Stories for December 2008

Appleton feeling more comfortable

Tyrone Appleton wore a big smile on his face as he signed autographs for 100 or so Kansas University basketball fans who were in no hurry to head home after Tuesday’s 79-43 rout of Albany in Allen Fieldhouse.

KU fans fill bars for Insight Bowl

Many believe KU is capping off what may be the greatest year in KU sports history.

Insight Bowl champion Jayhawks to return Thursday

The Kansas football team, fresh off of Wednesday night’s 2008 Insight Bowl victory, will return home Thursday evening. The team plans to land at Forbes Field in Topeka around 4:20 p.m.

McCray magic humbles Houston

Danielle McCray isn’t Houdini and she isn’t Mandrake or David Copperfield.

FINAL: Briscoe’s 201 receiving yards lead KU to 42-21 Insight Bowl win

Reesing throws for 313 yards; Meier adds passing, receiving touchdowns

Gopher turnaround reminiscent of KU’s

Minnesota rebounded from a 1-11 record to 7-5 (so far) this season, a turnaround similar to KU’s improvement from 2-10 in 2002 to at least six wins in all but one of the years since.

Kansas women to entertain similar Houston squad today

Each team owns eight victories, and each boasts a standout performer. Kansas and Houston appear to be evenly matched going into their women’s basketball game on the final day of 2008. Houston, in fact, probably will be the Jayhawks’ toughest home opponent since they tangled with Iowa more than a month ago.

Oregon runs past Oklahoma St.

Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli ran through and over Oklahoma State’s defense for three touchdowns and threw for another to lead the No. 15 Ducks to a 42-31 victory over the No. 13 Cowboys in a wild, record-setting Holiday Bowl on Tuesday night.

NU’s offense creates challenge for Clemson

The caveat — not to mention the compelling matchup in Thursday’s Gator Bowl — is that Clemson’s highly-ranked defense hasn’t faced an offense as prolific as Nebraska’s.

Injury gives OU’s No. 3 back chance to shine

Madu latest Oklahoma backup to step up when starter knocked out

In recent years at Oklahoma, if one running back is injured, it seems there’s always another ready to take his place. Mossis Madu is the latest chapter in that Sooners story. Impressed with Madu’s talent, Oklahoma coaches spent much of the season trying to work him into the offense, but he was stuck on the depth chart behind the Sooners’ two primary backs, DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown.

Longhorns leave snub behind

Texas players say there’s still plenty at stake in Fiesta Bowl matchup with Ohio State

The Fox Sports college football panel raised the subject a few minutes after revealing the final BCS standings. Texas would be a facing an “emotional hangover,” the group predicted, which qualified as part coachspeak, part pop psychology and part common sense.

Kansas dogs Danes

Arizona loss sparks team meeting, leads to blowout victory

It wasn’t nearly as dramatic as February’s team meeting at Henry T’s Bar and Grill. You remember — the one held after Kansas University’s disappointing one-point men’s basketball loss at Oklahoma State. Hot wings and turkey club sandwiches were nowhere to be found as KU’s players lounged in the locker room before Saturday’s practice in Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks’ first workout following a three-day Christmas vacation.

Good move after all

Secondary shakeup turns defense around

To many on the outside, it appeared such a desperate move, realigning the secondary in midseason in such a way that only one player, junior safety Darrell Stuckey, remained at the same position.

Golden Gophers burrowed throughout Jayhawk staff

Minnesota, KU football teams facing off

The Insight Bowl pits the Kansas University Jayhawks against the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota, but local ties to the Twin Cities run deeper than a football game.Some Minnesota alumni are even teaching Jayhawks.

Reviled Albany center dismayed

Will Brown strolled down Massachusetts Street on Monday afternoon, looking for a long-sleeve Kansas University T-shirt for his 6-year-old son, Jackson. Brown, the eighth year head basketball coach of the University at Albany, stumbled upon Joe-College.Com at Seventh and Mass. Intrigued by the litany of shirts in the window, he went inside.

Dugan Arnett’s Insight Bowl notebook

If there were any doubts about Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino’s appreciation for junior receiver Kerry Meier, they were dispelled Tuesday during the team’s final news conference before taking on Minnesota in today’s Insight Bowl.

KU familiar with Gophers’ spread

Just when the Kansas University football team thought it was done with these high-octane Big 12 offenses, just when players figured they could relax a little bit, play in the box, enjoy a little old-fashioned style of football — the kind they played before Mike Leach started hanging around the conference’s sidelines and 4,000-yard passing seasons became the norm — they find themselves matched up with Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.

Keegan: Gophers favored in omens

Omens leading up to the Insight Bowl seem to fall in Minnesota’s favor, but the Jayhawks have better players and coaches.

Woodling: Prepare for erratic new year

Well, folks, that’s all you get of Kansas University men’s basketball in 2008. Tuesday night’s 73-49 dispatching of Albany in Allen Fieldhouse brought one of the most memorable years in school annals to an official close. What did we learn?

KU vs. UMinn: Head to head

During conference play this season, Kansas running back Jake Sharp was third in the Big 12 in rushing and has compiled 796 yards on 170 carries. Since breaking out in a victory over Iowa State earlier this season, Sharp has been a focal point of the team’s offense, earning honorable-mention all-conference honors.

Jayhawks destroy Albany, 79-43

Cole Aldrich scored 20 points, grabbed six boards and blocked three shots, Tyrel Reed added 12 points off 3-of-5 shooting from three-point land and Kansas shredded Albany, 79-43, on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

KU junior Mario Little, who suffered a broken bone in his left, non-shooting hand two weeks ago, practiced without contact Monday.

Explosive potential

Minnesota prepares to face KU’s high-powered offense

After nearly a month to prepare for his team’s Insight Bowl matchup with Kansas University on Wednesday — after endless hours of game-planning and pouring over film — Minnesota coach Tim Brewster has reached the following conclusion about the Jayhawks.

Woodling: Don’t forget Mason

Although hardly the focal point of the Insight Bowl, the subtle ironies involving Glen Mason shouldn’t be ignored.

Tigers squeak out OT victory

Missouri rallies to win, 30-23

Missouri knocks off Northwestern in overtime to win the Alamo Bowl.

Basketball team brings gifts to hospital patients, big and small

They came bearing shirts, autographed posters and an array of other gifts for patients at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on Monday. The Kansas University women’s basketball team has been participating in the holiday tradition for 16 years. Head coach Bonnie Henrickson said her team appreciated the opportunity to visit with patients.

Lawrence native to fly over Insight Bowl

Flyovers are a specialty for Lt. Col. Garth Terlizzi Jr. A Lawrence native, Terlizzi has piloted F-16 fighters over football games, NASCAR events and even baseball games. So serving as the lead pilot during Wednesday afternoon’s flyover at the Insight Bowl will be a “milk run” — aerospeak for routine — for Terlizzi. With one exception.

