Rock Chalk Talk: FanPosts

Hawk Talk...The Morning After Edition(WK2)

Denverjhawk — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:24:16 -0000

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

Shreveport times take on Kansas victory over La Tech...
KC Star recap and look at the running situation...
Column in LJworld about Stuckey...
Another take on what may be our achilles heal...
Box Score...
Postgame podcast by the local sports guys...

Recap of the South Florida UCF game...

My thoughts on the game...There are a lot of positives that can be taken from this game. Wasn't an overly impressive win from a score standpoint but I felt pretty good about the way we played considering the conditions. First and foremost this defense has attitude and is going to take a lot of pride in their performance. Stuckey is a flat out stud, dominated last night and looks like a linebacker half the time on running plays. That said we need to stay healthy and the defensive line is going to have to continue to improve.

Offensively there is still more to be desired. The receivers are incredible and Todd is Todd, but the offensive line is flat out getting beat on too many plays and the running backs look extremely hesitant. Another area where I think we are missing is tight end. We are very young here and Derek Fine seems to have been a much bigger loss than we could have anticipated with the youth and inexperience that has had to fill that void. Love the passing production but we've got to continue to improve and I would like to see a little more of Angus "the beef" Quigley early in the game next week.

Special teams looks solid. Daymond Patterson is impressive and will continue to be a major threat on punt returns. The only hicup in the kicking game was the missed extra point but with the weather and how bad the kick looked my guess is a misshandled snap or hold so I'm not to concerned. Finally punting looks to be much improved over last year, pinned two inside the 20.

Darnell Jackson Writes Letter to KU Fans...

Denverjhawk — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:44:02 -0000

Yesterday Darnell Jackson inked a three year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers capping of one of the most amazing single years a man could have. Going from a role player with little hopes of playing following his final year at KU, to a starter and major contributor on a national championship team, finally concluding with a three year guarenteed NBA contract which he probably never thought possible as recently as one year ago. While Mario Chalmers shot will probably be remembered most from this team, for me Darnell Jackson exemplifies what it was that made this team a great TEAM. They were great not because of superstars, but because superstars often took a lesser role and guys like Darnell Jackson stepped up into a greater roll. I Bring this up because Darnell wrote an open letter to KU fans and the ljworld released it today...read it, soak it up, this is the greatest Athletic program in the country in my biased opinion and things like this confirm those thoughts. Congrats to Darnell on achieving a dream and enjoy the letter KU fans.

My First Football Game

lpku34 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:14:16 -0000

I am a die hard KU fan. I have been to numerous basketball games but have never made it to a football game since i live in Illinois. I am attending my first football game the weekend of the 20th. I was wondering if anyone had any idea on some good tailgating spots? If tickets are needed to get into some spots would anybody have any idea on getting these tickets? I thank anyone who has helpful advise...and as always....Rock Chalk Jayhawk Go KU

Hawk Talk...9/5

Denverjhawk — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:32:26 -0000

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

AP Wire article about KU looking ahead...
A personal piece on DT Jamal Greene from KC Star...
Topeka Capital Journal looks at our new ballhawk Phillip Strozier...
Another Daymond Patterson feature from the Kansan...
Fox Sports preview of KU vs. La Tech...
Looks like the kicking position may get a boost...
Notes put out by the athletic department...

A couple other items of note...

I am surprised at how little press this team still seems to get despite last years success...
Rumors are picking up steam that the KU vs. South Florida game might see a change of venue due to Hurricane Ike I believe...one prossibility being thrown around was in either Kansas City or Lawrence...
Finally in light of the political election season I implore all of you to vote Kerry Meier for the best QB/WR/TE/P Hybrid in the country...I wonder if he could play DE or something as well :) ?

Kansas and the Joe Mortensen's of the World

Denverjhawk — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:15:16 -0000

In case you need more reason to like Joe Mortensen check out this awesome article from today's University Daily Kansan. Joe Mortensen represents the type of person that has made Kansas relavent again in college football. The cast off, not good enough, forgotten player that has a relentless desire to prove himself. Joe and others in this program came here unheralded and play and work day in and day out with a monster chip on their shoulder and it has paid off big time for several and will continue to do so in the years to come. My only hope is we can continue to find players like this and Joe will certainly be missed next year. Wonder how the Huskers feel about this???

