEP will be meeting for the first time in school history. In fact, each of KU's four non-conference games this year are first-time meetings.

KU VS. CONFERENCE USA -- Kansas owns a 16-9 record against current members of Conference USA all time. The last time the Jayhawks played a member of the league was its 42-13 victory against Houston
in the 2005 Fort Worth Bowl. The last regular season meeting against a Conference USA opponent was a 21-3 victory against Tulsa to open the 2004 campaign.

KU AND THE STATE OF TEXAS -- This will be the first of three trips to the state of Texas for the Jayhawks, who will also play at Texas Tech on Oct. 31 and at Texas on Nov. 21. KU's last trip to the state was
a 19-11 win at Texas A&M in 2007. KU is 2-5 in the state in the Mark Mangino era with a win against Houston in Fort Worth in 2005 and the win at Texas A&M in 2007.

TEXAS JAYHAWKS -- Kansas features 35 players on its roster from the state of Texas. That figure is the most of any state as KU has 23 players from its own state, 11 from Oklahoma and eight from Missouri for its biggest areas. KU starters from the lone star state include WR Dezmon Briscoe (Dallas), LB Drew Dudley (College Station), OC Jeremiah Hatch (Dallas), DE Maxwell Onyegbule (Arlington), CB Daymond Patterson (Mesquite), QB Todd Reesing (Austin), LB Justin Springer (Los Fresnos) and LB Arist Wright (Houston).

KU-UTEP CONNECTIONS -- KU LB Justin Springer's twin brother Jeremy is a LB at UTEP... In addition to the 35 players KU lists from the state of Texas, several KU coaches have ties to the state: KU LB coach Bill Miller played at Texas-Arlington and coached one year at his alma mater... KU WR coach David Beaty was a successful high school coach in the state at several schools before coaching wide receivers at Rice in 2006-07... KU RB and special teams coach Louie Matsakis was on staffs at Texas Tech and Texas State-San Marcos.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR AGAINST UTEP

KU is looking to start a season 2-0 for the sixth consecutive season.
KU has won three straight games dating back to last season.
KU has recorded three sacks in each of its last three games dating back to last year.
QB Todd Reesing (8,392) needs 30 total yards for ninth on the Big 12 career total offense list.
Reesing has thrown a touchdown pass in 19 consecutive games.
RB Jake Sharp (1,933) needs 38 yards to move past Kerwin Bell (1,970) for 10th on the KU career rushing

list.

Sharp (20) needs one rushing touchdown to tie three others for sixth on the KU career rushing touchdown list and two to tie David Winbush (22) for fifth.
Sharp (54) needs three receptions to pass Robert Miller (56) for third on the KU career receptions by a running back list.
WR Kerry Meier (129) needs five receptions to pass Willie Vaughn (133) for third on the KU career receptions list.
Meier (10) needs one touchdown reception to tie for ninth on the KU career touchdown receptions list.
Meier has caught at least two passes in 22 consecutive games.
S Darrell Stuckey (7) needs one interception to tie Richard Bertuzzi (8) for 10th on the KU career interceptions list.
DE Jake Laptad (12) needs three sacks to move past Nick Reid (14) for ninth on the KU career sacks 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.

DID YOU KNOW? -- The Kansas at UTEP game features two of the nation's top active passers in Jayhawk Todd Reesing and Miner Trevor Vittatoe. Vittatoe ranks fourth (264.3) and Reesing fifth (259.5) among active quarterbacks in career passing yards per game. Reesing's 70 career touchdown passes are sixth among active players behind Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Tim Hiller, Dan LeFevour and Nate Davis, but ahead of such seniors as Tim Tebow, Max Hall, Zac Robinson, Matt Grothe and Juice Williams.

FIRST-TIME STARTERS -- Seven Jayhawks made their first career starts in the season opener including LT Tanner Hawkinson, LG Brad Thorson and RG Sal Capra on offense and DE Maxwell Onyegbule, DT Patrick Dorsey, LB Drew Dudley and CB Anthony Davis on defense.

