Where I Come From: Most Memorable Kansas Football Moments
by Owen on Jul 9, 2010 8:11 AM CDT
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Many times it's the moments of greatness in sports that define how we view a team and our fandom. At the same time it can be the absolute bottom that makes those moments so much sweeter.
When I think of the most memorable moments of my time as a Kansas football fan three games come to mind. Three games that I was a part of and in attendance at, and three games that covered the range from where Kansas football was to where Kansas football is or could be.
The first memorable moment is a moment that isn't a good one. In 2001 as we all recall there was a week where football was put on hold as our country faced a much bigger crisis. In that same year, Kansas football would hit rock bottom, Terry Allen would see his career come to an end and one game symbolized the sad state of affairs for Kansas football.
The game was the make up contest between Kansas and the Wyoming Cowboys. The Cowboys rolled into Lawrence on a rainy Saturday two days after thanksgiving. I pulled up a seat with my future wife, grabbed a hot chocolate and had our pick of seats in the stadium. If I'm not mistaken the announced attendance on the day hovered around 24,000. The actual was likely closer to 10,000. Memorial stadium was empty. The Jayhawks won the game, but nobody really cared. Kansas football was in shambles, and the view from the bottom was ugly and memorable for me.
The second most memorable moment for me would come seven seasons later on a Thanksgiving Saturday that was a complete contrast to the game in 2001. The Jayhawks were a year removed from the Orange bowl, and the second edition of the Border War in Arrowhead was taking place. To go from a rainy stadium primarily filled with the family of players in 2001, to a 78,000 seat Stadium in Kansas City nearly full despite horrid weather was a big change.
The game itself was absolutely incredible. It started as well as the Jayhawks could hoped, but the entire first half you could sense the Jayhawks had left too many points on the table and a very solid Tiger squad would make a run. The back and forth second half eventually came down to an incredible fourth down play and a blocked field goal. I can't recall another time when I was so excited and yelled so loud in the stands. There were bigger games certainly, but the 2008 Border War was an incredible contest and an amazing finish.
Finally the game following that Border War, the Insight Bowl in Tempe. If you've been to a Bowl game or a Final Four where Kansas is involved you know what I'm talking about when I say that the sense of community is unreal. To see thousands of Jayhawks who had made the journey to Tempe to enjoy some good food, good football and a few adult beverages, the feeling was pretty amazing.
The game itself was a good one, I sat three rows up from Greg Ostertag which was a nice consolation prize, but in general the entire day and a half trip from Denver to Tempe was as memorable a sporting event as I've been to. From the airport to the hotel to any bar in downtown Tempe, there were Jayhawks. I told myself then that any time Kansas goes to a bowl, it will be a priority of mine to be there. Here's hoping 2010 might just provide me with a surprise trip in December or even early January.
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This one is easy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-1CdnLCUoY&feature=related
Glad I came, just wish I hadn't stayed so long.
People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball...Rock Chalk Talk
Great Moment huh
Sometimes a great moment goes beyond the game on the field. Thanksgiving weekend, a team with no expectations sitting a disappointing 6-5. This was about a coming together of friends, family. community, and an entire Jayhawk Nation. From the god awful weather, bloody marys in the parking lot, a frenzy in the stands culminating with the Reesing to Meier touchdown. Sure there have been bigger games in KU history, but this was my moment, right here right now. That moment in time that makes your head swell with pride to be a Jayhawk. I can only hope that Turner Gil will give us more of these moments, but this ONE will always be endearing to me.
oh ya No contest
same for me as well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6MFwkw9KXA&feature=related I went NUTS when this happened
Hard to argue against the Reesing-to-Meier game-winner,
but another game that stands out for me is the end-of-the-season win over Iowa State in 2003 that made us Bowl eligible for the first time in like 10 years. Everyone was just shocked and thrilled that our pathetic football team managed to scrape together 6 wins in a season. It was just a completely different experience than basketball, where of course the expectations are so high every year. “Hey! We’re a bowl team! Just like Oklahoma!”
The win over K-State the following year was pretty awesome, too.
I loved those also, but...
