Rock Chalk Talk

Xavier Henry on to Memphis

Denverjhawk — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:50:38 -0000

The recruiting saga of much heralded Kansas basketball legacy Xavier Henry has drawn to a close. After several changes in plans the top ranked Henry chose Memphis in a announcement this morning on ESPN. The recruiting battle has been going back and forth between Kansas and Memphis for quite sometime now with sources at both schools claiming they had the inside track. Turns out Coach Calipari was the one with the edge and CJ Henry's recent enrollment at the University of Memphis was the final straw in making this decision. Xavier in fact said his deciding factor was one last chance to play with his brother CJ at Memphis.

When asked about his history with Kansas and the call to Coach Self Henry said it was a very hard decision but it boiled down to what was most important to him and that was playing at Memphis. Henry followed that up with a call to stay tuned it's going to be a big year at Memphis next year.

Looks like the 2009 Kansas class will probably end up being just Thomas Robinson and Elijah Johnson. A great class but this could have been a historic one if we hadn't whiffed on Snaer and Henry. There is still the slim prospect of either Dominic Cheek or John Wall but I'm not nearly as hopeful in regards to these two as I was with Snaer and Henry.

Kansas vs. Missouri the History

Denverjhawk — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:00:07 -0000

This week begins a two week stretch culminating in the Border War at Arrowhead Stadium. While this year’s contest clearly doesn’t have the significance of last year this is in my biased estimation one of the greatest rivalries in the country. When I say that it isn’t necessarily just from a football standpoint, you’ve got your Florida vs. Georgia’s, your Oklahoma’s vs. Texas but this rivalry is different. This rivalry is from an all everything standpoint. If you’ve been a part of this rivalry you know that there is tension. Tension between the fans, tension between non fans and quite simply tension between the folks in these two states and it comes to a head when these schools face off in sporting events.

Last year Kansas and Missouri played in the most meaningful game ever in the rivalry and this year while not as meaningful does mark another chapter and I thought it would be worthwhile to take a little look at the history between these two teams, schools and states. First I would like to reference back to my post earlier in the year and stir the pot about the Myth of Missouri Football. The post quite simply addresses the recent belief by Missouri fans that they have some sort of rich football tradition that puts Kansas to shame. The reality is yes they have a solid team this year and they may be a step ahead of us in the long term building of a program, but not by much and to think differently would simply be a biased opinion. With that myth settled and my opinion out in the open let’s look back at how it began, where it’s been and the current state.

The intense rivalry between the two universities can be traced to the open violence involving anti-slavery and pro-slavery elements that took place in the Kansas Territory and the western frontier towns of Missouri throughout the 1850s. These incidents were attempts by Missouri (a slave state) to influence whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free or slave state. The term Bleeding Kansas is often used to refer to the pre-war conflict, which continued into the Civil War and culminated with the Lawrence Massacre. SI.com supervising producer Dan George summed up the rivalry by stating "It's more than the schools -- it's a state thing going back to the Civil War, when William Quantrill's Confederate guerillas burned Lawrence and murdered nearly 200 people. Neither Missouri nor Kansas folks have forgotten it." Those on the Missouri side are quick to point out that the Jayhawkers were guilty of the same things - crossing into Missouri, leading brutal raids and burning towns, and that Quantrill was part of a group that almost burnt down Columbia due to it being a Union stronghold.

The early athletic matches between the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri helped to aid both states in the healing process following the civil war.

Moving on to football, the tradition began with the winner of the football game receives the informally arranged Indian War Drum Traveling Trophy.

The drum trophy originated in 1937 when MU's Kansas City Alumni Association in cooperation with the Kansas University Lettermen's Association decided to present an authentic Indian tom-tom drum each Thanksgiving to the winner of the Kansas-Missouri football game. The MU Kansas City Alumni Association made arrangements for the drum to be built by Osage Indians, because they were more representative of the two states than any other tribe. The drum remained in Missouri's possession for the first few years until the trophy was briefly forgotten during war time. The tradition resumed on an annual basis in 1947, and the MU and KU circles of Omicron Delta Kappa served as caretakers of the drum throughout most of its history.

When the trophy disappeared in the 1980s, the Taos Indians of New Mexico built a new one. The original trophy was later recovered in a Read Hall basement in Columbia under a pile of boxes and it is now in the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 1999, at the urging of Kansas the drum was replaced again with a bass drum and the second drum became the property of the Missouri Alumni Association.