Some Bad News About Some Good Hawks...

Denverjhawk — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:41:41 -0000

Mario Chalmers and Darrell Arthur find themselves in a bit of trouble early in their NBA careers. ESPN is reporting the two made a bit of a poor decision during the NBA Rookie transition program currently underway. The result is being thrown out of the program this year, having to repeat next year, some fines and possible suspensions. Oh yeah and a bit of humiliation to go along with it. Personally I don't see it this as a huge deal but a little dissapointing and not the best way to start your NBA career. Shouldn't affect them long term but still not something you want your name attached to. Regardless the shot still went in the trophy above still resides in Lawrence.

Hawk Talk...The Morning After Edition

Denverjhawk — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:52:08 -0000

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

LJWorld Game Notes...
Jonathan Wilson making a name for himself...I like this guy...
Daymond Patterson..wow, what a introduction...
Kansas City Star coverage of the game...
Hutchison news talks about Daymond Patterson..
More from the KC Star about the game...
By the numbers, the box score..
ESPN Recap...

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Looking ahead, Louisiana Tech...could we have a game on our hands???

KU Sports blurb, look for a podcast on the left side previewing LA Tech...
Memphis Coverage about the only spot with more than two paragraphs about the game...
Check that here's a decent recap of LA Tech's win..

Finally the KC Star grades out KU's performance...

-My thoughts just listening online defense sounds good, I expect this to be a stout crew. Obviously we will see tougher competition but I think this group will improve and rise to the occasion.

...offense needs some work. Hopefully we can stay healthy, sure up the offensive line problems and establish a running game. Didn't sound nearly as explosive as last year and I don't like the thought of Todd being pressured this much by inferior talent. Recievers showed great promise but at the same time we are going to have to see something more from the running game besides Angus Quigley in mop up minutes.

Special teams sounds like it could be an upgrade but still very early. Certainly Daymond Patterson didn't wait long to show what he can do and Rojas seems to be able to manage the kicking duties. At the same time both kick coverage and Marcus Hereford need to improve.

At this point my game grade is a B+ simply based on the competition and I would have liked it taken care of more handily. We will get a much better barometer the next two weeks and I look forward to it.

How does Todd Reesing stack up against the other QB's across the country?

lydster — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:14:29 -0000

Is Todd Reesing one of the best QB's in the country? You can help him be recognized as the BEST in the country...read on.

I am new to this site and my only intent is to drive traffic to www.voteobrien.org and to encourage die hard football fans to vote for their favorite QB for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award. This award is 32 years old and recognizes the best QB in collegiate football in the nation.

Todd Reesing is on the O'Brien watch list and should make the semifinalist list. However, he can ensure a place on the semifinalist list if his fans help him get there. It's real simple, fans visit www.voteobrien.org and register and then vote for their favorite QB.

Currently the voting is not open, but you can register now and begin to vote on Sept. 2. The fan vote will factor into the total tally when selecting the semifinalists. The fan vote will make up 5% of the total tally in the balloting.

So, Rock Chalk Talk!

Visit www.voteobrien.org and vote for your favorite QB. By the way you will also be entered into a sweepstakes opportunity to win a trip to the 2009 O'Brien Awards Dinner. Some of the best QB's in college football attend this Awards Dinner as past winners and it is a great night for everyone. Past winners include, Troy Ainkman, Steve Young, Steve McMahon, Vince Young and so many others all of which usually attend the event.

You don't have to go anywhere to do this, you can do it from the comfort of your couch on you laptop at www.voteobrien.org.

Who Would You Rather Play For...???

Denverjhawk — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:50:25 -0000

On the eve of football season I thought we might take a moment to compare ourselves with our neighbors to the west. Recently the Jayhawks and the Wildcats have both released some new promo videos for the upcoming season. I'm not trying to indicate that performance on the field is a direct correlation to these productions, but it did get me thinking. If I'm an 18 year old or 21 year old(if your recruited to K-State) what would I take from this overly simplistic look at the two programs. I think it's clear, but for the sake of argument I will present both and let you decide...Kansas Jayhawks...Kansas State Wildcats.