Jayhawks searching for identity

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self has realistic expectations for his unranked, 8-3 Jayhawks entering tonight’s game against Albany, and the rest of semester break.

Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook

Kansas junior Jake Sharp, an honorable mention all-Big 12 running back this season, missed Monday’s practice with the flu and is currently being treated by members of the team’s medical staff.

KU’s Thornton to miss Insight Bowl

Kansas University cornerback Justin Thornton did not make the trip to Tempe, Ariz., for Wednesday’s Insight Bowl for undisclosed disciplinary reasons, according to team officials, and will not be present when the Jayhawks take on Minnesota at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Sun Devil Stadium.

Gophers receiver Decker tough as they come

It’s been a long season for Eric Decker. From the start of training camp until Decker wound up having post-regular-season knee surgery, the Gophers star wide receiver has paid his dues for being quarterback Adam Weber’s top target.

Jayhawks return to practice in good spirits after break

Kansas University’s basketball players, who were awarded a three-day Christmas furlough, returned to campus for one practice Saturday night and two Sunday — one before and one after the Jayhawks’ 21⁄2-hour holiday clinic for youths.

Stanford crushes Raiders

A recap of Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball action.

Minnesota coach hasn’t earned extension

Minnesota coach Tim Brewster seems to be headed for an extension he doesn’t deserve, whether the measuring stick is athletics or academics.

Holiday spirit fills Blakesley home

Thanksgiving in the Blakesley household has reached legendary proportions. Well, make that very, very large proportions.

Keegan: Kansas in elite company

Earning back-to-back bowl bids, not as difficult as it once was because of bowl inflation, still ranks as an accomplishment because it’s a school first for Kansas University. Winning three bowl games in a four-year span, another school first, can be accomplished with a victory against Minnesota on Wednesday evening in Tempe, Ariz.

Heels stomp Rutgers

A recap of men’s Top 25 basketball action

“Old Faithful” Meier wins Jayhawks’ praise

Wide receiver Kerry Meier has been the Jayhawks’ most consistent player all season.

Cook’s KU debut one to remember

It took Norm Cook just one game to win over the hearts of Kansas University basketball fans.

KU women to make annual visit to LMH

Coaches and members of Kansas University’s women’s basketball team will visit Lawrence Memorial Hospital on Monday morning.

Carroll leads Tigers in rout of Cougars

Missouri shook off its offensive woes to rout SIU-Edwardsville.

Woodling: Time to bowl in Big 12

Seven Big 12 Conference football teams are in bowl games, and five — including Kansas — are favored. Does that mean the Big 12 will go 5-2 in the postseason? Of course not.

KU completes second bowl practice

Kansas University’s football team held its second practice Saturday in Tempe, Ariz., in preparation for the Jayhawks’ Dec. 31 matchup with Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.

A proud new papa

Newborn son drastically alters life of KU’s Fields

Deran Joseph Fields gazes upward, his eyes widening below a curly mat of hair. At 21⁄2 months old, he doesn’t seem fazed by reporters around him. “It seems like he’s enjoying it,” Dexton Fields says with the smile of a proud father. “He ain’t crying.”

Defensive end commits to Kansas

Quintin Woods, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound defensive end from Bakersfield (Calif.) Community College, on Saturday orally committed to Kansas University, according to Rivals.com.

Minnesota QB his own worst critic

Adam Weber is an optimist. It’s ingrained, a part of him. Ask him about the future and he’ll smile. Weber, the University of Minnesota football team’s sophomore starting quarterback, travels the world with a half-full glass.

Mayer: Another standout up north

George McGowan, a standout wide receiver, was another Kansas University product who found success in Canadian football.

Kansas football arrives in Tempe for Insight

Kansas University’s football team arrived in Tempe, Ariz., and held its first Phoenix-area practice.

Minnesota adds power running for bowl

Gophers tweaking approach after two years of being a pure spread team

Known as a spread offense, Minnesota has spent much of its pre-Insight Bowl practices adding a power-running component.

Self says Jayhawks not tough enough

Coach expects team to learn to be gritty

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team has met coach Bill Self’s definition of “tough” erratically this season.

Diggin’ new digs

Jayhawks relish Anderson Complex

Kansas University’s football players see the Anderson Family Football Complex as a reminder of what they’ve accomplished.

KU looking to make history

A win next week would give the Jayhawks 20 wins in two seasons for the first time ever.

Jayhawks head to Tempe for Insight Bowl

Kansas Jayhawks head to Arizona for the Insight Bowl.

Keegan: Meier’s hands like velcro

Kerry Meier’s story, filled with so many compelling turns, usually celebrates the team-first attitude he displayed after getting beaten out as the quarterback, his uncanny knack for getting open and a nod to his long stride that enables him to run so much faster than it appears he’s running.

Ballard’s climb up KU ladder an enjoyable ride

Director of basketball operations began professional career as unpaid office fixture

When Brett Ballard and his former Kansas University basketball teammates get together, they often discuss the highs and lows of the 2001-02 season — Ballard’s senior season at KU.

Where he belongs

Meier’s path to WR starts with frustration, ends in glory

Even now, even after the accolades and the Sports Illustrated cover and the unlikely emergence as one of the Big 12’s top receivers, Kerry Meier’s mind sometimes drifts to a single pass thrown 17 months ago.

‘Hawks not great at defense, says Self

The Kansas University men’s basketball team isn’t great on defense, rebounding or execution, according to Coach Bill Self.

‘Hawks get Christmas off before Insight Bowl preps begin again

The Kansas University football team departs for Tempe, Arizona, early Friday morning.

After loss, players get three days off for holiday

No Scrooge, Bill Self wants his players home for the Christmas holiday. So Kansas University’s sixth-year basketball coach has closed shop for a few days, instructing his players to report back to campus in time for a late Saturday afternoon practice.

Father figure

Former KU football coach now a mentor for youths growing up without dads

There is much about Mike Gottfried, a former Kansas University football coach and current ESPN college football analyst, that delineates a fatherly presence.The naturally calming demeanor, the impossible patience and politeness, and the ability, at age 63, to inject a good dose of self-deprecating humor into everyday conversation.

KU great Norm Cook dead at 53

Former Jayhawk forward started every game for 1974 Final Four team

Former Kansas University basketball player Norm Cook, a first-round draft pick of the Boston Celtics in 1976, died Monday at the age of 53.

Woodling: Looking back at 2008

Memories of 2008 (not all of them sports related) …

Three linebackers wrap up KU careers with Insight Bowl

KU’s showdown against Minnesota on New Year’s Eve serves as the final outing for linebackers Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera and James Holt.

Arizona big man transferring to KU

All Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self wanted for Christmas was … a highly-touted 7-foot center. His wish-list was granted Wednesday when 225-pound University of Arizona freshman big man Jeff Withey orally committed to transfer to KU.