The Kansas and Missouri athletics and alumni associations’ logos are on opposite ends. While in Missouri the Alumni Association and Student Board now keep the trophy. While in Kansas it is now kept by the Student Alumni Association there.

Although officially the series stands with Missouri leading the series at 54-53-9 (1891–present; not played in 1918 due to an epidemic), there is an ongoing dispute about whether another win should have been counted for Kansas. In 1960, Kansas won the game, but later had to forfeit the game due to the use of an ineligible player, Bert Coan. Though Kansas counts the 1960 game as a win, Missouri, and the NCAA do not.

Through 2007, Missouri has an all-time football record of 594-503-52 (.541), with 11 bowl victories, while Kansas has an all-time record of 545-535-58 (.504), with 4 bowl victories. Once again see:Myth of Missouri Football. These overall records are just another indicator of the fairly equal historical success between the two teams.

The Tigers and Jayhawks first met on the gridiron on October 31^st in 1891 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Jayhawks pulled out a 22-10 win in that first game.

In 1909–1910, both squads entered the game undefeated (Missouri at 6-0-1, and Kansas at 8-0). Two dropkick field goals propelled the Tigers to a 12-6 victory, an undefeated season, and a Missouri Valley title.

19 of the first 20 games were played in Kansas City, with the 1907 contest played in St. Joseph. In 1911, the game began to be played on the respective college campuses, where it would be played (with the exception of 1944 and 1945, when it was played in Kansas City, MO) for the next 94 years. The 1911 game was played in Columbia, Missouri, and alumni from MU were asked to "come home" to Rollins Field, giving rise to the tradition of homecoming. That first homecoming game resulted in a 3-3 tie between the schools.

Kansas held the early advantage in the series, with a 14-4-4 advantage from 1891 through 1922. The Tigers rebounded with a 10-5-1 record in the next 16 years, but Kansas led 5-0-1 during the next 6 years (1939–1944), holding the Tigers scoreless each year.

The Tigers controlled the series for several years through 1979, holding an advantage over Kansas of 24-8-3. During that period, Kansas only had two 2 game winning streaks, while Missouri held winning streaks of 5 games, 4 games, and 3 games (3 times).

The series has been relatively even since 1980, with Kansas holding a 14-13 edge. The last six years, 2001–2006, have seen the squads split, with both picking up 3 wins apiece. With their 36-28 victory in 2007, Missouri won the latest and possibly most memorable matchup between the two teams.

On November, 24 2007 the two teams entered the game both ranked in the top five in the nation. Kansas was ranked #2 and Missouri was ranked #4. Missouri won the game 36-28 at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City, with a near-record 80,537 people in attendance; the second-highest crowd at the stadium since its opening in 1972.

Which brings us to this year and while both teams have had a somewhat disappointing result to their year, this game can salvage a lot for both fan bases. Missouri had aspirations of a BCS Title game appearance which were put to rest with back to back losses in the middle of the season. Kansas had goals of competing for the North title only to drop 4 of 5 in conference play pushing them out of contention going into the Thanksgiving weekend matchup. This will not damper the hopes of the fans or the importance of the game as once again the border war is headed to Arrowhead.

KU vs. UMKC Recap

Denverjhawk — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:27:06 -0000

Sorry for the late posting here and lack of personal insight but until these start showing on TV and I can get a little more focused on basketball instead of football these generic news releases will have to do. Any discussion or comments on everyone's part would be greatly appreciated especially those who are able to see that games right now.

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Sherron Collins scored 16 points to lead 23^rd-ranked Kansas to a 71-56 basketball victory against Missouri-Kansas City in the season-opener for the defending national champions.

The victory was not easy for KU, which after leading 5-3, did not pull ahead of the visiting Kangaroos until the 17:35 mark of the second half, a span of 21 minutes and 30 seconds either trailing or tied.

Kansas improved to 5-0 in its series with UMKC while the Kangaroos fell to 0-2 on the season.

The Jayhawks started their season with a victory for the seventh straight year, as well as the 17^th time in the last 18 seasons. The win was also the 25^th straight home win for KU.

In addition to Collins, Cole Aldrich scored 13 points, all in the second half, while Tyrell Reed added 12 for KU. Markieff Morris pulled down 15 rebounds, the most by a Jayhawk since Nick Collinson had 21 in the 2003 NCAA Championship game against Syracuse.

UMKC was led by Dane Brumagin, who had 14 points, including making four of eight three-pointers and Reggie Hamilton, who scored 13.