FRESHMEN SEE PLAYING TIME -- Against Northern Colorado 11 freshmen saw action including three true freshmen in WR Bradley McDougald, LB Huldon Tharp and RB Toben Opurum. Redshirt freshmen who played for the first time included QB Kale Pick, S Lubbock Smith, CB Greg Brown, OL Trevor Marrongelli, OL John Williams, OL Tanner Hawkinson, DE D.J. Marshall and DT Duane Zlatnik.

OFFENSIVE NOTES -- KU rushed for 334 yards vs. Northern Colorado, the first 300-yard rushing game for the Jayhawks since 2001... KU produced 553 yards of total offense vs. UNC, its most in its last 15
games... KU did not commit a turnover against UNC (had two games last year without a turnover - Louisiana Tech and Colorado)... KU scored touchdowns on all six of its trips into the red zone... Three Jayhawks scored two touchdowns each against UNC including QB Todd Reesing, RB Jake Sharp and RB Toben Opurum... KU had two 80-plus yard scoring drives against UNC... KU had two 10-plus play drives against the Bears... KU scored on seven of its 10 possessions and punted just twice against UNC... KU converted eight of 12 thirddown
attempts against UNC... Four different Jayhawks had runs of 20 or more yards, including both quarterbacks... KU had only one play that lost yards against Northern Colorado, a team rush that lost six yards.

DEFENSIVE NOTES -- KU allowed just three points, the fewest its allowed since shutting out Louisiana Tech in the second game of last year... UNC's 246 total yards were the fewest allowed by KU since limiting Colorado to 233 in the sixth game of last year... KU allowed two 10-plus play drives by UNC, but neither resulted in points (both punts) and the two drives combined for only 51 yards... UNC reached KU's 20-yard line just twice in 10 possessions and scored one field goal... KU allowed only two plays of more than 20 yards by UNC.

Kansas Football Depth Chart Is Out

Denverjhawk — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:20:36 -0000

One week out and we've got an official word from the athletic department on what things will look like when we take the field on Saturday the 5th. For the better part of three weeks we've been trying to piece together what this thing might look like from the eyes in the sky, but it's always fun to see the official look from the staff.

Let the speculation end because this is the Jayhawks story and for now their sticking to it. We'll see come next Saturday.

Offense:

LT 72 Tanner Hawkinson 6-6 270 Fr. RS
63 Ian Wolfe 6-5 295 Jr. 1L

LG 76 Brad Thorson 6-3 290 Jr. 1L
71 John Williams 6-4 309 Fr. RS

OC 77 Jeremiah Hatch 6-3 311 So. 1L
76 Brad Thorson 6-3 290 Jr. 1L

RG 59 Sal Capra 6-3 295 Jr. 1L
69 Trevor Marrongelli 6-4 285 Fr. RS

RT 74 Jeff Spikes 6-6 314 So. 1L
55 Darius Parish 6-4 314 So. 1L

TE 86 Tim Biere 6-4 250 So. 1L
43 Ted McNulty 6-5 231 So. SQ

WR 81 Johnathan Wilson 6-3 189 Jr. 2L
29 Isiah Barfi eld 6-0 184 So. 1L

WR 10 Kerry Meier 6-3 221 Sr. 3L
24 Bradley McDougald 6-2 195 Fr. HS

WR 80 Dezmon Briscoe 6-3 202 Jr. 2L
89 Tertavian Ingram 6-0 200 Jr. SQ

RB 1 Jake Sharp 5-10 195 Sr. 3L
35 Toben Opurum 6-2 235 Fr. HS
or 6 Rell Lewis 5-10 201 So. SQ

QB 5 Todd Reesing 5-11 200 Sr. 3L
19 Kale Pick 6-2 200 Fr. RS

Defense:

