Chat with Kansas University sideline reporter David Lawrence

Welcome to our online chat with Kansas University sideline reporter David Lawrence.

The chat took place on Thursday, November 17, at 11:30 AM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: Hi and welcome to our chat today. I'm Andy Samuelson the online sports editor for KUsports.com and I will be today's chat moderator. Today we our joined by the Kansas University sideline reporter David Lawrence. Lawrence, a former KU football captain, covers the Jayhawks for the Jayhawk Radio Network. Thanks David for taking time out of your day to join with our KUsports.com readers this afternoon.

David Lawrence: It's great to talk about Kansas athletics and answer KU fans' questions.

Moderator: Well David is pressed for time today, so lets get right into some questions.

Jim, Topeka, Kan.: How has the team reacted to the Texas game this week?

David Lawrence: I think the reaction will be a better sense of focus because of the importance of the Iowa State game. When you have one game for a bowl it makes things much easier to forget about the bad experience of one bad afternoon in Austin, Texas. Other things that would make that easier are the numerous accolades that Texas has received from everyone. I don't know if anyone can tell the extent of the damage from the Texas game until we watch the Iowa State game. That will be the judgement day.

Joe, Kirwin, Kan.: I hear ISU is the hottest team in the Big 12 right now. We know KU's defense will hold 'em. but can the KU offense from the Husker game carry over to this one?

David Lawrence: As far as moving the ball, the key is to be very efficient. Certainly be able to run the football. Not turn the ball over. Using both Clark Green and Jon Cornish effectively. And by efficiency, I mean catch the balls that are catchable. When the defense provides a short field, take advantage and get a score. Then Jason Swanson being able to operate this offense. I think he was bothered by the massive height of UT's defensive line. That won't be quite as big a problem against Iowa State I don't think. I'm anticipating an emotional game being Senior Day and a one game playoff for a bowl game. In past games at Memorial Stadium that have been emotional and against rivals, KU has played well. Of course, they will have to play well in this one to win.

Michael, Omaha, Neb.: Does this year's basketball team have a chance to be anything like the "Fab Five" that Michigan had in the early 90's?

David Lawrence: They have a chance to be great. I think when you start comparing them to the greatest class ever brought in, you set yourself up for disappointment. Certainly this class has the ability to score with each and every one of these young men. Rush is older and more mature. But they've all played so much basketball and in so many high profiles games that I think the learning curve will come much faster. Even though they will look like freshman at times, I think they will be able to overcome a lot of the things that bother most freshman. I think their success depends a lot on the success of the sophomores as well as Christian Moody and Jeff Hawkins. I'm very excited about this class.

Eric, Lawrence, Kan.: Who is the best defensive KU football player in the last 20 years?

David Lawrence: Finalists would include Dana Stubblefield, Gilbert Brown and Nick Reid and Charlton Keith would certainly be in that mix. Willie Pless would definitely be in there as well. Defense plays as a group so much it's kind of tough to identify one individual. But without a doubt I think this year's squad is the best group ever for a KU defense. Pless made it to the tackle more than anyone, but he had a weaker defensive line giving him more opportunities to tackle. If Nick Reid was in that same position I think he would have even more tackles. It's difficult to separate linebackers out like that. But Stubblefield would probably be the best defensive player. Keith had a shorter career, but in a one-year season, he's been very dominant. Dana was able to do that more than one year and also in the NFL. So I would have to go with Stubblefield.

Gary, Topeka, Kan.: Are you a candidate and are you interested in replacing Max in the booth on KU game broadcasts next year? You would be excellent in that placement.

David Lawrence: I would hope I would be a candidate. And I am interested in working with Bob Davis. I think he's the best at what he does. I enjoy what I do. Being able to be up in the booth would be a better vantage point and I would love the opportunity.

Moderator: Looks like we have time for just one more question.

Joe, Dodge City, Kan.: What is your view on Bill Snyder stepping down?

David Lawrence: You know Kansas State has always been a rival school, that's a team we always want to beat. A team that's difficult to cheer for. However, as a football person, it's obvious to me the turn around Snyder did has never been done before to that extreme -- particularly when you look at how long he kept them winning. Initially I was very jealous of everything K-State was doing. I was watching a school that was always an easy win for us, and now I'm watching them turn into a better program. I know where K-State was at before. It is amazing what he did. I've heard some Wildcat fans say that they're going to bring in a high-profile coach and things are going to be even better, but I think that's going to be very difficult to do. Even though the program is not down like it was before Snyder came in, not many people can do what Coach Snyder can do.

Moderator: Well that's going to do it for our chat today with KU sideline reporter David Lawrence. Thanks a lot David for your time today. KU fans can look forward to hearing you tomorrow night at the KU-Idaho State basketball game. Also a big thanks to our KUsports.com readers for all their input into this chat.

David Lawrence: Thanks for having me. I'd like to say to the KU football fans out there that in the past three years I've watched the number of Kansas football supporters go up each year, and hardcore supporters go up each year. Even though that doesn't win games. I think it creates an atmosphere to help recruiting and definitely creates more enthusiasm for everyone involved. Another reason to be optimistic for the KU football program is that they keep improving as evidenced by this year's team and the competitive attitude they've shown. We can only hope for this program to grow in the future. Thanks.