After UMKC opened the second half with a three-point basket to take a 35-32 lead, Kansas ran off 10 straight points as part of a 17-5 run which gave the Jayhawks a 49-40 lead.

Reed scored four points in the run, while Aldrich scored seven and Tyshawn Taylor had six.

UMKC fought back pulling within 49-44, but the Jayhawks proved to be too much inside. KU outscored the Kangaroos 32-14 in the paint, while also out-racing UMKC and gaining a 16-0 advantage in fast break points.

After shooting just 32 percent from the field in the first half, KU shot 65.2 percent in the second half. KU struggled from behind the three-point line as after Collins made a three on the first possession of the game, the Jayhawks finished one of 13 from behind the line.

KU started the second half making 11 of its first 13 shots and cruised to the victory with a strong second half.

Kansas scored the first basket of the game, on a three-pointer by Collins, and led 5-3 after a basket by Reed. However, the Jayhawks would not lead again in the half as UMKC built up as much as a seven-point lead at 16-9.

The visiting Kangaroos led for a 12:29 stretch of the half before KU tied the game at 21 with 6:36 left. However, UMKC pulled back ahead and led the rest of the way until KU scored the half's final five points, including a Brady Morningstar layup to tie the game at halftime at 32.

Kansas did not score a basket from the 9:11 mark until Morningstar's layup at the end of the half. KU scored 13 straight points on free throws in that stretch, while slowing chipping away at the UMKC lead.

Kansas will host Florida Gulf Cost in the second round of the Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8 pm. The game will be televised on ESPNU.

additional notes as well as postgame quotes after the jump...

Kansas Head Coach Bill Self

On the team’s overall performance:

"It was a struggle. Somehow Travis (Releford) sparked us at the end of the half and we went on a 6-0 run and got it tied. We shot a ton of free throws and didn’t make them. It was pretty frustrating, but we hung in there. We need to play a game like this, a grind it out game where we don’t make shots. When we got Cole (Aldrich) in the second half, we actually looked a lot better and we defended a little bit better. I thought that Cole obviously makes a huge difference but how about the three fouls that he had. I know that he is just a sophomore but he can’t do that. They were all just silly fouls."

On the team’s quick shooting:

"Playing fast means that you push it. You look to score early. The ball moves quickly and everything moves quickly. The first half they did not guard us. So what did we do, we just stepped up and shot the ball as soon as we had a look and didn’t make anything. That was frustrating. We have got to be smarter but we are young so we are going to make some mistakes.

Freshman Forward Markieff Morris

On his rebounding:

"Coach Manning just told me to keep going. He didn’t tell me until the end of the game. I could have had more, but I fell like five times."

On his nerves:

"I was nervous at the beginning. My teammates were telling me that it was going to be alright."

Junior Guard Sherron Collins

On the overall performance of the team:

"It’s the first game of the official season. A lot of people have to adjust, especially the freshmen. They’ve got sweaty hands. They’re scared a little bit. But we just didn’t make shots today. We were one of 13 from the three-point line. Things didn’t fall our way, but I think we did a pretty good job."

On bringing out the best in each opponent:

"We know we’re going to take everybody’s best shot. We’re still defending the National Championship last year, so we’ve got a bull’s eye on our back. We’re going to get everybody’s best shot. Especially because we beat a lot of people pretty bad last year, and this is their chance to get back at us. We’re rebuilding, but I think we’ve got some great pieces, and when we put it all together, we’ll be alright."

On the differences between the performances in each half:

"I think in the first half, we played a little bit conservative. We got into foul trouble. When Cole came back out, he gave us a better inside presence. Then we got a few easy buckets and we got a little bit more confidence and a little bit more energy. The second half, we came out and pressured a little bit more and got some easy turnovers."

Freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor

On a pivotal steal:

"I was waiting for him to take it out, but he lost it. It came right to me and I just laid it up. It seemed like a change of momentum a little bit. Everybody got hyped, and we started rolling from there."

On the differences between the performances in each half:

"I think in the first half, we shot a lot of threes. In the second half, we came out and just let the game come to us. We got a lot of easy buckets off of turnovers. Markieff had a bunch of outlet passes that that led to lay-ups."

On playing without Cole Aldrich in the first half:

"It was tough playing without Cole in the first half. Markieff (Morris) came in and helped with a lot of rebounds, and usually those are rebounds that Cole grabs. He picked up the pieces for Cole and I think that helped us a lot. We went down and at the end of the half we tied it up, possibly because we got a lot of rebounds on defense. Losing Cole in the first half was tough, but all together we ground it out. When he (Cole) came back he played his tail off in the second half."