Poll

So...What School do you Want to Play for??? (Again be as unbiased as possible, not that it will matter)

Hawk Talk...8/28

Denverjhawk — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:39:17 -0000

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

A story about the recent success of KU and MU football...
Talib continues to impress in preaseason action...
KC Star article on building on success of last year...
Sporting News with an article about Joe Mortensen...
Injury bug strikes Derek Fine...
Capital Journal feature on Defensive Coordinator Clint Bowen...
KU vs. FIU preview by FOXSPORTS...
FOXSPORTS article about some of the upstart programs in football...

Big 12 Predictions: Week One

rockchalk — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:41:33 -0000

Each week, I will try and get on here and make some predictions regarding all of that week's Big 12 games. Feel free to do the same in the comments section, and if enough people get it going, we can have a little mini-competition. Might be fun.

With all of that said, here are week one's predictions:

Wake Forest @ Baylor :: Baylor just might be better this season; although that improvement probably won't actually show until 2010 or so. Wake Forest, on the other hand, is clearly the ACC's second best team. If Baylor was to win, it would be a tremendous statement as to how deep the Big 12 really is. I will be rooting for Baylor, but Wake Forest is the pick.

Western Michigan @ Nebraska :: The Cornhuskers won't be a whole lot better this season; I mean, how much of the defense can honestly be blamed on speed. Does that explain the consistent missed tackles? The horrendously average speed? However, they should still be able to take out the Broncos of Western Michigan, although that MAC team did upset the Iowa Hawkeyes to close out last year's regular season. Still, Nebraska is the pick, regrettably. Watch out for an upset, though.

Colorado vs. Colorado State :: Last season, the two played an epic battle. This year, Colorado State figures to be substantially worse, while the Buffs figure to be better. I am expecting big things from CU this season, and it will all have to start right here, against a rival. Colorado is the pick.

Oklahoma State @ Washington State :: This could end up being the best game of all of them involving Big 12 teams. Now 41-year old Mike Gundy will be heading up to Pullman to take on the the Wazzu Cougars, the worst team in the Pac-10. The Cowboys and Zac Robinson should be able to go up there and romp the hell outta them, but you never know with Mr. Spiky Hair in charge of the Pokes. While the Cougs would scare me as a Pokes fan, as they should be expected to win the game but just might not, Okie State is still the pick.

Florida Atlantic @ Texas :: A couple of things to consider. For one, I really like Florida Atlantic, and they are clearly the best team in the Sun Belt; maybe the best team in all of the non-BCS, non-WAC and MWC conferences. Yea, that is a lot of nons, but still. And for two, I really don't think Texas is going to be that good this year. I think we beat them pretty handily, and frankly, I don't see Colt McCoy leading any team to anything special anytime soon. Still, while it should be a 7-point-or-less affair, I'll still take the Longhorns.

Arkansas State @ Texas A&M :: Arkansas State almost beat Texas last year to start out the year and the Ags will be without the human wrecking ball, Javorskie Lane. So, it just might be interesting for a couple of quarters. Still, Mike Sherman figures to get out to a good start to his A&M coaching career as the Aggies roll.

North Texas @ Kansas State :: Kansas State isn't going to be very good this year. Like, at all. Way too many JUCOs, absolutely zero answers at RB, and they still do have Scary Smart as their Head Coach, right? They should win this game, and the other two patty-cakes on their non-conference schedule and maybe even a conference game or two, but they don't figure to be on the same level as Kansas for awhile. Probably not until Scary Smart is gone and if Kansas State can find a damn good replacement to pick up all his trash. Powercats win, but hold on to that feeling for awhile, because after the non-con season the wins will be few-and-far-between.

South Dakota State @ Iowa State :: Are you serious right now? The Clones aren't good or anything, but seriously? The Cyclones in a romp.

Eastern Washington @ Texas Tech :: The Red Raiders by a hundred billion points. Nothing left to say after that.