I remember the 2005 Iowa State game in which we took it to overtime and won on a field goal. I still remember watching it go through the uprights and yelling my butt off. That is not my favorite moment though. I will always remember Aqib Talib with his pick six in the Orange Bowl. It was the perfect play to end one of the most perfect seasons.
I also forgot...
This play was not as big but I will always remember how epic I thought it was at the time. Loved it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG_jHJTD0_0
This one is tough!
You got Aqib taking back a 103 yard interception for a TD. Right when he intercepted it I could tell he wanted to run with it. I just kept yelling, “Go down! Fall down in the end zone!” But he just took off. I wanted to close my eyes at first but then he just kept getting block after block around him opening up holes. He was shifty. He took it all the way! Unbelievable!
There is my first KU Bowl Game (Ft. Worth Bowl) in 2005. We just killed Houston! Not only did our team dominate them, but KU fans dominated the Houston fans IN TEXAS! It was like a 70 – 30 mix in favor of KU.
There is the Orange Bowl. 2 day trip down there and a 2 day trip back (we stopped at my sisters in Tennessee both times to rest and party). Everything about that trip was amazing! That game was amazing! I even had a guy barf all over my coat at the game. It ticked me off at first, but we beat VT so I got over it.
Just thought of when we played Texas A&M too in 2007 I believe. It was 4th down and 1 and they brought in their big guy. Holy crap I can’t think of his name right now! Their fullback who was like 280 lbs. He always got the first down! We stopped him, kept the momentum and beat their a$$es! That was a great feeling. That’s when I knew for sure this team was going to make a name for themselves that year.
so many....... not all good
1.)Reesing to Meier: It was so cold but that didnt stop those little b****es from trash talking. Nothing is as beautiful as a rivals disapointment.
2.) The Nebraska game last year: I didnt go to this game which is a good thing because I droped more F bombs than imaginable. At one point in the game when we where down 7; and had Nebraska 3rd & 10. I thought we got ’em, guess what happened? They RAN IT FOR A FIRST DOWN; and i lost my Fing mind “You dirty Mother******s, HOW THE **** DO YOU LET THAT HAPPEND; NOW I GOT TO WATCH THAT CLUELESS BO PELINI CELEBRATE ON OUR FIELD GODD*****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Rollin' around in my 6 4. duece duece
Reesing to Meier is incredible, but here is mine:
2004 win over K State.
It was my freshman year, and after a good start we were coming off really disappointing losses to Northwestern and Texas Tech. Then we beat KSU for the first time in 15 years in a close one. I just remember running on the field, tearing down the goalposts, etc. There is a famous picture of it of everyone running on the field and you can see me in the middle of it, although I’m looking down because someone fell down and it distracted me (they got right back up no worries).
That right there, my frosh year when KSU was still considered good, it was a turning point. I knew then that at the very least KU football wasn’t a punching bag anymore. That game helped turn me into a diehard fan, incredible moment in the stands too.
Shit happens when you win championships
Amazing game.
Wish I could’ve attended but I was at a friend’s house listening on the radio (not many KU games on TV in those days). We stepped outside as the game was ending and could hear the cheers from the stadium even though we were a solid 2 miles away.
Gotta be the OB for me.
I had planned to visit my folks in Ft Lauderdale over Christmas and New Years anyway. When we got the OB bid I just rebooked my flight for a few days later. We had two tickets that we bought through the Alumni Association so dad and I were set. The day before, a Florida friend called dad saying he had 2 tickets and passes to all the other club events. Dad took the extra tickets. Mom decided to go at that point and we called my brother in Raleigh to see if he would come down. He had a golf tournament to run so he flew in the day of and had to board a plane again at 5 am the next morning to make it back to his tournament.
Anyway, I came down with a nasty cold/flu. The day before the game we went to the joint OB rally. I remember Big Jay and Baby Jay getting into a dance contest with the Hokie mascot and they smoked that bird. It was no contest really. The VT fans were smug and almost apologetic that we were going to our asses kicked the following night. Most of the KU fans just had the “we’re happy to be here” vibe.