Holiday smear

Wildcats rally to ruin Jayhawks’ break

Visions of sugar plums and a nice road victory over Arizona danced in the heads of Kansas University’s basketball players early in the second half of Tuesday’s Fiesta Bowl Classic contest at McKale Center.

Farewell tour: Coaching turnover highest in Big 12, SEC

In 17 seasons, Phillip Fulmer led the Tennessee football team to a 152-42 record, including a BCS Championship trophy in 1998. Tommy Tuberville, in 10 seasons at Auburn, led the Tigers to an 85-40 record, including an undefeated season in 2004. As of today, both men are no longer college football coaches.

Keegan: Aldrich schooled by Hill

In college basketball, the road can be mined with phantom fouls and hostile crowds. Kansas University sophomore center Cole Aldrich encountered both Tuesday night in the McKale Center, home of the University of Arizona.

Benched Horne shines

Sophomore has career game for UA

Just before he received the Fiesta Bowl Classic MVP award, Jamelle Horne turned to Arizona interim coach Russ Pennell to talk about his benching.

KU women come out firing, down Waves

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team hit a blistering 67.9 percent of its shots in an 82-54 victory over Pepperdine.

Four-star fullback commits to KU

Toben Opurum, a four-star fullback out of Plano (Texas) East High, became the Kansas University football team’s 18th known commitment in the Class of 2009 Tuesday, according to Rivals.com.

KU Notebook

News and notes from KU’s loss to Arizona.

Illini manhandle Missouri, 75-59

A recap of Big 12 men’s basketball action.

KU football ready for action

The Kansas football team has a 31-day break before taking on Minnesota in the 2008 Insight Bowl, but a month long break is nothing new to this group of Jayhawks

FINAL: Jordan Hill’s 23 points lead Arizona to 84-67 victory

Arizona outscores KU 49-29 in second half.

KU lands fullback Opurum

Toben Opurum, a four-star fullback out of Plano East High in Texas, became the Kansas University football team’s 18th known commitment in the Class of 2009 Tuesday, according to the Web site rivals.com.

Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University freshman Tyshawn Taylor on Monday was named Big 12 rookie of the week. Taylor scored 11 points and had eight assists in Saturday’s 71-59 victory over Temple. He has won the award two times this season.

Bradford tops McCoy, Tebow again

Oklahoma quarterback named AP Player of the Year

Sam Bradford of Oklahoma was voted the Associated Press college football player of the year Monday. He beat out the same two quarterbacks he did in capturing the Heisman Trophy — Colt McCoy of Texas and Tim Tebow of Florida.

UCLA-like Pepperdine next test for KU women

Kansas’ women’s basketball team, fresh off a 67-64 loss to UCLA, will face a similar team next in Pepperdine. “They’re very athletic,” KU coach Bonnie Henrickson said of the Waves. “They’re not as big as UCLA, but they’re a smaller, shorter version.”

Budinger’s new beginning

Coaching change now suits forward

Arizona forward Chase Budinger was disappointed to see Lute Olson resign as Arizona’s coach, but Budinger has taken to his new coach — and his new offense.

Holiday sacred for Mangino

KU coach to take it easy on Christmas

Kansas coach Mark Mangino says he won’t work on Christmas and plans to “have fun and enjoy” the holiday.

Plan ahead to make holiday travel easiest

Just think: If Santa can manage to traverse the globe while enduring extreme weather conditions, conflicting flight restrictions and countless rooftop landing challenges — all in a single night, no less — perhaps it’s easier to envision making a trouble-free trip to grandma’s house.

Taylor named Big 12 Rookie of the Week

Kansas freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor was named the Phillips 66 Big 12 Rookie of the Week on Monday, marking the second time in three weeks that Taylor has won the award and just the 14th time a Jayhawk has won it in the history of the Big 12.

Extra practices benefit KU

Coaches evaluate, experiment during four-week lead-up to bowl

Of all the perks to be had from the Kansas University football team’s 2008 Insight Bowl invitation — the historical significance, the week’s stay in a superb climate, the sure-to-be-extravagant player goodie bags — perhaps none is more appreciated than the added month of practice time the bid provides.

All-American DT commits to Kansas

Travis Stephens, an All-American defensive tackle from Blinn College, has orally committed to KU.

Recruit eager to see KU play

Phoenix prep to watch Kansas-Arizona

Kansas University’s basketball players left sub-zero wind chills for sunny Arizona on Sunday afternoon where the weather was …. “Really nice. Maybe 75 degrees,” said future KU player Royce Woolridge, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound junior shooting guard out of Phoenix Sunnyslope High.

Turnovers doom KU women to loss

Jayhawks have 21 give-aways in 67-64 setback at UCLA

Kansas’ women’s basketball team had 21 turnovers in a 67-64 loss at UCLA.

Woodling: Quit whining, Cyclones

Item: Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard blasts Gene Chizik for taking the Auburn football job, saying Chizik assured him he would stay with the Cyclones. Comment: Does this remind anyone of a couple of years ago when Kansas State officials bellyached about Bob Huggins’ abrupt departure to take the West Virginia job? Quit whining, hire a coach, and get on with your life.

Party in Tempe: What to do if you go to the Insight Bowl

Traveling to the Insight Bowl? It should be warm, for starters — but the recreation and nightlife are pretty hot, too. Here are some tips on where to go.

New ’do, new KU

Mohawk-less Jayhawks trim Temple

Sherron Collins still doesn’t know what all the fuss was about. “I bet you if that left-handed shot went in, nothing would have been said about it,” Collins, Kansas University’s junior guard, said. “It” was the Mohawk haircut — and star cut-out on the left side of his head — Collins sported for last week’s game against UMass, a game in which his running six-footer clanged in the closing seconds of a one-point defeat.

KU women to face UCLA

UCLA wasn’t very nice to Rice the other night. The Bruins’ women’s basketball team went to Houston and scored the first 20 points on the way to an 82-64 romp over the Owls. “I watched it,” Kansas coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “Whew … it was turnover, layup, turnover, layup.” Thus Henrickson will be doing her best to try to prevent a similar early blitz when the Jayhawks tangle with the Bruins today.

Iowa State taps Auburn assistant

Iowa State had pinned all its hopes on Gene Chizik — which was why his jump to Auburn after just two seasons was such a kick in the gut for the cellar-dwelling Cyclones.

Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University sophomore center Cole Aldrich scored 13 points off 6-of-8 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds despite being weakened by the stomach flu. “His stomach was cramping the whole game. It took a lot of courage to grab 11 rebounds and score 13 points. We need him. We all tipped our hat to him,” KU guard Sherron Collins said. Aldrich said he never considered skipping the game.

Christmas denied by KU

Temple star struggles early

Doing their best Grinch impression, Kansas University’s men’s basketball team stopped Christmas on Saturday afternoon at Allen Fieldhouse. Temple guard Dionte Christmas, who entered Saturday’s matchup coming off a 35-point performance in an upset of then-No. 8 Tennessee, struggled early and often in the Owls’ 71-59 loss to Kansas, going scoreless until the 1:51 mark in the first half and finishing just 6-for-14 from the field.