Chatanooga @ Oklahoma :: An even bigger blowout than Texas Tech's. I'm talking something like 77-3. For realz, homes. Oh, just so I have something to bold, the Sooners are the victors.

Missouri vs. Illinois :: The best for last. Honestly, while Illannoy is a really good team and Juice Williams is a scary-good player, the Mendenhall-less Fighting Illini stand little-to-zero chance of beating the Tigers in my opinion. As no fun as it is to say, Mizzou is one of the best teams in the country this year; they just may not lose, like at all. At least until the Big 12 Championship Game, where they will lose to Oklahoma, just like they always do.

Of course, I left off the Kansas game, as I will start previewing that game shortly. I know I didn't pick any upsets, but I wanted to get off on the right foot before doing anything ridiculous. Although, if I were forced to pick an upset, I would pick FAU over Texas as the most likely, North Texas over K-State as likelihood #2 and Illinois over Mizzou #3.

Hartley is better than that

MaxHawk — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:28:18 -0000

Chet Hartley is in no danger of losing his job. He is an above average Big 12 OG. At least a 2nd or 3rd team all-league pick.

Also Thorsen will be the starting center next season wioth Lueken at RT and Hatch at one of the guard spots.

Thorsen had already ascended to 2nd team at Wisconsin before being asked to leave the team after a couple of problems with the coaching staff. Hopefully he has matured since then.

Updated Depth Chart Released...

Denverjhawk — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:38:18 -0000

A new 2 deep depth chart was released today following camp and we look to have our week one starters set. A few surprises one with Daymond Patterson getting the nod as punt returner and quite a few changes on the defensive front. There are some rumors about possible week one suspensions for a few so that too could be reflected in the depth chart. Hello and welcome to week 1 of 2008 Kansas Jayhawk Football

Super Mario with the Assist...

Denverjhawk — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:38:17 -0000

Looks like former Jayhawk hero Mario Chalmers is the probable starter at point guard down in Miami. This report from the Sun-Sentinel talks about the prospect of Chalmers starting based on statements made by current Heat star Dwayne Wade. The Question is how good can Mario become running the point for a proven star in Dwayne Wade and a potential star in Micheal Beasley? Looks to me like the drop in the draft could be a huge blessing for Chalmers. Not only is he now on a team with some exceptional talent he also has virtually zero pressure on his shoulders and the majority of what he can produce for this team will be looked at as icing on the cake. If he comes out and surprises some people the heat could be a very good team in the near future again. My only regret is I am really not an NBA fan and find it difficult to watch an entire game. I wonder if Mario can change that?

Hawk Talk...8/22

Denverjhawk — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:55:01 -0000

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

A look at the Cornerback position post Talib..
Feature on the new starting tackles Hatch and Spikes..
For those video gamers KU football players talk about NCAA 09 Ratings..
Following a great 2nd preseason game Marcus Henry ets some pub...
Big 12 Week 1 Press Release...
Another write up on Kerry "Slash" Meier..
CFN Preview of week 1 opponent Florida International..
Not to worried yet but some discouraging news on the Bball Front..

The Myth of Missouri Football

Denverjhawk — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:09:17 -0000

I've been to the message boards, some opinions are worse than others, but the overwhelming belief amongst Missouri fans can be stated in one sign held up at the MU vs. KU game at arrowhead last year. "Kansas Football a Tradition since September." I'm not here to argue Kansas has a rich football tradition or that we've been a devoted fan base for years, but can Missouri really make these claims? Isn't this a case of the pot calling the kettle black? We know tradition at Kansas, we've been fanatical about a team for years, our basketball team, but are we wrong to be encouraged and optimistic about our football team just because we don't have a rich history like a Texas or Oklahoma. The answer is no and Missouri fans can do the same, but the belief Missouri has a long and rich football history is a myth and here's why...