On halftime adjustments:

"Coach told us to keep playing defense. We missed a lot of shots that we usually make and they made a lot of shots, so we had to keep playing and grinding it out. I think we knew that because if we continued playing hard, kept rebounding and getting easy buckets, we were going to come out with a win eventually."

HOME TEAM: Kansas 1-0

TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS

## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN

11 Quintrell Thomas.... f 0-3 0-0 3-7 2 2 4 0 3 0 0 1 0 12

45 Cole Aldrich........ c 5-7 0-0 3-4 2 3 5 3 13 2 1 1 1 22

04 Sherron Collins..... g 6-11 1-4 3-4 0 3 3 2 16 2 4 0 1 37

12 Brady Morningstar... g 1-4 0-1 3-4 0 2 2 0 5 1 1 0 0 22

14 Tyrel Reed.......... g 5-10 0-5 2-2 0 4 4 2 12 0 1 0 0 34

02 Conner Teahan....... 0-2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4

15 Tyshawn Taylor...... 2-4 0-1 3-6 0 3 3 4 7 2 2 0 2 19

21 Markieff Morris..... 0-3 0-1 7-10 3 12 15 3 7 3 4 2 0 29

22 Marcus Morris....... 1-1 0-0 0-0 0 3 3 2 2 0 2 1 0 8

24 Travis Releford..... 3-3 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 2 6 1 0 0 2 13

32 Tyrone Appleton..... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0+

TEAM................ 1 4 5

Totals.............. 23-48 1-13 24-37 9 37 46 21 71 11 15 5 6 200

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 8-25 32.0% 2nd Half: 15-23 65.2% Game: 47.9% DEADB

3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 1-11 9.1% 2nd Half: 0-2 0.0% Game: 7.7% REBS

F Throw % 1st Half: 15-21 71.4% 2nd Half: 9-16 56.3% Game: 64.9% 7Notes

Notes...

Kansas' win over UMKC...

... Marks the seventh straight year KU has won its season-opener.

... Gives the Jayhawks 17 wins in their last 18 season-opening games.

... Marks Kansas' 36th straight home-opening win.

... Makes the Jayhawks 5-0 all-time against UMKC.

... Improves Kansas head coach Bill Self's record to 143-32 at KU, 350-137 overall, and 5-1 against UMKC.

... Makes Kansas 1,944-785 all-time

Kansas vs. UMKC Preview

Denverjhawk — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:00:06 -0000

The Kansas Jayhawks officially kick of the season tonight against the UMKC Kangaroos at 7:30 CST. Here's your game preview for the opening round of the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic.

Season Opener

Defending NCAA Champion Kansas opens up the 2008-09 season by hosting UMKC in the first round of the O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic, Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. KU will then host Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. in the second round of the event. Both games will be televised on ESPNU. Kansas went 5-0 in the exhibition season with three wins in Canada over Labor Day weekend and two victories at home – 98-79 vs. Washburn (11/4) and 103-58 vs. Emporia State (11/11). Kansas is looking to win its 36th straight home opener at Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks have won their last six consecutive season openers dating back to 2001-02. UMKC opened its 2008-09 season with a 61-56 loss to North Dakota on Friday. Florida Gulf Coast will be opening its season at Allen Fieldhouse. FGCU was 10-21 last season.

About Kansas

Kansas is coming off a 103-58 win against Emporia State Tuesday in its final exhibition game of the preseason. Every Jayhawk who suited up scored in the contest as junior guard Sherron Collins led the team with 22 points. Sophomore center Cole Aldrich recorded a double-double in the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three blocked shots. Sophomore guard Brady Morningstar had 13 points, while freshmen Marcus Morris (11 points) and Travis Releford (10 points) also scored in double figures. Morris also pulled down six rebounds for the game. In KU’s two full-team exhibition contests – the Morris twins did not compete in Canada – Collins led the team with a 22.0 scoring average. Morningstar was next with 14 points, while Aldrich scored 12.5 ppg and led KU with a 9.5 rebound average. Freshman forward Quintrell Thomas (7.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and sophomore guard Tyrel Reed (9.5 ppg, 6-11 3FGs) also stood out in exhibition play. KU enters its 111th year of college basketball. Last season, KU won its 51st league title, most in NCAA Division I. The Jayhawks return eight letterwinners from last season’s 37-3 team, yet less than 20 percent of almost every statistical category.

