Stories for November 2008

Briscoe shines in return role

With Missouri University standout and national all-purpose-yardage leader Jeremy Maclin on the field during Saturday’s Border War matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, there was a good chance fans would be treated to a standout performance by an electric, do-it-all performer.

Keegan: Reesing, Meier draw winning play in sand

A platoon of coaches on both sides watching two solid weeks of football game film from sunup to way past sundown. Memorizing formations. Devising schemes. Constantly studying. Boiling it down and drilling it into the heads of the players.

Wounded warriors key KU’s Border War victory

Taking a glance at his football team early last week, there was not a lot for Kansas University coach Mark Mangino to smile about.

KSU dropped at buzzer

A recap of Big 12 men’s basketball action

No. 7 Texas Tech barely survives Baylor

Mike Leach had a novel idea about how to break a possible three-way tie in the Big 12 South following No. 7 Texas Tech’s 35-28 victory against Baylor.

Oklahoma makes BCS statement in 61-41 win

Now it’s up to voters and computers. Sam Bradford threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns, and No. 3 Oklahoma based its case for a BCS bump on its high-powered offense, outscoring No. 11 Oklahoma State 61-41 Saturday night in the highest-scoring Bedlam rivalry game in the century-old series.

Wisconsin upsets No. 6 Baylor

A recap of Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Kansas’ Little staying upbeat

Mario Little stood near midcourt in a dress shirt and slacks, chatting with his Kansas University basketball teammates as they stretched before Friday’s home game against Coppin State.

Daniel shrugs off setback

Mizzou QB unfazed

Saturday’s 40-37 loss to Kansas University might have had an effect on many of the Missouri players, but MU quarterback Chase Daniel didn’t want to be included in that bunch.

KU football notebook

• A big day for KU’s Darrell Stuckey• Some key Mizzou players suffer injuries• Todd Reesing breaks his own passing record

Extra practice, rest helpful for ailing KU women’s team

Baylor and Texas Tech were in the Virgin Islands. Iowa State was in Honolulu. Texas A&M ventured to Malibu, Calif. While many Big 12 Conference women’s basketball teams were playing last week in vacation spots, Kansas University’s players stayed home and practiced.

KU volleyball finishes with loss

Despite hitting for a higher attack percentage, the Kansas University volleyball team fell in three sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-22) to Iowa State on Saturday evening in both teams’ final regular-season matches.

Final: Reesing’s fourth-quarter drive leads KU to 40-37 win over MU

Kansas blocked Missouri’s 54-yard field-goal attempt in the snow as time expired for a dramatic 40-37 victory over their its rival.

KU vs. MU: Head to Head

Border War renewal has less luster

Well, this is a little anticlimactic, isn’t it? Here we are, on the eve of what is annually the biggest game of the season for the Kansas University football team — a matchup with heated rival Missouri that will represent the 117th meeting of the two teams — and it all feels a bit, well, underwhelming.

Motivational speaker

It’s almost Don Fambrough speech time at Kansas University, which means that it is a particularly good time to be a Jayhawk football player. When the former Kansas coach and player makes his way over to the Jayhawks’ locker room, as he does every year during the week of the annual Border War matchup between Kansas and rival Missouri, things tend to get interesting.

Keegan: Phew! Taylor not hurt

Eleven minutes into the second half of Friday night’s game in Allen Fieldhouse, Coppin State guard Tywain McKee buried a deep three-pointer, and Kansas University freshman Tyshawn Taylor landed on McKee’s foot and collapsed to the floor.

Texas A&M hangs on; Baylor wins

A roundup of Big 12 women’s basketball action.

Oklahoma makes most of OT opportunity

Roundup of Big 12 men’s basketball action.

NU downs Buffs

College football roundup

Texas does its part, now must wait

In a normal world, measured only against a historic in-state rival, Texas should still be celebrating its 49-9 win over Texas A&M.

Shooting ’star

Soph bombs away

Bill Self delivered a simple, yet direct message to sophomore Brady Morningstar before Friday night’s nonconference clash against Coppin State. “I told him I wanted him to shoot every time he was open,” said Self, Kansas University’s sixth-year coach.

Eagles used to life on road

There’s no place like home. Sorry, Dorothy, but one basketball coach prefers to disagree. He’s Coppin State men’s basketball icon Ron “Fang” Mitchell, and the way he sees it, playing at home is for softies.

Arrowhead showdown

Round 2 of the Border Showdown at Arrowhead takes place today.

Final: KU defeats Coppin State, 85-53

Brady Morningstar scored a career-high 21 points on 7-for-9 shooting, leading the Kansas Jayhawks to an 85-53 victory over Coppin State on Friday night at Allen Fieldhouse.