LE 90 Maxwell Onyegbule 6-5 258 Sr. 2L
84 Jeff Wheeler 6-7 260 Sr. 3L

LT 97 Richard Johnson 6-2 281 So. 1L
99 Jamal Greene 6-4 304 Jr. 1L

RT 94 Caleb Blakesley 6-5 298 Sr. 3L
98 Duane Zlatnik 6-4 303 Fr. RS
or 92 Patrick Dorsey 6-0 275 So. SQ

RE 91 Jake Laptad 6-5 258 Jr. 2L
93 Quintin Woods 6-5 230 Jr. JC

SLB 45 Justin Springer 6-4 242 Jr. 2L
9 Vernon Brooks 5-11 230 Jr. JC

MLB 49 Drew Dudley 6-2 232 Jr. 2L
52 Steven Johnson 6-2 229 So. 1L

WLB 41 Arist Wright 6-0 226 Sr. 3L
34 Huldon Tharp 6-1 215 Fr. HS

LC 15 Daymond Patterson 5-9 175 So. 1L
27 Greg Brown 5-11 177 Fr. RS

SS 25 Darrell Stuckey 6-1 205 Sr. 3L
13 Lubbock Smith 5-11 192 Fr. RS

FS 46 Justin Thornton 6-1 213 Sr. 3L
26 Phillip Strozier 6-1 201 Jr. 2L

RC 30 Anthony Davis 6-0 192 So. 1L
17 Calvin Rubles 6-3 203 Jr. JC

Texas Tech Opponent Prospectus // Kansas Jayhawks

Seth C — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:11 -0000

2009 Texas Tech Opponent Prospectus

Game 1: North Dakota Fighting Sioux // Game 2: Rice Owls // Game 3: Texas Longhorns // Game 4: Houston Cougars // Game 5: New Mexico Lobos // Game 6: Kansas State Wildcats // Game 7: Nebraska Cornhuskers // Game 8: Texas A&M Aggies // Game 9: Kansas Jayhawks

Head coach Mark Mangino and his Kansas Jayhawks are predicted to battle for the Big 12 North. With so many returning offensive stars (Reesing, Mier and Briscoe) the Jayhawks should be fine offensively, but it's the defense (like almost every Big 12 team) that's going to have to improve in order to take the next step.

Join me after the jump for a closer look at Kansas.

General Information

Opponent	University of Kansas
Nickname	Jayhawks
Location	Lawrence, KS
Enrollment	20,298 (Undergraduates)
Conference	Big 12
Head Coach	Mark Mangino
2008 Record	7-5 (4-4)
Starters Returning/Lost	15/7
Blogs	Rock Chalk Talk Oread Boom Kings
Links	2009 Media Guide (pdf) 2009 Spring Prospectus (pdf)

Statistics


Statistic	Kansas	Texas Tech
Pass Offense	305.62 (8)	413.15 (1)
Rush Offense	126.77 (83)	117.84 (94)
Total Offense	432.38 (21)	531.00 (4)
Scoring Offense	33.38 (22)	43.77 (3)
Pass Efficiency	149.93 (17)	158.76 (9)
Sacks Allowed	2.38 (97)	1.00 (4)
Pass Defense	273.62 (114)	242.23 (94)
Rush Defense	123.08 (28)	140.38 (61)
Total Defense	369.69 (89)	382.62 (79)
Scoring Defense	28.85 (82)	27.85 (74)
Pass Efficiency Defense	129.69 (69)	130.56 (72)
Sacks	2.23 (40)	2.62 (18)
Tackles For Loss	6.31 (40)	4.85 (95)
Turnover Margin	0.23 (45)	0.62 (22)

Top Returners

Category	Player
Rushing	Jake Sharp (186 / 860 yds / 12 TD)
Passing	Todd Reesing (329-495 / 3,888 yds / 32 TD / 21 Int)
Receiving	Dezmon Briscoe (92 rec. / 1,407 yds / 15 TD)
Tackles	Darrell Stuckey (98)
Sacks	Jake Laptad (7.0)
Interceptions	Darrell Stuckey (5)