The next night of course was amazing. My strongest memory was turning to my brother who had just flown in for the game and saying “I can’t believe this is happening.” I mean, really… A year before did anyone see us in the OB much less winning it? The whole thing was surreal. I felt like I was floating most of the time, but I think a large part of that can be attributed to the cold medicine.
That and Reesing to Meier have gotta be my best KU Football memories.
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
I'll keep it to two.
Tony Sands record setting day against MU. It was one of the most miserable weather days I’ve spent at Memorial. Cold, strong wind, just frozen to the bone. We just sat there and tried to guess, would they run to the right or the left. Mizzou was guessing too and they were wrong all day.
The second was in 2007 against Iowa State. The game was never in doubt, but the feeling was incredible. The weather was warm and no one wanted to leave the stadium when the game was over. KU was 11-0, in football! I wasn’t sure I’d ever see that day.
Red Lion
welcome to the site...
and I think we’ve got more than a few Red Lion fans around this place.
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
Questions, Comments? email me at denverjhawk@hotmail.com
Follow me on Twitter, Owen_Kemp
2008 Border War
OK OK I know that a lot of people were talking about it but it was amazing. Not only that I think in the section I was sitting in, there were maybe 10 Jayhawk fans. Oh man, after the catch and then the blocked field goal, just looking at the look on their faces was priceless. But honestly what I remember the most was after the game, walking to our car, you could still hear the rock chalk chant from what I thought was a mile away. Amazing game loved every minute of it.
by hawkinwihita on Jul 9, 2010 12:05 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
One of the most memorable moments for me isn't necessarily a great KU moment.
2007 KU v. SE. La. Two of my friends and I are going to drive to KC to go to the game. It was originally an 11 o’clock start. However, that morning it was raining very heavily and the start was delayed. We made hour way to Lawrence and by the time of the new start it wasn’t raining at all. The first quarter of the game wasn’t exciting at all. KU got a safety and the subsequent kickoff. Marcus Hereford returned the kickoff for a touchdown. The moment he crossed the goal line lightning streaked across the sky. It was awesome except that they then delayed the game another 45 minutes because there had been lightening. That has always been one of my favorite moments at a KU game.
http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/sports/watch/v1338696stndmt6P
Old School
KU football didn’t start in 2003, contrary to popular belief.
Here’s one of the most memorable plays in KU football history for me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jC0vc5HirU&feature=related
That, kids, is what is called POWER running with a dash of determination and pure will.
build a damn football program, beat some ass, and get on tv more.
Love those old videos
the bad quality, mixed with the bright green turf makes it look like KU was playing football under a thousand suns.
More pure will
John Randle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAp9kuKVZRg&NR=1&feature=fvwp
3:00 mark.
build a damn football program, beat some ass, and get on tv more.
you have to love that crushing block...
by McAnderson on that play.
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
Questions, Comments? email me at denverjhawk@hotmail.com
Follow me on Twitter, Owen_Kemp
i love this...
This was my first game I ever went too. An 8 year old kid. I loved it and have bled crimson and blue ever since. I would of put this as my favorite memory but I just remember being amazed by the stadium, the noise, and the tearing down of the goal posts. I couldn’t remember any plays or anything so I couldn’t use it as my favorite memory. I am glad to see this game made the list though.
by hawkinwihita on Jul 9, 2010 8:46 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
2001 KU vs. UCLA
This is the most memorable for me because it was the first one I went to. Al Bohl had just lifted the drinking ban and people couldn’t be happier. It was an 11am game so we were at the stadium at 8 with drinks in hand by 8:02. None of us had a parking pass so we just carried our cooler and set up shop on the hill near this little stone bench.
There was a buzz that morning. Maybe because people were actually buzzed, maybe because it was one of the great early September mornings at Memorial (you guys know the ones I’m talking about), or maybe it was because the game was to be televised! Pretty big deal back then, but Fox Sports wanted to showcase the #14 Bruins. Before the game, the FSN cameraman asked our group if we wanted to be part of the opening sequence showing the fans. Said they normally pan the stadium but since everyone was tailgating, there was nobody in the stadium to pan. First KU game AND first national television appearance for yours truly.