About UMKC

UMKC opened the 2008-09 season with a 61-56 loss to North Dakota on Friday at the Swinney Rec Center. Sophomore guard Reggie Hamilton led UMKC with 22 points, including going 4-for-7 from three-point range. Sophomore forward Spencer Johnson had 15 points and senior guard Dane Brumagin 11 in the game. The Kangaroos return two starters and four letterwinners from last season’s 11-21 team. UMKC went 6-12 in Summit League play and finished eighth. Brumagin is the lone senior and he and Hamilton are the returning starters. Brumagin averaged 17.1 points and 4.8 rebounds last season, while Hamilton scored 11.7 points per contest with 3.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Sophomore forwards James Humphrey (4.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Spencer Johnson (1.8 ppg) also return for UMKC. All of the seven eligible newcomers for UMKC are either freshmen or sophomores.

More basketball notes, roster information, jump into the post...

CBE Classic Notes & Schedule

The 2008 O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic will feature four regional sites (Lawrence, Syracuse, N.Y., Gainesville, Fla., and Seattle, Wash.) and culminate with the championship rounds Nov. 24 and 25 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. KU will face Washington on Nov. 24 and either Florida or Syracuse on Nov. 25 in Kansas City. The event is formally known as the Guardians Classic and started in 2001. last year, #2 UCLA defeated #10 Stanford 68-63 in the CBE Classic at the Sprint Center. This is Kansas’ first appearance in the event.

Thomas Robinson Inks NLI

University of Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self announced Wednesday that Thomas Robinson has signed a national letter of intent to play at KU next season. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson is a 6-8, 224-pound forward who plays at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H. He played his junior season at Riverdale Baptist High School in Upper Marlboro, Md., where he averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks per game. A five-star prospect, Rivals.com rates Robinson the No. 18 player nationally and the No. 7 power forward in the class of 2009. Robinson verbally committed to Kansas on October 11 and chose KU over Memphis. His coach at Brewster Academy is Jason Smith. Last summer, Robinson played for Dwight Redd’s Squash All Beef AAU team of Virginia. Self indicated Kansas could announce more signees later.

Unveiling 2008 National Championship Banner on Nov. 18

A fifth national championship banner honoring the 2008 Kansas NCAA title will be unveiled prior to the Florida Gulf Coast contest at approximately 7:45 p.m. (Central), next Tuesday (Nov. 18). The banner will be hung at the north end of Allen Fieldhouse. Fans are encouraged to show up early for this ceremony. General admission tickets are still available for the contest via the KU ticket office at 785.864.3141, 800.34.HAWKS or kuathletics.com. Earlier this year, a 2008 Final Four banner was raised at the south end of Allen Fieldhouse during Late Night in the Phog.

2008-09 Kansas Roster

No. Pos. Name Cl.-Exp. Ht. Wt. Hometown (Previous School)