KU bounces back

Jayhawks rally from UMass loss

The gray skies that Cole Aldrich and his Kansas University basketball teammates lived under the last week seemed to clear up a bit after the Jayhawks’ 71-59 victory over Temple on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. No doubt, things had been a bit gloomy since KU’s 61-60 loss to UMass on Dec. 13.

Keegan: Brady answers challenge

We’ll never know if Tyshawn Taylor would have produced such a spectacular line in the box score Saturday (11 points, eight assists, four steals) if he had to chase Temple’s Dionte Christmas around all those screens.We’ll never know because Kansas coach Bill Self trusted Brady Morningstar with the assignment, and the sophomore was up to it.

FINAL: Collins scores 19 as KU holds off Temple, 71-59

Dionte Christmas scores 18 of his 21 points in 2nd half, but Jayhawks hang on for win

Big Jay picked for nationals

Apparently it’s not just Jayhawk fans who really love Big Jay. The Kansas University mascot has earned the right to participate in a national competition in Orlando, Fla., for the first time. To earn a trip to the Universal Cheer and Dance competition, Jan. 16-18, the mascots had to submit a video that would be judged against other entries. The top 10 entries earn bids to nationals.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

To Kansas University junior Sherron Collins, the most disappointing thing about last Saturday’s loss to UMass was the fact the Jayhawks weren’t totally into the game from the start.

Colorado cruises past Prairie View

Cory Higgins scored 17 points and grabbed a team-high eight rebounds to lead Colorado. Dwight Thorne II finished with 12 points for the Buffaloes (5-3), while Levi Knutson came off the bench to add nine points. Colorado took control early as Higgins scored 15 of his points in the first half. The Buffs went into the break with a 43-18 lead.

KU aims to spoil Temple’s Christmas

Owls’ guard proud of festive last name

Temple University’s best basketball player has a favorite holiday. “Christmas, most definitely,” said Owls’ All-America candidate Dionte Christmas, mighty proud of his last name — and not at all burned out — in fielding questions about his festive moniker.

Keegan: Chief of Staff wanted

Chief of Staff. Where can I get one of those? I sure could use one. Barack Obama has Rahm Emanuel. Lew Perkins has Nicole Corcoran. Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford had Alexander Haig. What’s that you say, sports editors don’t get to have a Chief of Staff? The world is changing. If an athletic director can have one, so can I.

KU athletic director’s new chief of staff will make $90,000

Nicole Corcoran, the longtime spokeswoman for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius who is leaving to be chief of staff for Kansas University Athletic Director Lew Perkins, will make $90,000 per year at her new job.

Sunflower Broadband to replay KU-MU game

Sunflower Broadband’s Channel 6 will replay this year’s clash between Kansas and Missouri on two Sundays later this month.

Ex-KSU coach tapped by Ball St.

Ball State named Stan Parrish as its next football coach.

Don’t waste time: 10 bowls to watch

There’s no need to watch all of the college bowl games. These 10 should suffice.

Mayer: Changes at top coming

It’s usually the other way around for schools such as Kansas and Kansas State. The status of the football and basketball coaches might look iffy while the chancellor-president and athletic directors are firmly entrenched.

Hansbrough sets mark

Phil Ford stood at midcourt, waiting for Tyler Hansbrough to take the microphone and address the home crowd. As the reigning national player of the year walked up, Ford playfully bowed in reverence before giving him a hug.

Jayhawks shop for area families

Roger Morningstar huddled Kansas University’s men’s basketball team at the front right entrance of Wal-Mart on Thursday night with two quick final messages for the shopping-cart-wielding players.

Twins excited to face Temple

It would have been convenient for the Morris twins to attend Temple University.

KU, Joe-College face new battle in lengthy legal contest

KU wants $1.4M in legal fees, triple profits and royalties, plus shirts seized

Attorneys with the Kansas University Athletics Department filed a new wave of legal arguments this week aimed at punishing downtown T-shirt retailer Joe-College.com for violating university trademarks.

KU football notes

Kansas University sophomore receiver Dezmon Briscoe was named an honorable mention all-American selection by SI.com (Sports Illustrated), the school announced Wednesday.

Gary Bedore’s KU Basketball Notebook

Kansas University’s Morris twins lost a lot of weight about a month ago when both were hit with flu-like symptoms.

Guards propel UTEP past TTech

A recap of Big 12 men’s basketball action.

Collins reflects on missed opportunity vs. UMass

Sherron Collins can’t help but wonder what life would be like had he hit, not missed, the last shot in Saturday’s 61-60 loss to UMass.

Keegan: Markieff on a mission

High school basketball players talented enough to earn Division I scholarships hear about how much tougher practices become once they get to college, but they don’t understand it until they do it.

KU’s Little optimistic despite hand injury

Kansas University junior guard Mario Little cell-phoned his uncle, O’Keefe, with some bad news Monday morning.

KU women preparing for West Coast swing

The Lady Jayhawks return to action this weekend, starting with a match-up against UCLA.

KU’s Briscoe an honorable mention all-American selection

Kansas receiver Dezmon Briscoe was named an honorable mention all-American selection by SI.com (Sports Illustrated), the school announced Wednesday.

Governor’s press secretary to work for KU athletic director

Nicole Corcoran, who has served as Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ communications director and press secretary, has accepted the position of chief of staff for Lew Perkins, the athletic director at Kansas University.

MU hoops should finish no lower than No. 2 in North

Sorrentino's lightning round

Not much was made of Missouri before the college basketball season this winter. The Tigers weren’t ranked anywhere. In fact, they’re still not ranked after an 8-1 start.

Early report card: Big 12 separates itself from Pac-10

If the Big 12 were to claim a signature victory roughly one month into the college basketball season, it’d likely be Texas 68, UCLA 64, on Dec. 4.

Keegan: Vitale’s got the right idea

When Dick Vitale recently handed me a signed copy of the book he wrote with Dick “Hoops” Weiss of the New York Daily News, I thanked him and told myself I only would read it if he listed former Bradley University great Hersey Hawkins among college basketball’s top 50 players since Vitale started screaming into a microphone during college basketball games in 1979.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

Jeff Withey’s high school coach says there’s a good chance the 7-foot University of Arizona freshman will be playing basketball at KU second semester.

Wilson leads BU past Texas-Pan American

A recap of Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Red carpet treatment for Insight Bowl opponents

The Jayhawks and Gophers can expect star treatment from the organizers of the Insight Bowl.

Growing pains for young Jayhawks

It’s a fact of life for young teams. Coach Bill Self talks about how KU’s young team is growing up.

KU soccer player Cressy named 2nd team All-American by magazine

Soccer America magazine names the Jayhawk a 2nd team freshman All American.

