Notebook: Penn over Kansas chatter picking up across the country

Writers back east are trying to convince people that Penn actually has a chance in this one.

However, at least one writer says ignore the chatter; Kansas is winning the national title, which obviously means they won’t be the first 16-over-1 victim.

Penn matched up with Villanova earlier this season, giving the Quakers a taste of what playing a 1-seed might be like.

Coach Steve Donahue says his team really focuses on trying to defend the 3-point line.

For his part, Bill Self is impressed with the way Penn plays defense.

But, Penn doesn’t have Devonte Graham, who was named first team All-American by The Sporting News and the US Basketball Writers Association of America.

KU football WR Chase Harrell was arrested this past weekend on DUI charges.

Women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider has shaken up his staff a bit, hiring former colleague Jory Collins. Collins took over at Emporia State eight years ago when Schneider moved to Stephen F Austin.

The #15-ranked Kansas tennis team opened up conference play with a win over #38 Baylor.

In other news...

I found this post pretty interesting - How did the popular bracketologists fare on their predictions?

Yahoo Sports gives some bracket buster specials, and headlines with “Rock, Choke, Jayhawk.”

San Diego State’s trip to Wichita is technically banned by California law unless the Aztecs use private donations to pay for expenses.

Wichita State and Marshall face off in the first round, two schools with a bit of a bond stemming from plane crashes that affected both university’s athletic departments within a 6-week span back in 1970.

Veteran official Ted Valentine has not been invited to officiate this year’s NCAA Tournament.

The Baltimore Orioles are launching a program that lets kids into the ballpark for free if mom or dad purchase an upper deck ticket.