A Few Things

Replacing the Offensive Line: Texas Tech and Kansas are somewhat in the same boat in that each team needs to replace three-fifths of their starters from last year, plus Kansas must replace their tight end from last year. I think this means that much like Texas Tech, the Jayhawks are replacing the entire left side of their line and I believe that means that former tight end Tanner Hawkinson will be your left tackle. The Jayhawks have also done some shuffling, where last years left tackle, Jeremiah Hatch, will be moving to center and the lone returning starter is Jeff Spikes. We'll get into this below, but the nice thing about the Kansas line is that Reesing is a mobile quarterback and he can avoid quite a bit of pressure by himself, but this is obviously a situation to watch.
Who Picks Up the Rush: Again, much like Texas Tech, the Jayhawks must replace their first, third and fourth leading sacker from 2008. Defensive end Jake Laptad does return with seven sacks from last year, but the Jayhawks lose 16.5 of the 29 sacks from last year. I believe that Kansas is hoping that Maxwell Onyegbule steps up in a full time role. I should also mention that James Holt, a linebacker, was the leading sacker from last year. I can't say that I watched enough Kansas football last season to know how the Jayhawk defense works, but that's a lot of production to replace (and Texas Tech fans can empathize) in 2009.
Tremendous Offensive Skill Positions: You can't help but love the offensive triumvirate at Kansas. Todd Reesing is the Wes Welker of quarterbacks, and I mean that as a tremendous compliment. He's a guy that's not to be as successful as he is because of his stature, but he gets the job done and he does it with excellent efficiency. RB Jake Sharp is an effective runner, gaining 4.62 yards a carry and catching 25 passes out of the backfield. Had it not been for Michael Crabtree and Dez Bryant, the entire league would be talking about Dezmon Briscoe, which could be both good and bad. Bad in the sense that he ran into some issues during the spring, probably school related, that kept him out of some of the spring practices. With that being said, there's no denying Briscoe's talent as he caught 92 passes for 1,402 yards and 15 touchdowns. Just for comparison purposes, Michael Crabtree had 97 catches for 1,165 yards and 19 touchdowns. Briscoe had a relatively quiet game against Texas Tech, but make no mistake that Briscoe has the potential to be a game-changer for Kansas.
New Linebackers: As mentioned above, Kansas replaces all three linebackers from last year, including the leader pass rusher in James Holt, who was also KU's leading tackler, third leading tackler in Mike Rivera and fourth leading tackler in Joe Mortenson. Like I said, that's a ton of production to produce. Much like any school, hope springs eternal, and there's always the thought that there's depth to replace those three players. Where the former linebackers seemed to be more traditional, there's the thought that KU could move towards a faster and more fleet linebacking group.
Secondary Returns: We've talked about some of the weaknesses of the Kansas defense, but the strength of the defense is the secondary, where the Jayhawks return Darrell Stuckey, an All-American candidate. Stuckey was very good last year, which included being the leading returning tackler, and leading the team in interceptions last year. Cornerbacks Justin Thornton and Daymond Patterson also return, as well as free safety Phillip Strozier. As you could imagine, with entire secondary returning, there are some issues in that the Jayhawks were 114th in the nation last year in pass defense. Yeesh. I think this group will improve, but with the lack of pass rush and the fact that over the middle may be incredibly vulnerable. Again, we're talking about the experience factor here, and it's also the Big 12 where offenses fly high.

Poll

On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most worried and 1 being the least worried, how worried are you about the Kansas Jayhawks?

1

26 votes

2

51 votes

3

94 votes

4

28 votes

5

17 votes

216 votes | Poll has closed

Kansas Positional Preview: The Specialists

Denverjhawk — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:00:12 -0000

Jacob Branstetter will look to improve on his career high of 7 tackles in kick coverage during the 2008 season including this upending of Missouri standout return man Jeremy Maclin

View full size photo »

Special teams...sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always critical to the success of the team. The Kansas Jayhawks have seen their ups and downs in terms of the special teams play over the Mark Mangino era but make no mistake it's important to the Jayhawk staff and that is why you will often see starters take the field in critical times to play the roles often left to backups and youngsters in the program.