Little breaks bone in left hand

Mario Little, who has yet to play in a game this season because of a stress fracture in his lower left leg, will not be coming back anytime soon.

KU Insight Bowl matchup to be aired on KC’s Fox 4

An agreement has been reached between the Insight Bowl and the NFL Network to allow Kansas City’s FOX 4 air the Kansas University football team’s Dec. 31 Insight Bowl matchup against Minnesota

Oklahoma RB Murray to miss BCS Championship

Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray, third in the nation with 2,171 all-purpose yards, will miss the Jan. 8 BCS Championship game because of a left hamstring injury.

NCAA official confirms home streak intact

Kansas University’s home winning streak is apparently alive and well at 29 games and counting.

Mangino, Perkins ring NASDAQ bell

Earning a bid to the Insight Bowl meant a trip to the Big Apple for Mark Mangino and Lew Perkins.

Gary Bedore’s KU Basketball Notebook

Kansas coach Bill Self said the Morris twins dropped a lot of weight earlier this semester.

Orange sunk by 60-footer

A recap of Top 25 men’s basketball action.

ISU AD: Cyclones deserve better

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said that twice last week, Gene Chizik assured him he wouldn’t dump the Cyclones for Auburn.

Self not impressed - or surprised - with performance vs. UMass

Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self says the Jayhawks need to practice harder, following a stunning loss to UMass.

Bowl season looking bullish for Big 12 teams

Five of the seven Big 12 teams playing bowl games are favorites, including KU.

Ex-KU bowler wins

Former Kansas University bowler Rhino Page won a Professional Bowlers Association title at the Shark Championship on Sunday.

Man of all trades: Lawrence film standout — and former KU football player — takes act to classroom

George Clooney, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Free State High special education students have at least one thing in common: They’ve all worked with Keith Loneker. Loneker, 37, has made security rounds at Lawrence High, played librarian for a day at an elementary school and now is a substitute at Free State.

Jayhawks’ immediate focus: practice better

Self bemoans Kansas’ inconsistency in drills and in games

Kansas University’s men’s basketball team played Saturday like it practiced this month: poorly.

Keegan: Self book turn-on tell-all

Bill Self’s book, “Bill Self: At Home in the Phog,” is quite a good read — racy, even, by sports-book standards.

Kansas women edge Creighton in overtime

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team hung on to defeat the Creighton Bluejays, 59-58, in overtime Saturday afternoon at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.

Jayhawks floored

Minutemen stun KU at Sprint Center

Sherron Collins lay face down on the Sprint Center floor, overcome by the agony of defeat after Kansas University’s 61-60 loss to UMass on Saturday afternoon in KU basketball’s home-away-from- home. KU’s 5-foot-11 junior go-to guy, who misfired on a tough, possible game-winning six-foot left-handed shot in the lane with six seconds left, definitely took this loss harder than the Jayhawks’ only other setback against Syracuse.

Keegan: Collins lacking in trust

The time has come for Kansas University junior guard Sherron Collins to make this his team. In order to accomplish that, Collins first must make this a team, not a collection of individuals. Collins didn’t do that Saturday afternoon in the Sprint Center, where Kansas lost to UMass, 61-60, in front of 17,252 fans.

Bradford snares Heisman

Sam Bradford’s biggest score: the Heisman Trophy. Oklahoma’s amazingly accurate and quick-thinking quarterback won the Heisman on Saturday night after guiding the highest-scoring team in major-college football history to the national championship game.

KU basketball notebook

Kansas University coach Bill Self was hit with a technical foul by ref John Higgins with 5:45 remaining — KU down by one — after Self waved his arms in an animated matter in the direction of the official. Ricky Harris hit two free throws to give UMass a 55-52 advantage. However, the Minutemen did not score on the ensuing possession.

Freshman Jayhawks have worst game yet

Tyshawn Taylor was asked if Kansas University’s freshmen took a step back in their development in Saturday’s 61-60 loss to Massachusetts. He didn’t hesitate with an answer. “Definitely. Especially myself,” the freshman guard said. “I didn’t play good at all. I just did some things that I shouldn’t have done. There were a lot of things that I could have done that I didn’t do.”

UMass coach gets redemption

Without a doubt, the pregame highlight video broadcast by the Kansas University men’s basketball team before home games is meant, at least in part, to let opponents know what kind of hornet’s nest they’re walking into.

FINAL: UMass stuns KU, 61-60

Collins’ last-second floater bounces out; UMass gets 3rd win of season

Keegan: Big 12 deserves love, too

Now that Orenthal James Simpson has been incarcerated, two obvious questions remain unanswered: 1. Who will take up the search for the real killer? 2. Has anyone considered the killer could be hiding under the hair of disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich?

Cyclones stall

Iowa rolls to 73-57 win

Jeff Peterson led four Iowa players in double figures with 17 points, and the Hawkeyes pounded rival Iowa State, 73-57, Friday night. Jermain Davis added 16 points for the Hawkeyes (9-2), who opened the second half on a 25-4 run to blow open what had been a tight game.

Insight Bowl officials rolling out red carpet

As the Kansas University football team makes its final preparations for its Dec. 31 Insight Bowl matchup with Minnesota, bowl representatives are simultaneously working to make sure the teams’ visits to the desert are memorable.

Guards to take spotlight today

A horde of media members lounged on the floor of Sprint Center on a lazy Friday afternoon, awaiting Kansas University’s basketball players, who were a half hour late for practice in the shiny new building

KU basketball notebook

Former University of Arizona center Jeff Withey confirmed to the Journal-World on Friday night he’s considering a possible transfer to Kansas University.

Kansas women to play Creighton

On Saturday, the Kansas women’s basketball team will play its third road game of the season.

Cheek makes it official, picks ‘Nova

Dominic Cheek, a 6-5 senior guard from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., on Friday orally committed to Villanova.

Bradford claims O’Brien award

Tech’s Crabtree repeats as Biletnikoff winner

Sam Bradford won the Davey O’Brien award on Thursday night, beating out Heisman Trophy finalists Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy as college football’s best quarterback.

Signature touch

Apartment reflects Aldrich’s commitment to Kansas

Cole Aldrich crams his 6-foot-11, 245-pound frame into a small elevator at Jayhawker Towers, exits after a short ride and heads down a narrow hallway toward his and Kansas University basketball teammate Tyrel Reed’s apartment. Aldrich unlocks the door, enters and veers left, his guests’ eyes darting to the right. As the tall Minnesotan states proudly in “The Aldrich File” in KU’s hoops media guide, the first thing visitors to his campus abode notice are the words “Kansas B-ball” duct taped on the Towers’ signature brick wall.

K-State routs Southern Miss

Luis Colon made all nine of his shots and set career highs with 18 points and 11 rebounds, helping Kansas State beat Southern Mississippi 74-55 Thursday night at the Sprint Center.

Leach sounds off on Harrell’s snub

Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell shrugged when the Heisman Trophy committee left him off its list of finalists. His coach fumed.

