New Year’s Eve 2008 marked the end of an exciting Kansas football season as the Jayhawks wrapped up their first ever back to back bowl wins in school history.  Already fans, media and players alike are looking toward 2009, but I thought I would take one last opportunity to look back at the 2008 Insight Bowl and discuss 2009 sometime next week.

Full story after the jump…

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The Big 12 Conference coaches selections for All Conference Honors were announced on Tuesday with Darrel Stuckey among 10 Jayhawks named to the teams. 

Stuckey was the only Jayhawk on a loaded first team but several others received either 2nd team or Honorable Mention honors including:

• Dezmon Briscoe (2nd)
• James Holt (2nd)
• Caleb Blakesly (HM)
• Ryan Cantrell (HM)
• Jake Sharp (HM)
• Adrian Mayes (HM)
• Jake Laptad (HM)
• Mike Rivera (HM)
• Kerry Meier (HM)

Obviously the glaring missing Jayhawk would be Todd Reesing but with a stacked Big 12 it's not totally unexpected.  Things will likely clear out this season paving the way for Reesing to have a banner Senior campaign and a possible mention on the All Conference Squad.

Huge kudos to Stuckey for a well earned and much deserved honor.  Also felt like James Holt was a huge contributor on this team and in any other conference both Briscoe and Meier would certainly garner 1st team attention.

Also worth mentioning the oft rumored to be injured Mike Rivera for a gutsy Senior campaign and Jake Sharp another local boy for resurecting a non existent running game.

Jake Laptad, several key plays in the year and the lone bright spot for a pass rush that is beginning to see improvement

As for the big boys, Cantrell, Mayes, and perhaps most of all Blakesly.  It wasn't always pretty but they got it done and Blakesly certainly earned a lot of my respect throughout the season.

Jump into the post for the full story and entire list of awards...

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A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

• A look at early reports from the Sharp and Meier injuries.
• Talk of the Insight Bowl begins at Kansas.
• We talked about the biggest losses here earlier in the season and it looks like Mangino would have voted for Talib.
• Kansas regroups and prepares for Missouri.
• OT: Derek Fine feature on his career with the Bills.
• Showdown draws near.
• Border War notes...

My Thoughts...Well I wouldn't be able to consider myself a Kansas fan if I ever picked against us in the Border War so don't expect an unbiased opinion on this one. 

Against Texas the Kansas defense came out inspired and performed admireably against an impressive and balanced attack led by Colt McCoy.  This week in the final Border War for this linebacker corps I expect and equal showing but what will make this week different is the offense will be there to support it. 

Missouri's defense is by no means the Longhorns and Todd Reesing and the Jayhawks will get back on track, back up their defense and give them the support they need to maintain a strong showing throughout the game.  Make no mistake your not going to shutdown Chase Daniel but Kansas needs to find a way stop the big play and create a couple turnovers. 

All said and done Kansas is a better team than their record indicates and they put together their first complete four quarter performance of the year upsetting the Missouri Tigers.

Final Score: Kansas 35 Missouri 31

Full List of Supplemental Notes and Quotes after the jump...

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A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

• KU athletics game recap
• Game Notes
• Press Conference Quotes
• Kansas Senior Linebacker Corps wraps up a home career
• KUSports recap
• KC Star recap
• Whitlock Column talks about keeping things in perspective.
• KC Star Game Report
• Great Article on some of the Seniors

My Thoughts...The unthinkable happened yesterday, Kansas lost a football game because its offense was inept.  Todd Reesing appeared flustered and incapable of making the plays that we all know him for.  The pass protection was more than acceptable in many cases and there has been a clear improvement over the year with Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes, yet Reesing couldn’t seem to pull the trigger and couldn’t seem to keep the ball out of the dirt.  I say it again, the Kansas offense lost this game and it’s been awhile since I’ve had to say that.

A Senior day inspired defense came out and did everything they could in the first half forcing several punts by the potent offense of the Texas longhorns.  The unit forced a turnover, the defensive backs seemed to continue to get more comfortable in their new positions, and even the defensive line put some token pressure on Colt McCoy.  The problem this week was we couldn’t capitalize from an offensive standpoint.  The longer the game went without us turning the stops into our momentum the more hopeless the cause and eventually it all broke down. 