2 G Conner Teahan So.-1L 6-5 215 Leawood, Kan. (Rockhurst HS)

4 G Sherron Collins Jr.-2L 5-11 200 Chicago, Ill. (Crane HS)

10 G Brennan Bechard Sr-2L (TR) 6-0 185 Lawrence, Kan. (Lawrence HS/Barton County CC)

11 F Quintrell Thomas Fr.-HS 6-7 240 Newark, N.J. (Saint Patrick HS)

12 G Brady Morningstar So.-1L(RS) 6-3 180 Lawrence, Kan. (Free State HS/New Hampton Prep)

14 G Tyrel Reed So.-1L 6-3 185 Burlington, Kan. (Burlington HS)

15 G Tyshawn Taylor Fr.-HS 6-3 180 Jersey City, N.J. (St. Anthony HS)

21 C Markieff Morris Fr.-HS 6-9 232 Philadelphia, Pa. (Prep Charter HS/APEX Academy [N.J.])

22 F Marcus Morris Fr.-HS 6-8 225 Philadelphia, Pa. (Prep Charter HS/APEX Academy [N.J.])

23 G Mario Little Jr.-TR 6-5 210 Chicago, Ill. (Washington HS/Chipola [Fla.] CC)

24 G Travis Releford Fr.-HS 6-5 200 Kansas City, Mo. (Bishop Miege HS)

32 G Tyrone Appleton Jr.-TR 6-2 203 Gary, Ind. (Harmony Prep/Midland[Texas] College)

40 G Jordan Juenemann Fr.-HS 6-4 195 Hays, Kan. (Hays HS)

41 G Chase Buford So.-1L 6-3 210 San Antonio, Texas (Alamo Heights HS)

45 C Cole Aldrich So.-1L 6-11 245 Bloomington, Minn. (Jefferson HS)

54 C Matt Kleinmann Sr-3L (RS) 6-10 250 Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley West HS)

Upcoming November Games

16 UMKC (ESPNU) ............ 7:30 p.m.1

18 FLORIDA GULF COAST (ESPNU) . 8 p.m.

24 Washington (ESPN2) ........... 9 p.m.

25 Florida/Syracuse .............................(ESPNU/ESPN2) .......6:45/9:15 p.m.

28 COPPIN STATE (JTV) .......... 7 p.m.

Hawk Talk...The Morning After Edition

Denverjhawk — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:40:53 -0000

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

Talent Gap, Time to Close it

Denverjhawk — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 22:25:24 -0000

Another week, another loss to a top 5 team. The Kansas Jayhawks were a tale of two units today. The defense did everything they could and kept this game competitive but the offense was non existent and struggled to get anything going and ultimately hung the defense out to dry.

If one thing became clear today it's that we are still a step behind being able to pull off a win like this one and it's clear it is due to a talent gap. Last year certainly spoiled us but the reality is this Senior class came to Kansas following a 4-7 season. At that point in his tenure Mark Mangino had a record of 12-24 which certainly wasn't lighting a fire under the fan base or inspiring great recruiting classes. What this means for this years Jayhawks is that after losing so many key components to an Orange Bowl team of 2007 we were ill equipped to replace those players with immediate impact players. Instead those spots have been filled with young talent that is still very raw and needs further time to develop. The most talented players on our team are not at the same level from a developmental standpoint as the most talented on the likes of a Texas, Tech, OU etc. In terms of Nebraska this is the case here as well because despite the fact they have been down it hasn't been due to lack of talent as much as coaching.

Mark Mangino has successfully shown the ability to coach up talent, but that can only carry you so far. Illinois is a good example of a team in a similar scenario. Ron Zook has been able to recruit talent in recent years but at this point that talent hasn't had a chance to develop and they have gone from a 9-3 regular season last year to a 5-6 record at this point this year. Similar to Kansas expectations were raised big time at Illinois following last year but the lack of overall depth to date made a step back inevitable after the loss of several key players.

Mark Mangino is a good coach and he has done more with less talented players at Kansas for years. Now it is time to narrow the gap, capitalize on the success and continue to bring in better talent. Once that circle is complete and we aren't dependent on redshirt freshman to replace seniors this program will take the next step. The Texas loss was a frustrating one for a variety of reasons, but it did make it easy to see there is still a bit of an overall talent gap that will be addressed over time by Coach Mangino. Keep your eye out when the current redshirt freshman/sophomore class, last years recruits and this years incoming recruits get here and develop because that will be a time when Kansas will have fully benefited from it's recent success on the field and improvements in facilities off the field. Frustrating week again but keep the eye on the prize, the long term future and a big game at Arrowhead in a couple of weeks with a bowl game to follow.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

Rock Chalk Roundtable

Denverjhawk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:20:57 -0000

After residing elsewhere for several weeks Rock Chalk Roundtable returns to Rock Chalk Talk. This week our contributors are Denverjhawk from Rock Chalk Talk, DJ from Hawk Digest, and HipHopopotomus from Kansas Football It's Business Time.

Here are this weeks questions...Jump to the post for the Answers...

1. First off and then we'll move on, what disappointed you the most
about last week's game?

2. How funny was it to watch head Powercat, Tim Fitzgerald, bumble the
Gary Patterson story (if there ever was one)?

3. At 6-4, with two very tough games remaining, what are you looking
for out of this team?

4. Though clearly still the favorite, Texas has not looked dominant
since the Methzou shellacking. Is there a chance they peaked too early?

5. In order for Kansas to win this game, they must...

6. Big XII picks: MU@ISU, NU@KSU, A&M@Baylor, OSU@CU

Again...answers after the jump...

Denverjhawks answers:

1.) Special teams...absolutely abysmal and embarassing. We give up field position and momentum without even trying with this unit and something has to be done. I can live with the offense, the defense, while leaving some to be desired did turn it over 3 times but the special teams continues to play horribly and it's hurting everyone.

2.) Honestly feel a little bad for the guy but I guess you have to check your sources a little better, I kind of thought it would actually go through but it's been pretty quiet on the western front lately so who knows?