Gary Bedore’s Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self was in Dallas on Thursday night watching blue-chip high school senior guard Lance Stephenson play in the Old Spice Classic.

Mayer: Don’t forget Brown

In these parts, Larry Browns have given us a three-star cluster of achievement.

Collins showing leadership for Jayhawks

Sherron Collins is making the transition from role player to leader just fine.

Boogaard glad to be back on court

KU women’s basketball player Krysten Boogaard played for the first time all year in Wednesday’s win over Western Illinois.

Gonzaga ends losing streak versus WSU

A recap of Top 25 men’s basketball action.

Keegan: Briscoe credits Madden

Dezmon Briscoe credits the video game Madden NFL 09 for his increased production.

Blown away

Coach not satisfied with KU women's basketball victory over Western Illinois

Kansas University beat Western Illinois, 66-43, but coach Bonnie Henrickson wasn’t happy.

Can you play me now?

Releford rings up Self about playing time

Travis Releford recently called up coach Bill Self to talk about playing time.

KU seniors reflect on humble start

The seniors on Kansas University’s football team have been a part of the most successful four-year run in school history, but their careers started in lean times.

Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook

The Kansas University football team’s current season might still be three weeks from completion, but that hasn’t stopped coaches from looking ahead to 2009.

Sooners maul Maine, 78-52

A recap of Big 12 men’s basketball action.

Heisman finalists set

It's down to Bradford, McCoy, Tebow

Tebow’s Gators will play Bradford and the Sooners in the BCS national championship game Jan. 8 in Miami.

Vegas says KU will win Insight Bowl

The Jayhawks continue to prepare for the Insight Bowl, which they are favored to win by 10 and a half points.

KU’s Little returns to practice

Mario Little returns to practice after suffering a stress fracture in his leg.

Markieff Morris accepts diversion agreement

Kansas University freshman forward Markieff Morris has accepted a diversion agreement which will require him to perform 20 hours of community service for the Airsoft rifle incident last August at Jayhawker Towers, coach Bill Self announced at his weekly press conference Wednesday.

Basketball roundup: Abrams leads Texas

A recap of college basketball scores from around the country

6-1 in bowls realistic prediction for Big 12

Sorrentino's lightning round

It’s about time the Big 12 gets over the hump of mediocrity in bowl games. It’s amazing to think that 5-3 is the best the conference has ever fared in bowl games.

J-W staff’s Big 12 bowl picks

The Journal-World sports staff predicts scores for the Big 12 bowl games.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

University of Arizona freshman Jeff Withey, who finally received his release to transfer without penalty on Monday, told ESPN he likely will transfer to either Kansas University or the University of Texas.

Month off welcomed by KU

With just two weeks off leading up to its Border War matchup with Missouri, the Kansas University football team was able to nurse itself to health enough to upset the Tigers, 40-37, in Kansas City, Mo. on Nov. 29.

Big 12 football notebook

With 12 games down and one to go, Kansas University’s Todd Reesing has already thrown for more yardage than he did in 13 games last year.

Silent assassins: Remember these little-known names in time for bowls

The Big 12 Conference and college football bowl games: not historically an unstoppable combination. The conference carries a mediocre 41-44 bowl record in 12 years. The Big 12’s best bowl record for an individual season is 5-3.

Fearless freshman

Taylor’s prep coach marvels at guard’s steady maturation

Basketball coaching legend Bob Hurley, Sr., who has won 23 state championships, three mythical national titles and more than 900 games the past 31⁄2 decades at tradition-rich St. Anthony High, remains a hoops junkie at the age of 61. When he’s not tutoring his own players at the Jersey City, N.J., prep powerhouse, he’s watching games — lots of Kansas University games — at home on satellite TV.“The KU package has been very good. I’ve been very excited getting to watch him play,” Hurley said of his prized pupil — St. Anthony grad Tyshawn Taylor — who is off to a spectacular start his freshman season at KU.

Fewer turnovers crucial for Jayhawk women

Off to a 5-1 start, Kansas University’s women’s basketball team is forcing opponents into an average of about 20 turnovers a game.

Keegan: Coach enjoys thrill

Just back from his latest stay in the hospital, this time for a touch of pneumonia, former Kansas University football coach and forever the program’s No. 1 ambassador, Don Fambrough, said he was looking forward to serving as host of Traveller’s group trip to the Insight Bowl.

Self: KU needs to be tougher on the boards

Coach Bill Self wants the Jayhawks to be tougher in rebounding.

KU golf coach praises new PGA pro Woodland

KU golf coach Ross Randall reflects on the college career of newly anointed PGA pro Gary Woodland.

Baylor walks over Lamar

A recap of Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

Kansas University freshman point guard Tyshawn Taylor was named Big 12 rookie of the week Monday.

Two KU soccer players named to regional team

Kansas University juniors Monica Dolinsky and Estelle Johnson have been selected to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Central Region team.

KU’s McCray earns Big 12 weekly honor

Kansas University’s Danielle McCray has been named Big 12 women’s basketball player of the week.

Brushing up on history

Portrait artist adds 2008 title team to mural

Local artist extraordinaire John Martin — who had created some eye-pleasing covers for Kansas Alumni Magazine — fielded a phone call from KU basketball coach Ted Owens back in 1979. “Are you interested in painting a mural for the office?” Owens asked the 1959 KU graduate.

Lamar roughed up

A recap of Top 25 men’s basketball action.

Former Kansas golfer earns PGA tour card

Tied for 33rd Saturday at 12-under par with two rounds left in the grueling six-day PGA Qualifying Tournament in La Quinta, Calif., former Kansas University golfer Gary Woodland gave himself a game plan.

Woodling: In the end, Hemenway finally grasped importance of sports at KU

When Hemenway first arrived on Mount Oread from Kentucky University in 1994, few realized he hadn’t dealt directly with UK’s athletic program, so his laissez-faire attitude toward sports caught some boosters by surprise.

Gophers get desert trip for Insight Bowl

What the game means depends on where the player stands.

Minnesota at a glance

A look at Kansas University’s Insight Bowl opponent.

It’s official: KU to meet Gophers in Insight

Kansas University learned its Insight Bowl opponent: Minnesota of the Big Ten

OU torches Tulsa, 69-44

A recap of men’s Big 12 basketball action.

BCS did its job with OU-UF title bout

Gentlemen, start your complaining. The same goes for gentlewomen, gentlechildren, gentlecattle and every other life form in Texas. The BCS officially hosed the Longhorns on Sunday when it anointed Florida and Oklahoma as contestants in its championship game.

Sophomore Reed key to JSU victory

Sophomore Tyrel Reed played a huge role in the Jayhawks’ victory over Jackson State.

It’s OU-Florida for title

Florida and Oklahoma will meet Jan. 8 in the national football championship game.

Sooners’ Paris adds to NCAA record

A recap of women’s Big 12 basketball action.