Today however, the focus is on the kickers, punters and long snappers. The guys that truly don't fit anywhere else on the field, those players affectionately referred to as the specialists. Kansas has a pretty good idea who will be taking the field this year in these positions as there wasn't a whole lot of turnover from last season.

Taking care of kickoff duties as well as extra points and field goals is junior kicker Jacob Branstetter. While Branstetter has sometimes been confused for a head hunting safety on special teams the 5'10" 182 pounder is all kicker and has developed into a pretty reliable one for the Jayhawks. While Branstetter may not see the field for any 60 yard bombs he does provide a steady leg going 9/12 on his career in field goals and 51/52 on PAT's. Branstetter as mentioned above also excels in kick coverage recording 7 tackles over the course of the year on kickoffs.

Complete Special Teams Breakdown After the Jump...

Next on the list is junior punter Alonso Rojas. Rojas joined the Jayhawks last year out of the junior college ranks where he was one of the top punters in the country. At 6'3" 220 he has pretty good size but honestly his enthusiasm is what always stands out to me. I believe it was the Colorado game and then again in the insight bowl where I saw two of the greatest punts of my life when Rojas flipped the field from inside the Kansas twenty almost completely around to inside the opponents ten. I don't recall exactly but I do know it was impressive and the guy gets fired up about it which I like. Rojas will again be a steady force as he looks to improve on a sophomore season where he averaged nearly 41 yards a punt with 15 inside the 20 and 11 of over 50 yards. Oh, and the one against Colorado was a 77 yarder!!!

So who get's these guys the ball, Jeremiah Hatch maybe? Nope we've got a long snapper on the roster and a good one at that in Kayl Anderson. If I could go back in time I think I would have pursued this as a career of my own. While my technique was rather unorthodox, I could nail a target with a long snap from about 25 yards fairly flawlessly. Getting back on topic though Anderson is entering his 4^th and final season as the Jayhawks long snapper and without looking I'd have to guess he might be the most experienced guy from a game appearances standpoint on the team.

Now what's that you say, whoever will we get to replace Kayl Anderson. Yes it is a concern and perhaps it will be featured in next year's most underrated concerns series by Rock Chalk or perhaps not. On the roster as of August 17^th, waiting in the wings is the future of the position Justin Carnes. Who's that you say, well I don't know. What I do know though is that Carnes is a 6'3" 250 pound long snapper out of La Porte Texas, and if there is one thing I know about Texas football, it's that they produce long snappers so I will rest easy on this one.

Also on the roster as an option at kicker is redshirt freshman John Millsap. Millsap is a 5'10" 150 pound walk on kicker from Andover Kansas.

OK, ok, enough of the satire, this really is an important area and we do have some very solid players as specialists, but what about kick and punt return?

Returning punts and kicks is pretty wide open this year as the staff has been working a variety of guys we've already discussed. Returning punts I wouldn't be surprised to see Daymond Patterson back their again as he is dangerous in the return game.

On kickoffs I'm hopeful that improved blocking means improved performance in this area. While Briscoe has been listed 1^st on the depth chart, I'd be anxious to see McDougald or one of the other youngsters that have impressed take the duties. Not that we should burn a redshirt just for kick return, but if it's an area they can contribute I say let's give it a shot.

So that wraps up our entire preseason breakdown from offense to defense to my lazy effort on the special teams. Camp wrapped up Wednesday as classes started Thursday, things are certain to really start heating up over the next couple of weeks as Northern Colorado and Sept 5^th are right around the corner.

Poll

Who's Your Kickoff Return Man?

Dezmon Briscoe

15 votes

Bradley McDougald

35 votes

Daymond Patterson

12 votes

DJ Beshears

1 votes

Rell Lewis

1 votes

Deshaun Sands

2 votes

Other (let us know what you're thinking in the comments)

1 votes

67 votes | Poll has closed