Texas trounces A&M

Longhorns make statement, 49-9

Colt McCoy finally got a win over Texas A&M, and No. 4 Texas put a historic whipping on a bitter rival. The question now is, was it enough? Was a 49-9 victory impressive enough to give McCoy a fighting chance for the Heisman Trophy and keep his team in the hunt for the Bowl Championship Series championship game? Longhorns coach Mack Brown thought so.

Allison boosts Baylor against Central Florida

Rachel Allison scored 18 points to help No. 6 Baylor beat Central Florida, 79-67, on Thursday in the Paradise Jam. Morgan Medlock added 13 points, Danielle Wilson 12 and Jhasmin Player had 11 for the Bears (5-0).

Downs leads Gonzaga past OSU, 83-71

Micah Downs scored 17 points and Jeremy Pargo added 15 to lead No. 9 Gonzaga past Oklahoma State, 83-71, on Thursday night in the opening round of the Old Spice Classic. Downs is a transfer from Kansas University.

Collins learns from playing more minutes

You’ll never hear Sherron Collins — who came off the bench his first two seasons at Kansas University — complain about playing too many minutes in any single game.

Mayer: K.C. where money is

When they asked the legendary Willie Sutton why he robbed banks, he replied: “That’s where the money is.” So was there any doubt in your mind that in view of the $1 million-plus loot produced by Kansas-Missouri games at Kansas City’s Arrowhead stadium The Suits again would bypass on-campus confrontations? K.C.’s where the money is, at least for the athletic departments — if not for the Lawrence-Columbia people who would like to share more of such cash, particularly in these hard times.

Todd this is Chase; Chase this is Todd

Kansas and Missouri quarterbacks have never actually spoken

Despite growing up just three hours apart, emerging as standouts in the ultra-competitive realm of Texas prep football and leading their neighboring collegiate programs to previously unseen heights, Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing have never actually spoken.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

Coppin State returns one starter off last year’s team, which won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and advanced to the NCAA Tournament with a 16-20 record.

KU, MU reach agreement to continue Border War at Arrowhead through 2012

The Kansas City Chiefs announced this afternoon that the Kansas Jayhawks and Missouri Tigers will play their annual football meeting at Arrowhead Stadium through 2012.

Keegan: KU receiver-turned-corner a quick study

Kansas University’s Daymond Patterson handled the switch from receiver to cornerback nicely.

Self bemoans mistakes in loss

Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self thought the Jayhawks could have — should have? — beaten Syracuse in the CBE Classic championship game.

Griffin propels OU into finals

Big 12 men: No. 11 Oklahoma defeats UAB, while No. 6 Texas beats Oregon.

Freshman guard propels Sooners

Big 12 women: No. 4 Oklahoma trounces Marist, while No. 18 Oklahoma State routs New Orleans.

Big 12 football notebook

A look around the Big 12.

Bye-week reprieve gives KU time to heal

A week off has given Kansas University’s banged-up football team time to recover.

Kansas volleyball trips Bears

Two Kansas University volleyball seniors went out winners on Senior Night.

Extension of Arrowhead deal ‘close’

An extension of the two-year deal to play the Kansas-Missouri football game at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium is close, Kansas officials said Tuesday night.

No. 8 A&M women outlast Arizona, 54-44

Danielle Gant hit a clutch turnaround jumper with 1:26 left and had 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead Texas A&M over Arizona, 54-44.

No luck for Longhorns vs. Irish

A roundup of Big 12 men’s action.

Collins shoulders blame for loss

Sherron Collins wasn’t blaming anyone but himself after KU’s 89-81 overtime loss to Syracuse in the CBE Classic Championship.

Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook

On the eve of Saturday’s Border Showdown at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, the second straight season the game will be played off-campus, much discussion has been centered on whether the schools will elect to keep the game in Kansas City, or return it to the respective teams’ home fields.

Keegan: Three freshmen can play

In the end, Kansas University’s basketball team showed its youth, falling from ahead to lose to Syracuse, 89-81 in overtime, Tuesday night at the Sprint Center in the CBE Classic final.

Kansas Hoops Notebook

Kansas University’s Sherron Collins was the only Jayhawk on the all CBE Classic all-tournament team. Others: Paul Harris, Syracuse; Jon Brockman, Washington; Nick Calathes, Florida. Jonny Flynn of Syracuse was most valuable performer.

Syracuse scraps trademark D

In this life, three things are certain: death, taxes and Syracuse men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim running the 2-3 zone.

A foul setback

Free-throw woes doom Jayhawks

There’s something about Syracuse’s basketball team that turns Kansas University’s players into bricklayers from the free-throw line.

Sorrentino’s Lightning Round

The line for Thursday’s Texas A&M at Texas football game may seem a little extreme on first glance. The Longhorns are favored by 35 points. Talk about a smack in the face of the Aggies, who have defeated the Longhorns the last two years.