Turnovers doom KU women

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team had 28 turnovers in a 67-57 loss to Marquette.

Jayhawks keep streak going against JSU

The Jayhawks soundly beat Jackson State on Saturday.

KU women fall to Marquette, 67-57

Shades of last year for Kansas University’s women’s basketball team. The Jayhawks, who led the Big 12 Conference in turnovers last season, lapsed into their old ways Sunday afternoon by coughing up the ball 28 times.

KU to face Minnesota in Insight Bowl

Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi announced Sunday that the Golden Gophers (7-5, 3-5 in the Big Ten) have accepted a bid to play in the Dec. 31 bowl in Tempe, Ariz., against Kansas University.

Keegan: Kansas lacking on glass

Sherron Collins took his eye off of a pass coming his way and fumbled it out of bounds. A long rebound fell right into Brady Morningstar’s hands in front of the home team’s bench. He couldn’t hold onto it. Tyshawn Taylor tried to feed the post with a line drive when a looping pass was in order.

KU swim team wins

KU’s swimming and diving team won the Kenyon Invitational.

Mann of the hour

Walk-on’s first start message to big men

Matt Kleinmann took a deep breath as he finished signing autographs outside Kansas University’s locker room, readying himself for a long, uphill trek from Allen Fieldhouse to Marvin Hall, high atop Jayhawk Blvd.

Sooners lower boom on Missouri, 62-21

Bradford solidifies Heisman cred; Oklahoma proves it belongs in BCS championship game with rout

Oklahoma routed Missouri in the Big 12 championship football game, clearing the way for a likely BCS championship game berth.

Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University junior guard Sherron Collins bemoaned KU’s “lack of toughness” Saturday against Jackson State. “We’re not tough right now. Call it like it is. We outrebounded them by one (39-38). Think what it’ll be like when we play Texas. We need to get better, quick,” Collins said.

KU’s Taylor gets mixed review

Freshman’s performance panned despite double-double

Though Tyshawn Taylor had 10 points, 11 assists and two steals against Jackson State on Saturday, he still had a head coach wishing for a bit more. “I think this is the best stat line that Ty maybe has had and probably the worst that he’s played,” Kansas University coach Bill Self said after KU’s 86-62 victory over the Tigers.

McCray ready for rematch with Marquette

Kansas University’s Danielle McCray heads to Marquette a marked woman.

Jayhawks impress JSU

Coach: KU at least top 15

Jackson State University’s men’s basketball team proved Saturday afternoon it just might be the best one-win squad in the country. Following the team’s 86-62 defeat at No. 25 Kansas, however, the Tigers were convinced they’d just lost to one of the top one-loss schools in the nation.

Oklahoma-Florida likely scenario for title

One loss each. No questions asked. Florida and Oklahoma each won conference title games Saturday virtually to assure themselves a showdown for the national championship on Jan. 8 — a matchup hardly anyone outside of Texas can argue with

Final: Strong 2nd half lifts KU to 86-62 victory

Sherron Collins leads way with 17 points; Tyshawn Taylor adds 11 assists

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

Grant Maxey, a 6-foot-6, 195-pound junior forward, is the preseason player of the year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Maxey and his Jackson State teammates will face KU in Allen Fieldhouse.

Missouri trying to play spoiler, this time

Just one more victory. That’s all Missouri needed last season. Beat Oklahoma and the Tigers would play for their first national championship.

Keegan: Meier tough as nails

To be one of Todd Reesing’s receivers is to know that working overtime on a play can pay off in a big way.

Earlier tipoff just fine with Self

There’s no place Bill Self would rather be than Allen Fieldhouse at midday today.

Mangino’s Insight message clear

The prevailing message to come out of the Kansas University football team’s Friday afternoon news conference, during which the university announced that it will be putting on sale tickets to the 2008 Insight Bowl? Yes, the back-to-back bowl bids are nice. And, yes, so is the inviting climate of the team’s postseason destination, Tempe, Ariz. But at the end of the day, the Jayhawks are traveling to the desert to do one thing.

KU football fans urged to make travel plans soon for Insight Bowl in Arizona

KU to play in Arizona on New Year’s Eve

On Friday, KU started selling tickets for the game to the Insight Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tempe, Ariz. Big 12 Conference officials said the arrangement was all but official.

KU puts Insight Bowl tickets on sale

Kansas University football fans can start making plans for a trip to the desert. The university announced Friday that tickets for the Insight Bowl are now available for purchase, making it a certainty that the Jayhawks will be playing in the Dec. 31 game in Tempe, Ari.

Former KU golfer tied for fourth place

Former Kansas University golfer Gary Woodland of Topeka fired a 64 Thursday in the second-round of the final stage of PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament.

KU rolls past San Jose State

No need to tell Kelly Kohn what a gym rat is, not after last summer.

Gaining confidence

Freshman Thomas seeing more minutes for KU

Quintrell Thomas, who started one of Kansas University’s two basketball exhibition games as well as the regular-season opener against UMKC, reacted like most high-profile 18-year-olds after seeing a reduction in playing time.

Mayer: Patterson deserves praise

Countless deserving athletes slip through the cracks of the publicity mills and that’s a pity.

Bradford — not McCoy — AP’s first-team QB

Picking the top quarterback on the All-Big 12 team was about as difficult as figuring out the South division champion. But the result was the same: Oklahoma.

Pinkel insists Daniel having great year

Last year, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Heading into the Big 12 championship game this weekend, his senior season hasn’t been quite so special.

Assistant coach returning to KSU

Kansas University defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements is leaving KU to take over the defensive ends coaching position at rival Kansas State, Wildcats coach Bill Snyder announced Thursday.

KU swimming in fifth

The Kansas University swimming and diving team found itself in fifth place with 65 points after day one of the Kenyon Invitational on Thursday. Pennsylvania leads the competition with 131 points.

KU headed to Insight Bowl

The Kansas University football team is headed to the Insight Bowl. A source with inside knowledge of the negotiations told the Journal-World on Thursday that Kansas University is planning to announce Friday that it will be putting tickets on sale for the 2008 Insight Bowl.

Clements to leave KU

Kansas University defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements is leaving KU to take over as defensive ends coach at rival Kansas State, Wildcats coach Bill Snyder announced Thursday.

AP names Holt, Stuckey all-Big 12

Kansas University senior linebacker James Holt and junior safety Darrell Stuckey were both named all-Big 12 first-team selections Thursday, as voted on by the media

Little cleared to start practicing on limited basis

Kansas University junior forward Mario Little has been cleared to start practicing on a limited basis, KU coach Bill Self said Thursday.

Keegan: Aldrich needs sidekick

Comparing a team as young as this season’s to one as polished as the defending national champion is as unfair as it is inevitable.

Texas Tech edges Wichita State

A recap of Big 12 men’s basketball action.

OU routs Creighton

A recap of Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Take that, guys!