This was a frustrating game yet again for Kansas fans and it’s clear we still have work to do in the talent department before we take the next step and beat these big time opponents at home.  I talked about it a little yesterday but it’s worth mentioning again, Kansas needs some more time to improve recruiting and development based on the recent success.  This senior class committed to Mangino on the heels of a 4-7 year so while one of the greatest senior classes in terms of on field success ever at the University they probably weren’t the most talented to ever walk through the door.  Hopefully that class is yet to come and when they do on a more consistent basis we’ll begin to turn the next corner.  Nonetheless, we will see a 2^nd straight bowl, we are bowl eligible for the fourth straight year and I believe we’ve got a good shot at Missouri in Arrowhead.

A couple of guys on this team do deserve special mention after yesterday.  Kerry Meier, this guy is a warrior and all hear, we need a few more healthy versions of him on the field.  Dez Briscoe, amazing catch, another great game, and he continues to develop into a star.   Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes, no they aren’t there yet and no they didn’t have the greatest game, but they have shown marked improvement and if we could play South Florida with this current version of these two I think we win the game.  The defensive line, the unit that has been frustrating all year got some pressure and didn’t get pushed around against a usually dominate Texas O-line.  Thornton and Patterson both seem to be developing and getting more comfortable at their new spots and while I hope we get Patterson back on offense, he looks like a serviceable corner. 

Those are a few of my thoughts for positives looking ahead now it’s an extended Missouri week and maybe this team can put together their first full complete game in this one and make us all feel a little better.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Highlights from today's press conference w/Coach Mangino and KU Players...

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Opening remarks:

“Looking back on last week, Nebraska made more plays than we did to win the game. We had opportunities and didn’t always capitalize. We didn’t make stops when we needed to make stops. We have got to improve our tackling. We have got to play a lot more sound in our inside run game. There were a few bright spots. Dezmon Briscoe had a big day and looked really good. Todd Reesing had a good day, although his numbers didn’t show that he did. James Holt is really playing good defense for us right now.”

“This week we have Texas, who is a very good, ranked, top-five program. They have a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Defensively they are very stout. They are only allowing 86 yards per game rushing. They have a very athletic defensive line with very quick, athletic guys who can move around. Their linebackers seem to be the heart of their defense. They are an outstanding group of linebackers. Their secondary is very athletic as always.”

“On the offensive side of the ball they run the ball with a number of different tailbacks. Their big playmaker is obviously Colt McCoy at quarterback, both running and throwing the football. He has a bunch of excellent receivers to throw to, led by Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby. Shipley is also a very dangerous player on special teams.”

“It is a very good Texas team that is coming here and we are planning on having a good week of preparation and getting ready to play them. It is an opportunity for us to play a top-five team here at home and we want to play well.”

More Coach and Player Quotes after the Jump...

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Highlights from today's press conference w/Coach Mangino and KU Players...

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Opening remarks:

“We had a great effort from both the offense and the defense (last week vs. Kansas State). We played well. We played sound, fundamental football. I was pleased overall with the performance. There are still things to build off of, but certainly it was a good springboard as we head into the home stretch of the season.”

“This week we travel to Lincoln to play Nebraska. They are a good football team and they are much improved from a year ago. Defensively, they are much improved. They have a different system. They are teaching their kids good, fundamental football. On offense they have been very effective. Joe Ganz is a quality quarterback. He is sometimes forgotten in this league, but I haven’t forgotten about him. I think he has passed for about 2,500 yards this year. They have quality receivers to throw the ball to in Todd Peterson and Nate Swift. To put things into perspective, Nate Swift passed Johnny Rogers on the all-time reception list at Nebraska. He is moving in here to take over as the all-time leader in career receiving yardage at Nebraska. You are talking about a quality football player when you mention somebody in the same breath as Johnny Rogers.

“They are running the ball pretty well. They have a couple of really good running backs. (Marlon) Lucky is a talented kid and so is (Roy) Helu. We are preparing hard and hopefully we will continue to have a good week.”

New This Week...After the Jump get player quotes, notes and quick look at some team statistics.

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A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

• Jake Sharp runs wild behind the Kansas offense.
• Russel Brorson turns in a memorable performance.
• Notes including news on season ending injury to Justin Springer.
• KU Athletics game recap.
• Final Stats.
• Game Notes.