3.) I want two competitive games...I say that because to be competitive against Texas and Missouri they will have to be clicking in all phases and that too me is critical. It's been a rollercoaster season and it's time to circle the wagons and keep our eye on the task of moving this program forward. That may mean a win against one of the final two and it may not but there cannot be any quit in this team.

4.) It's possible but by the same token I think since the Mizzou game it has become clear that the Big 12 South is a different animal than the North. There's a chance they may have actually lost at the right time thought...if Texas Tech loses to OU and then OU loses to OSU ,Texas should be poised for another run at Mizzou and then likely the NC Game.

5.) Play flawlessly in every aspect, The offense has to execute in both the running and passsing, the defense will not stop Texas but they need to force a couple turnovers and keep the opponent from putting 40+ on the board, and lastly and most importantly the special teams has to give us and keep field position which it hasn't done once this year so I'm not holding my breath. However a cold less than ideal day in Lawrence might even the playing field a little on this one.

6.) MU over ISU
     NU over KSU
     A&M over Baylor
     OSU over CU

HipHopotpotomus:

1. The lack of focus. This was especially apparent on defense. There were times here and there when Nebraska just made a play and to that you just tip your cap. But more often than that guys were either missing assignments or tackles, or both. And that's just unacceptable.

2. Pretty damn funny. For all we know, he could have been right. But right or not, you have to know that K-State likely wasn't even allowed to talk to him yet. So if by chance they had and it had been shook on, it still wasn't the right time to run the story. I have to say, his homerism got the best of him.

3. Well, I will NEVER accept defeat to a Methzouri team. Theyare better on paper, as they've pretty much been every year over the past decade. And yet the Hawks have gone 5-5 in that time. So while I'm realistic enough to know that we could and very well may lose, I'll never concede. As for Texas, I just want to see it all laid on the line. And that's not to say we haven't always seen max effort this year (Tech second half aside), but I also want to see focus. I'm not sure what it will take to beat Texas, but there's no excuse for not keeping it competitive.

4. I really do. I think injuries and overall fatigue have played a part, but I do think they've already peaked. If you look at their season, they noticeably improved game to game through the non-con and into league play. They came out and absolutely attacked OU and MU. And ever since then, while still playing well (and damn near well enough to still be undefeated), they haven't quite looked the same.

5. Be the aggressor. This isn't a David v. Goliath, but by that same token, no one is expecting anything out of the Hawks. They have no excuse not to come out playing with their hair on fire and looking to make plays. Don't play stupid, but take chances. Force the issue. Take care of your assignment and see what happens.

6. MU over ISU, NU over KSU, Baylor over A&M, OSU over CU

DJ:

1) Definitely the missed tackles. A close second would be Chet Hartley getting demolished by Suh

2) I think it points to the inherent dangers of web media. It's pretty interesting to watch this evolve. Speaking of which -- have you taken a look at the future KUsports.com site? It really looks like it kicks all three of our sites down on the relevancy pecking order. An interesting move by the LJW to try to capture and contain more of the Jayhawk sports audience.

3) Passion and a killer instinct. Seems like we've played all year to protect what we had. It time to forget about that and get that "go out there and take it" mentality.

4) I think Mizzou is a flawed team. Their defense is suspect and stopping the Mizzou offense isn't really that complex. If you've got the athletes, like all spread offenses they are pretty easy to fluster. Unfortunately, they just so happen to be built to target our deepest weaknesses.

5) Know that they can do it. This team learned how to lose too early this season. They don't have the "we are absolutely going to win this game no matter what" attitude that they developed last year. They say winning is learned, but I think losing is way more of a learned behavior. Once you lose one, then you let the possibility start to enter your mind during the game. And sure enough, you start to lose the close ones.

MU over ISU / NU over KSU / Baylor over A&M / OSU over CU

Snaer to Announce Today on ESPNU

Denverjhawk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:14:04 -0000

Snaer to Announce Today on ESPNU

Just a friendly reminder that Michael Snaer, 5-Star recruit out of California, will be announcing his college choice today on ESPNU. Sounds like the announcement will be around the 4 o'clock timeframe so check it out if you have time.

UPDATE SNAER ANNOUNCED HE WILL BE ATTENDING FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY...guess that leaves the door open for Henry a little bit longer.

Kansas vs. Texas Tale of the Tape

Denverjhawk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:07 -0000

			VS.


