SB Nation User Blog: labbadabba

Zack Bolton De-commits. Bowen to KSU?

labbadabba — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:16:46 -0000

Zack Bolton De-commits. Bowen to KSU?

Losing Bolton hurts. And a guinea pig? Really? Dude...

Coaching Controversy + Denverjhawk good for RCT

labbadabba — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:44:12 -0000

Well ladies and jellyspoons, it's been an interesting month. It was a strange way to close out a year, it ended in a way I think very few of us could have ever imagined.

I won't rehash all of the arguments that have been made but I can point one thing out that I'm sure some of the regulars around here may have noticed. (with the exception of RC and KC...LOL, sorry guys) But, look at all the new folks! Some people I recognize from other Jayhawks message boards, others have been long-time lurkers, a few are nubes (we've all been there), and some have stumbled upon RCT because there is such a wealth of content here that it is always at the top of any google search.

I think the work Denver has done here, especially this past month has been remarkable. Its clear that he loves what he does otherwise he wouldn't put so much into it, but jeez, it's pretty impressive. This coaching controversy has really given Denver a chance to shine. KU was being discussed almost daily on the sports wires so there was a buzz around the program. Unfortunately, the major local media outlets provided little in the way of effective breakdowns. Sure there was some speculation and there were a few articles defending Mangino or defending Perkins or condemning them both, but very little of what was offered in the media stoked quality discussion much less thought.

For those who sought more, RCT was here. Everyday RCT was here with something or someone new to talk about. Not just a blurb, a full write-up; and for the most part there was very little opinion offered (just the facts ma'am) in the mainpage articles but they were thought-provoking enough to promote the varying schools of thought here at RCT to have at it. Because of these types of discussions, we are better and more knowledgeable KU fans.

The combination of having this resource and having it at a time when people were clamoring for quality information and a proper forum on which to discuss the newest revelations (thank you SB Nation) made for a good 5 weeks at RCT. Not only has RCT registered a few score new users but traffic overall has skyrocketed.

Don't believe me? Numbers don't lie my friends.

via i691.photobucket.com

Rock Chalk Talk is the top search item on Google for Jim Harbaugh and Kansas... Thought that was...

labbadabba — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:36:02 -0000

Rock Chalk Talk is the top search item on Google for Jim Harbaugh and Kansas...

Thought that was neato...

Alright - let's see your wish list.

labbadabba — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:05:22 -0000

Thanks to Denver educating us all... (THANK YOU DENVER!!!!! BLOGGER OF THE YEAR!!!I!111) We can all form educated opinions on who we want to see as KU's next coach.

From what I've seen the coaching options appear to be: (in no particular order)

Jim Harbaugh

Tim Brewster

Skip Holtz

Larry Fedora

Kevin Sumlin

Randy Esall

Brian Billick (srsly...)

Turner Gill

Nolan Cromwell

I think that is basically it. Now we all have our opinions on who we should have and why. But to come to a consensus as a community we need a weighted poll. So... Give me your top 5. Your top pick will earn 5 points and your 2nd pick will earn 4 point so on and so forth. This way, we may not all agree on who our #1 is on an individual basis but we'll get a clear picture on the man on which we can all somewhat agree. I will try to tally up the votes on Friday afternoon.

KGRtC, Rivet, be nice.

My Picks -

1) Larry Fedora

2) Skip Holtz

3) Jim Harbaugh

4) Turner Gill

5) Kevin Sumlin

10 Thoughts on Kansas - Briscoe, Mangino, Gill, etc.

labbadabba — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:39:12 -0000

10 Thoughts on Kansas - Briscoe, Mangino, Gill, etc.

Good stuff, I especially like what he has to say about my favorite defensive coordinator...

Does Texas deserve a shot at the National Championship?

labbadabba — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:32:06 -0000

Does Texas deserve a shot at the National Championship?

Ohio writer blogs about the inequities of the BCS system. We all know it, but a really well written argument deserves to be read.

THIS JUST IN Mark Mangino spotted leaving town. Flys Coach.

labbadabba — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:07:44 -0000

THIS JUST IN

Mark Mangino spotted leaving town. Flys Coach.

So what do we think? Keep the bird on the helmet? I like it personally. One of the most unique...

labbadabba — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:41:11 -0000

So what do we think? Keep the bird on the helmet?

I like it personally. One of the most unique mascot in sports, plus I hate that ugly-ass Trajan font on our helmets...

Like the blue pants but they should never be worn with blue tops...

Labba's weekly thoughts on his favorite defensive coordinator

labbadabba — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:07:36 -0000

Well, that was another Saturday well spent. I spent another rainy afternoon in a bar by myself drinking overpriced beer.

There were some factors that made my experience tolerable.

1) I was dressed as Dwight Schrute and I bore a striking resemblance so the double takes were fun

2) Watching one trick or treater stream into a bar and ask the bartender for candy was interesting. More than one parent got a quick beer as well.

3) Clint Bowen's defense. There I said it.

I was following the OGT on my phone so I wasn't really active in commenting but as Denver pointed out, our CB's played a press coverage and confused and befuddled a Tech offense that seemed to be a step behind most of the first half.

This is what I saw (which is basically what I've been predicting)

1) The press took away the underneath routes

2) The press threw off the WR timing enabling our D-Line to dominate with their quickness.

3) We got burned deep once on a broken coverage.

a) This will happen as there's less safety net

b) I'd still rather see this than a team continually converting 3rd and 8's on underneath routes.

but, But, BUT!

This all changed in the second half. I'm thinking that the staff wanted to play close to the line in the first half since they were playing a dual-threat quaterback and wanted to limit the play within 5 yards of the LOS. But as soon as Potts went back in and the dual-threat was removed our DB's backed off again and we gave back the cushion. Result? A long and punishing drive in which they converted some huge 3rd downs. There was also the series with the fake punt but we eventually came up with a stop.

So there it is. A side-by-side comparison of two different schemes. You draw your own conclusions. The defense really played admirably the entire game. In the end it was the offenses' mistakes that put the D in an untenable situation and I'm not at all railing on our boys on the defensive side of the ball, it was a pleasure to watch.

I only hope now that Bowen and Co. can revisit the tape and analyze how effective the two different philosophies where when using the same players.

Good job Bowen but also you suck.

Rivals upgrades Ricki Herod Jr to 10 Gazillion Stars!

labbadabba — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:15:13 -0000

Rivals upgrades Ricki Herod Jr to 10 Gazillion Stars!