My Thoughts...The morning after and the win feels just as satisfying as the day of.  While it seems like our true football rivalry is Missouri this game was a big win for the Jayhawks and their fans.  My only question is why the hell are there empty seats after halftime when we are handing our instate rival who we clearly have on the ropes an absolute beat down.  Enjoy the journey and don't get so wrapped up in the destination Jayhawk fans. 

Enough of that tangent how about a look at the game.  There has been recent mention of Ed Warriner changing his offensive blocking scheme from a zone block to man.  Clearly that is the right move.  Yesterday, I saw our offensive line dominating man on man throughout the game.  K-State players found their faces buried in the grass and I can count more than a few times where Jeff Spikes and Jeremiah Hatch our two newbie’s were on top.  Jake Sharp used this to his advantage in a big way.  Many of his big runs were off the right side behind Spikes and Sharp made the right reads hit the holes aggressively, got to the next level and then made guys miss.  Not to mention his touchdown where he outran the Kansas State safety.  Fact of the matter is Sharp proved a lot yesterday, and with consistent blocking he can be a very effective back for us.  The shovel pass that he broke for long yardage was probably his best example of reading and cutting off blocks all year.  Overall, kudos to the running game for being the focal point and not an afterthought this week.

Defensively it was hard not to be very happy with the scheme and effort.  Josh Freeman is a very good quarterback with a pocket and with time.  Under pressure he sometimes tries to do too much.  Clint Bowen's zone blitzing along with the decision to utilize James Holt as an end was huge in applying pressure and allowing our secondary to provide solid coverage.  The scheme also allowed Russel Brorson to pick off his 2nd and 3rd Josh Freeman passes adding to his one from last year’s game against Kansas State.  In the backfield Justin Thornton and Daymond Patterson both looked much more comfortable in their positions this week, which might have something to do with not playing Texas Tech, but nonetheless both looked improved.  Another crew that made a difference was our defensive tackles.  Caleb Blakesly was a warrior in the middle, while Jamal Greene and Darius Parish did an excellent job filling in for Richard Johnson and tied up blockers allowing our linebackers to run free.  Finally the leaders of this defense Joe Mortenson, Mike Rivera and Darrell Stuckey used their freedom to roam and stifle the running game holding Kansas State to a minimal 91 yards rushing. 

Even the special teams were improved.  Daymond Patterson had room to work on returns, Herford and Crawford looked more decisive on kickoff returns, Branstetter put a few in the end zone, knocked through a FG and made some great tackles.  The only low point was the blocked field goal, but then again Kansas State doesn't lead the nation in that statistic for nothing. 

From a mental standpoint Kansas definitely recovered from the haymaker that Tech threw their way a week ago.  The players showed they aren't done yet and next week against Nebraska, the Jayhawks have a chance to break a streak, lock up a seventh win and probably creep back into the Top 25 before facing a tough Texas Longhorn team in Lawrence.  Big win this week, another huge and difficult game next week but fans can rest easy as Kansas for the third year in a row defeated rival K-State in the sunflower showdown.

Press conference highlights after the Jump...some good stuff this week...

                                                                   Image Source: KUSports.com

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A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

The Good Guys...

• Notebook 1, Notebook 2, Notebook 3
• As noted earlier this week Kansas picked up another 2009 commitment.
• How a trip to Manhatten brought Todd Reesing to Lawrence.
• A couple of Kansas natives renew their rivalry in this weekends rivalry game.
• Kansas State wasn't interested in Jake Sharp and now he has a chance to show them how wrong they were.
• This weekends game is huge for Kansas seniors.
• Kansas players refuse to bite on bulletin board bait.
• Kansas coaches never concerned w/Todd Reesing's height.
• Bragging rights on the line this weekend.

The Bad Guys...

• Kansas State can't ever seem to keep their mouths shut.
• Josh Freeman not concerned with turnover filled past against the Jayhawks.
• K-State editorial on Ron Prince's recruiting philosophy.

My Thoughts...Allright suddenly this game looks a lot closer and means a lot more than anyone would have thought 3 weeks ago. 