Conf	National	Actual	Category	Actual	National	Conf
Rank	Rank	Actual	Category	Actual	Rank	Rank
7	68	143.70	Rushing Offense	174.10	37	4
5	11	299.5	Passing Offense	301.90	10	4
7	18	443.2	Total Offense	476	9	5
7	21	34.5	Scoring Offense	44.3	5	4
4	31	116.4	Rushing Defense	86	6	1
4	67	127.06	Pass Effic. Defense	127.55	68	5
8	92	392.70	Total Defense	352.90	60	3
7	84	28.20	Scoring Defense	20.70	37	1
10	101	32.41	Net Punting	42	2	1
3	21	12.95	Punt Returns	12.22	26	4
12	119	15.62	Kickoff Return	23.88	24	6
6	44	.3	Turnover Margin	.10	58	8
12	116	276.3	Pass Defense	266.90	109	9
7	18	151.61	Passing Efficiency	182.38	2	1
5	41	2.2	Sacks	3.40	T-3	1
4	36	6.3	Tackles for a Loss	6.60	27	3
9	79	2.2	Sacks Allowed	1.80	59	8

The Kansas defense and special temas continue their slides into the lower portion of the NCAA ranks. Nebraska's 500+ yards of offense didn't do any favors and neither did the 45 points hung on the Hawks.

Looking at this weeks opponent Texas has the most balanced offensive attack that Kansas has and will likely face this year. They run it as effectively as the pass and they are very difficult to make one dimensional. Another scary factor is the Longhorns special teams which ranks inside the top 25 in nearly every category.

The lone sign of hope on paper for the Jayhawks is the 109th ranked pass defense that's put on the field by the Longhorns. The only downside to that stat is they have already played Mizzou, Oklahoma and Texas Tech so it can't really be as bad as it seems.

Kansas vs. Texas Team Analysis

Denverjhawk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:33:08 -0000

This week the Mark Mangino led Jayhawks welcome their 2nd top 10 team of the season to Lawrence. The Texas Longhorns are very much in the mix for a national title bid this year and at this point the Jayhawks are looking to play the spoiler role.

Why Kansas?	Edge	Scenario	Edge	Why Texas?
Once again the running game has dissapeared for the most part and if the Jayhawks are going to take this mathcup Jake Sharp will need room to run early and often affording Todd Reesing the luxery of not having ends tee off on every play. If Kansas can balance the offense and get a quick start the offense could be effective this week.		KU Offense vs. Texas Defense		This will be the toughest defense Kansas has faced all season. Yes OU is a good team but Texas managed to shut down Chase Daniel and the Tigers and despite the loss gave the Texas Tech machine it's most trouble all year. Yes they have some youth in the secondary but don't look for this defense to show any signs of weakness against the Jayhawks
The Jayhawk defense has given up 37 points per game in conference play and the 500 yards of offense let up against Nebraska doesn't instill a lot of confidence. If Kansas can get inspired play from the entire D, a couple of turnovers and avoid major breakdowns they might be able to gain an advantage against Colt McCoy and the Longhorns.		KU Defense vs. Texas Offense		Colt McCoy is as dynamic a duel threat quarterback as Kansas has faced and they haven't faired well against them period. I expect McCoy, Shipley and Co. to effectively negotiate this Kansas defense that clearly still needs a different type of player at some key positions to compete against the current spread happy Big 12.
I'm not really in the mood to dignify why Kansas might gain an edge here. This has been a very frustrating unit all year and I don't look for that to change this week because we've been asking for it all year and nothing happens. No way Kansas gains and advantage here.		Special Teams		I started to do some research here then I thought what's the point. #2 in net punting, #26 in punt return, #23 in Kick return, need I say more.
Mangino is the reigning coach of the year but has lost a little luster of late due to what seemed a poor game plan against a beatable Husker team. Not to mention this week the opponent is coached by an coach that owns a NC.		Coaching		If there is one thing we can respect at Kansas it's success and in the case of Mack Brown he is to Texas what Bill Self is to Kansas a National Championship head coach and that gains you an edge any day of the week.

Unfortunatly there aren't a lot of areas if any where Kansas looks to have an advantage in this one. I'm a glass half full type of person when it comes to the Jayhawks but I find it very difficult after last weeks loss to the Huskers.

Kansas might come out and shock the world but I look for what I hope to be a competitive game with Texas ultimately winning due to superior talent and coaching. That said Rock Chalk Jayhawk I'll be ready and waiting in front of the TV fully prepared to cheer to victory. Give em hell.