For the sake of argument let’s look at the last 30 years. This is not an arbitrary number, but a timeframe given to me by a Missouri fan. He rightfully claimed that in the last 30 years Missouri has been to 11 Bowls matching Kansas' entire bowl history. OK, Fair enough let's analyze those years. Since they brought it up let's talk Bowls. Advantage Missouri no doubt, but is 11 bowls vs. our 6 in 30 years really a statement of football dominance. Interesting too if you look at win percentage, in those bowls Kansas was the better program in terms of winning once they got there, not that either one should be bragging too much here. Based on the insults toward our fledgling football program I would also have to assume that Missouri's overall win loss record the last 30 years must be tremendous compared to the lowly Jayhawks. Wrong, over the past 30 years, based on both teams’ media guides Missouri has a record of 159-185-7 while Kansas has a record of 142-194-8. Hardly a major difference, you’re talking about a half a game a year difference in record and someone would have to convince me this makes one team tradition rich and the other a never was.

Don't tell me I think I've got this one figured out the perception must be the due to head to head record. Maybe Missouri has dominated us head to head over the years. Funny because I know this isn't true and the record proves it from 78-08 head to head record is 15-15 dead even. Furthermore the all time record has been well documented for its parity. How can this be? we are a flash in the pan, a tradition since September and Missouri is a football power with years of tradition, aren’t they?

Too be honest I think Missouri has a great team this year and has as good a shot as any at winning it, but the perception that they possess a far superior tradition to Kansas simply isn't true. These teams are both new on the scene and I'll admit we may be a tradition since September 07' but Missouri might be only slightly better being a tradition since September 06'. See you in November...

Hawk Talk 8/17...

Denverjhawk — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:49:47 -0000

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

A little off topic, but important info regarding road construction and game traffic...

A preseason preview for future Jayhawk Jordan Webb's high school team...

Some positive Aqib Talib publicity out of Bucs training camp...

CFN posted it's 2008 Big 12 preview on Friday...

A Lawrence Journal World feature on lastest KU commit Neal Barlow...

The box score from the weekend Jets game, Marcus Henry tied for the team lead in receptions and 3rd in yards...

Mangino Sets the Tackle Starters

Denverjhawk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:53:20 -0000

Looks like Mark Mangino and I see eye to eye. As I was hoping for in my post, "Offensive Tackles", today Mark Mangino names the starters at the offensive tackle positions and it will be...Jeff Spikes at LT and Jeremiah Hatch at the RT spot. It appears Hatch left the coaching staff no other choice by showing some serious talent and effort throughout early practices. I have to say I am extremely excited about this while there will certainly be growing pains we now have two redshirt freshman starting at the tackles spots and could solidify the position for the next several years. Here's the STORY from kusports.com. Another Interesting tidbit is a quote from Mangino. When asked about the differences in Hatch and Anthony Collins, Mangino responded, "He is nothing like AC they have completely different personalities. Hatch is a very positive fiery guy. Everything he says is positive and he is a good teammate and he wants to help the other guys along." Maybe the big man was simply trying to compliment Hatch but it also sounds like a bit of a jab at Collins.

Hawk Talk...8/15

Denverjhawk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:41:04 -0000

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

Joe Mortensen shows up on another preseason list, the Butkus...

Former Jayhawk Rodney Allen catches on with the Green Bay Brett Favre's...

The Border war is sold out, I'm just hoping it's closer to 50/50 than last year...

Good Article about our defensive leaders the Linebacking Corps...

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Pretty slow with the news right now past the initial excitement and not quite close enough to the first game.

A couple of a side notes I do believe there is an open practice today which will be interesting to see a report from in the near future...and also rumors are circulating that we have added a transfer from Wisconsin Brad Thorson #76.

Hawk Talk...

Denverjhawk — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:34:54 -0000

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

A nice article about the new facility upgrades and what it means for the program...

Blair Kerkhoff from the KC Star is doing a video blog top 25 countdown today Kansas comes in at No. 16...

A good article from yesterday on Mr. Everything Kerry Meier...

A look at Bill Young's departure and defenses around the Big12 from the Oklahoman...

A couple of dubious forcasts for Aqib Talib the Orlando Sentinal...

Another Corner from the past Charles Gordon looks to be making a play for more time in Minnesota...

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A local Florida article about our first real test Matt Grothe and South Florida...

Speaking of South Florida seems we may have a lot in common with them in terms of new expectations and building a program...