Kansas is coming off a tough loss to Texas Tech and the schedule isn't getting any easier.  Kansas State arrives in Lawrence after another game where the defense simply did not exist.  This game will have big implications for both teams in terms of a bowl and also clearly has huge implications as far as in state recruiting and possibly the directions of each program.

The difference today will be the running game.  Kansas seems to have found it and Kansas State can't stop it.  If Kansas can establish the run early, avoid a slow start and put K-State on its heels this could be a big win for the Jayhawks.

Most improtantly for me I need to see the passion return.  No doubt these players have felt beaten up the last two weeks and last week I'm sure no one was harder on those guys than themselves.  If they come out with fire, passion and win this game convincingly Kansas will get back on track and still capable of fulfilling my preseason prediction of 8-4.

Final Score: Kansas 45  Kansas State 30

Also don't forget about the open game thread...I'm sure many of you are going to be out enjoying this one with others but if your around, you'll be bound to find some company here.

Full List of Supplemental Notes released by the athletic dept...Highlights after the Jump into the post...

Highlights from today's press conference w/Coach Mangino...

Head Coach Mark Mangino

On the KU-KSU rivalry:

“This game has been played at times when both teams have had zero wins or one win a piece. The people in the state of Kansas still got excited about it because it was two Big 12 or Big 8 teams playing against each other. It is state pride. It is bragging rights. This game will always be fun for the fans. I look back over the years and it doesn’t matter what the records are, the fans look forward to this game. More importantly, the players look forward to this game. I know our players are looking forward to this game.”

Player quotes after the jump....

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A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

The Good Guys...

• Talk softly and carry a big stick...Dezmon Briscoe.
• Linebacker Mike Rivera talks about his renewed focus.
• Jake Sharp exploded back onto the scene last weekend.
• Another Mike Rivera feature...this guy is the next Mother Teresa.
• Kansas defense will look to rattle the CU QB's.
• A look at Todd Reesing from the opponents perspective.
• Football was natural for redshirt freshman Jeremiah Hatch.
• Surprise freshman tackle Ben Leuken.
• Place your vote for Todd Reesing for the Davey O'Brien.
• KU looks to improve the kick return game against CU.
• Another look at the upside of Jeremiah Hatch.
• Don't forget to be a part of the live game thread if your available.

The Bad Guys...

• Dan Hawkins searches for teams identity.
• CU might have a quarterback controversy.
• Check out more from the CU perspective at The Ralphie Report.

A full list of the supplemental notes released by the athletic dept...and here are a few highlights...

A Kansas win would...

Be KU’s 20th win in its last 23 games.

Be its third straight against Colorado, the first such streak since 1962-64.

A Kansas Loss would...

Be less good than a win.

Individual...

Reesing (5,785) needs 104 total offense yards to pass Chip Hilleary (5,888) for second on the KU career total offensive yard chart.

WR Kerry Meier has caught at least seven passes in every game this year and at least two in 13 consecutive games dating back to last year.

Kerry Meier...

61 percent (27 of 44) of his receptions have been for first downs.

41 percent (11 of 27) of his first-down producing receptions have come on third or fourth down.

25 percent (11 of 44) of his receptions have come on third or fourth down (all for first downs).

Did you Know...?

KU has scored at least 30 points in 10 of its last 11 home games with the exception being a 29-0 win against Louisiana Tech earlier this year.

My Thoughts...Another game and another week of hoping the pieces fit together for 60 minutes.  KU has yet to put together a complete game but at their best this team is more talented and more experienced than the Buffaloes. 

We had some great Q&A sessions this week and it seems clear that Kansas needs to avoid letting CU run the ball and make the Quarterback(s) beat them.  KU will be the first road test and the most potent passing attack that CU has faced this season and I expect Todd Reesing to once again be the Buffalo killer that he has been twice already in his career. 

The biggest risk is if Kansas comes out and puts together a lackluster performance in the first half like they did against ISU.  If that is the case and CU can manage an early lead they have the backs and the scheme to run the ball and control the clock which could create problems for the Jayhawks.  Defense needs to come out with the intesity they displayed in the second half in Ames and all will be fine.  The line was 13.5 to open the week I said early on this game would be 10 or less but I'm feeling good this morning as I head to the hill for the game so I'm going to say Kansas 38 Colorado 17.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk and if anyone's in town I'll see you at Louise's West.