Taylor slams critics

Tyshawn Taylor figured he’d hear it from his Kansas University basketball teammates after missing a dunk — and getting hung up on the rim — in Monday’s rout of Kent State in Allen Fieldhouse. He figured right.

KU vs. NMSU basketball notebook

Notes following KU’s win over New Mexico State.

Tar Heels roll, 98-63

A recap of Top 25 men’s basketball action.

KU can forget the Alamo

Alamo Bowl officials have considered inviting Kansas University’s football team, but Oklahoma State or Missouri most likely will be the Big 12 representative at that Dec. 29 bowl.

NMSU looks up to Jayhawks

Height advantage helps KU win board war handily

Well, at least that one’s out of the way. In the wake of Wednesday’s 100-79 loss to Kansas University at Allen Fieldhouse, the New Mexico State men’s basketball team can take solace in the fact that it likely won’t be subjected to such a gross height mismatch throughout the rest of the season.

Consistency lacking for Jayhawks

Kansas University’s women’s basketball team is off to a 4-0 start, but the Jayhawks pretty much have played down to the level of their competition.

Final: Taylor’s 23 points lead KU to 100-79 win

Freshman guard scores career-high on 8-for-14 shooting.

Champion ornament to adorn tree in D.C.

The 2008 Kansas University men’s basketball championship will be celebrated again in Washington, D.C.— this time in the form of a Christmas tree ornament.

Texas A&M rolls, 77-36

Texas A&M routs Stephen F. Austin in Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Big 12 football notebook

Arrowhead downer: If you’re keeping track, the Border War at Arrowhead II drew fewer fans than the inaugural Kansas-Missouri game at the Kansas City facility. Saturday’s announced attendance was 79,123. School officials called last year’s crowd 80,537.

Boomer beating? History on side of OU at Arrowhead Stadium

Here’s a quick glance at the Oklahoma Sooners scoring output in the last four games: 62 points, 66, 65 and 61. So the question to Missouri before Saturday’s Big 12 Championship game in Kansas City, Mo., is: How in the heck do you stop this juggernaut?

Woodling: It’s all about business

Oodles of facts, figures and miscellaneous information are crammed into the 200 pages of the Big 12 Conference football media guide. Everything you could possibly want to know about Big 12 football is contained therein. Well, not everything.

Gary Bedore’s Kansas basketball notebook

Tonight’s KU foe — New Mexico State — fell to Long Beach State, 82-77, on Sunday.

No. 4 Duke tops No. 9 Purdue

A recap of Top 25 men’s basketball action.

Stuckey named all-Big 12 first team

Kansas University safety Darrell Stuckey has been named to the 2008 all-Big 12 football first team and receiver Dezmon Briscoe and linebacker James Holt earned second-team honors, the conference announced Tuesday.

OU will be too much for MU in Big 12 Championship

Sorrentino's lightning round

Oklahoma enters Saturday’s Big 12 Championship a 17-point favorite and there’s no reason to think the Sooners won’t cover the spread.

Lesson learned

Markieff Morris reflects on ejection

Markieff Morris was not overly dejected after getting ejected from Kansas University’s 87-60 rout of Kent State on Monday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Missouri routs Ark.-Pine Bluff

Mizzou tops Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Big 12 men’s basketball action.

KU’s Stuckey, Briscoe, Holt earn all-Big 12 honors

Kansas University safety Darrell Stuckey has been named to the 2008 all-Big 12 football first team and receiver Dezmon Briscoe and linebacker James Holt earned second-team honors, the conference announced Tuesday.

KU’s Tate named to all-freshman team

Kansas University freshman setter Nicole Tate was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team on Monday.

You can’t hit ‘em all

KU nearly perfect from line

Marcus Morris felt as if he should apologize to his Kansas University basketball teammates after the Jayhawks’ 87-60 nonconference rout of Kent State on Monday night in Allen Fieldhouse. “We made 32 of 36 free throws. I had the four misses,” Morris said with a sheepish smile after KU recorded the third-most makes in a game in the six-year Bill Self era.

Aldrich awes Kent State coach

Entering his team’s matchup with Kansas University, Kent State head coach Geno Ford had seen sophomore center Cole Aldrich play about a dozen times. But what Ford witnessed during Kent State’s 87-60 loss to the Jayhawks in Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night was not even close to what he remembered seeing.

Keegan: Taylor stopper material

At one point, Kansas University freshman guard Tyshawn Taylor became so frustrated watching the basketball glance off the rim after his under-control drives to the hoop he pressed the sides of his head with his hands in disbelief. He even missed a dunk.

Football Jayhawks honored

Kansas University quarterback Todd Reesing was named Big 12 offensive player of the week, and safety Darrell Stucky earned defensive honors after the Jayhawks’ 40-37 victory over Missouri.

Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University freshman Markieff Morris was ejected early in the second half for committing a flagrant foul after diving on the floor for a loose ball. It appeared one of Kent State’s players — perhaps Chris Singletary — fired an elbow at Morris, who may have swung back at him.

FINAL: Free throws lift KU to 87-60 victory over Kent State

Kent State put up a fight for much of the game but Kansas came away with the victory with several free throws down the stretch. Next up for the Jayhawks is New Mexico State on Wednesday.

Useless Fieldhouse Trivia with D.J. Whetter

6Sports’ Kevin Romary tries to stump D.J. in a segment they like to call Useless Fieldhouse Trivia.

Columbia, Mo., police chief wants ‘warrants’ to be issued for arrest of KU football team

Say what you will about the city of Columbia, Mo., but at least it has a chief of police with a sense of humor.

KU’s Reesing, Stuckey earn Big 12 player of the week honors

Kansas football players Todd Reesing and Darrell Stuckey earned Big 12 player of the week honors after helping the Jayhawks to a 40-37 victory over Missouri on Saturday.

Gary Bedore’s KU Basketball Notebook

Kent State University senior guard Al Fisher has been known as “Amazing Al” since his career-high 35 point performance lifted the Golden Flashes to a 76-74 overtime victory over Saint Louis on Nov. 19 in the Billikins’ gymnasium.

Top-ranked Connecticut routs OU

A recap of Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Against MU, KU pass defense dandy

Kansas University’s struggling pass defense limited the damage by Missouri QB Chase Daniel in the Jayhawks’ 40-37 victory over the Tigers.

Ahead by a nose

Smith helps KU to 4th straight win

Nicollette Smith had surgery on her nose early last week. On Sunday, she had a double-double to lead the Kansas University women’s basketball team over New Orleans, 64-42.

Keegan: KU hair better than 7-5

Kansas University finished the regular football season with a 7-5 record, but given the Jayhawks’ difficult schedule, it might seem more like 8-4.

Finishing a focus for KU

Marcus Morris, especially, told to play better around the rim

Kansas University coach Bill Self wants Marcus Morris — and all the Jayhawks, really — to be better finishing plays around the hoop.

UT rips Rice, 77-56

A recap of Big 12 men’s basketball action.

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