KU held it’s own in the first half but inthe second half DeShaun Foster wrecked shop on our defense. We lost 17-41 but it was still a great time.
I remember this game too.
Also the first KU game I saw in person. My freshman year and I’m pretty sure that was Parents Day. Wouldn’t exactly call it memorable though, haha.
KU-Wyoming 2001
I also was at this game and for reasons I still haven’t figured out it was a memorable game for me as well. The emptiness of the stadium must have made an impression.
My most memorable game, KU vs CU, I think the year as ‘98. Anyway, KU wins and we tear down the goal posts. Wouldn’t get out and do that now, but back then it was so much fun. I remember it like it was yesterday. Great day.
I was at the '98 game against CU...
that was the Winbush game. I was there with a friend and we sat in the North Bowl. Watched the teardown and traditional toss into Potter’s lake. Great game.
In case you missed it...I used to go by Denverjhawk : )
Questions, Comments? email me at denverjhawk@hotmail.com
Follow me on Twitter, Owen_Kemp
Winbush is so porn star
Something like Connie Winbush would work…
The Kansas City Royals; Successfully failing since 1986
Can't believe
no one mentioned beating Nebraska after 30 some odd years. I don’t think I was a gleam in my dad’s eye the last time we beat them. To witness the goal posts going down and just being on the field with the players afterwards and just not wanting to leave. Still have the photo of the scoreboard. Secondly, the 76 spot we put on them a couple of years later. Reesing could have thrown with his eyes closed he was so on fire. That will score will always be in their media guide. And Red Lion mentioned earlier the Tony Sands record breaker in 1991. Very cold and neither team had anything to play for. One of the coaches had the wrong yardage so they pulled him before he actually got to 400 yards.
Todd Reesing
I don’t have a lot of history with the Jayhawks football squad, but I’ve been to enough games to know that there are special moments that stand out in one’s mind as singular entities amongst a multitude of three yards and a cloud of dust plays…
Two, in particular, stand out the most.
In the Orange Bowl, Aqib Talib beats Tech at its own game. He reads a play in the red zone perfectly, snatches the ball as if it was thrown to him intentionally, and blazes a trail of crimson and blue on the field that still might be there in ‘South Beach’ for LeBron’s ‘talents’ to take a look. It was one of the most athletic plays I’ve ever seen and it was followed by Beamer standing on the sideline, wondering how these Jayhawks from Lawrence could beat him at his own game.
The second play was in a little known game later that fall in 2008. Against lowly Sam Houston State, Todd Reesing and Rhett Bhomar were locked in a battle of ‘can you top this’ when…
“Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing managed to put a little spice into an otherwise bland Saturday evening, turning in the game’s most impressive play late in the second quarter.
“After scrambling out of the pocket, avoiding multiple defenders in the process, he unloaded a 57-yard bomb that landed in the hands of receiver Dezmon Briscoe for a touchdown that put Kansas up 21-7 at intermission.” – KUSports.com
It was a virtual repeat performance of a certain Eli Manning play.
If you don’t believe how awesome the play was… take a look. Todd Reesing FTW.
"President Bartlet: A long flight across the night. You know why late flights are good? Because we cease to be earthbound and burdened with practicality. Asking important questions. Talking about the idea that nobody has thought about yet. Put it a different way...
Sam Seaborn: Be poets."
-The West Wing, Season Two, 'The Portland Trip'
East Coast turned Midwest
I have quite a few but I'll keep it short.
I was at the Orange Bowl game and watched Aqib Talib take the interception for a TD, the fake punt, and Todd Reesing kneeling it on the 1 yard line to seal the victory.
I was in the stands when we broke the streak against Nebraska and got to watch Jon Cornish break big run after big run for TDs.
I was at my best friend’s apartment when Todd Reesing threw the game winner against Mizzou at Arrowhead.
But my favorite might be the night that I was stuck at work bussing tables during my senior year of highschool. I had just gotten accepted to KU and everyone I know that was a K-State fan talked all kinds of trash…right up until the bell rung on the hill to announce the end of the streak of losses against K-State.
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