KU, MU have old score to settle

Kansas and Missouri both dispute the outcome of the 1960 game, which KU won but later forfeited.

Big 12 brings big mess back to BCS

And here it is, as if there was any doubt it would show, the chaos that every proponent of a playoff system hoped would arrive.

FINAL: Syracuse takes down KU, 89-81, in OT

After falling to Syracuse in overtime, Kansas returns to Allen Fieldhouse on Friday to take on Coppin State.

KU basketball notebook

Kansas University coach Bill Self credited sophomore Brady Morningstar for his work on the back line of KU’s 2-3 zone defense. “To me, Brady was the unsung hero,” Self said, adding that Morningstar (five assists, no turnovers) also “did a great job feeding the post.”

Pinkel agrees to new contract with Missouri

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel agreed to a new contract Monday, two weeks before his 12th-ranked Tigers were set to play in their second straight Big 12 title game. Pinkel said he hopes to sign the contract “in the next couple of days.” The school’s Board of Curators, which must approve the deal, is scheduled to meet today.

Abrams leads Texas past St. Joe’s

Texas’ latest outstanding defensive effort left coach Rick Barnes complaining about the Longhorns’ offense. A.J. Abrams had 17 points to lead No. 6 Texas to victory over Saint Joseph’s on Monday in the opening round of the EA Sports Maui Invitational, but the Longhorns committed 16 turnovers, and that’s what Barnes wanted to talk about.

Tar Heels stay on top; Jayhawks climb two notches

It took until the second week of the season for a team to break into the Top 25. North Carolina, Connecticut and Louisville held the top three spots in the Associated Press’ college basketball poll Monday, while Xavier moved in at No. 16 after winning the Puerto Rico Tip-Off. The Tar Heels (3-0) were again a unanimous selection of the 72-member national media panel.

Huskies impressed by Kansas

Washington’s players and coaches didn’t blame a 19-for-65 shooting performance on bad luck. Instead, the Huskies were quick to say the Kansas University defense was the biggest reason for their misfires. “That’s what a good defensive team does — they force you into bad shots, and they force you into a low shooting percentage,” UW forward Jon Brockman said after his team’s 73-54 loss to Kansas on Monday at the Sprint Center.

Keegan: Kansas center in a zone

University of Washington senior forward Jon Brockman, the nation’s leading rebounder and the Pac-10’s No. 1 active career scorer, made some preseason All-America lists for good reason. A wide body blessed with good feet, hands and jumping ability and a great feel for the game of basketball, Brockman plays much taller than 6-foot-7 and knows how to stop shoving people around just in time to avoid the foul call. He looks and plays like a senior.

Aldrich plays big

Jayhawks’ sophomore pivotal to victory over Huskies

One of the best big men in the Pacific-10 Conference found out what the best pivot in the ACC learned last season. Specifically: “Cole is a monster,” Kansas University freshman point guard Tyshawn Taylor said. Taylor was speaking after watching 6-foot-11, 245-pound KU sophomore Cole Aldrich score a career-high 16 points and block a career-best six shots while grabbing nine rebounds in the Jayhawks’ 73-54 victory.

Jayhawks’ Boogaard suffers stress reaction

Kansas University basketball player Krysten Boogaard will be out for at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in her left thigh bone.

Tight end Fine catching on with Buffalo Bills

Former Kansas University tight end Derek Fine is playing an increasingly large role with the Buffalo Bills.

Snyder returns to coach at K-State

After a restless retirement, coach Bill Snyder is ready to turn Kansas State into a winner again.

Two Aquahawks pen Kansas swim letters

Cora Powers and Alyssa Rudman, both members of the Lawrence Aquahawks swim club, have signed Kansas University letters of intent.

Mangino not surprised at Snyder’s return

Sunday’s news that the legendary Bill Snyder would be returning as head coach of the Kansas State football team didn’t come as too big a shock to Kansas University coach Mark Mangino.

FINAL: KU defeats UW, 73-54

With KU’s victory over Washington, the Jayhawks will take on Syracuse in the CBE Classic championship game Tuesday at 9:15 p.m.

K-State makes it official: Snyder to coach Wildcats again

Bill Snyder will return as football coach of the Kansas State Wildcats for the second time.

Keegan: Be patient with freshmen

Kansas University’s basketball trip to Kansas City, Mo., for games tonight and tomorrow night is viewed by many as the team’s first true test of the young season. Maybe so, but it’s another test that could prove just as intriguing, one of patience for a fan base accustomed to winning big.

Kansas-Washington hoops rosters

Here are the rosters and probable starters for the Kansas and Washington men’s basketball teams.

Self treating CBE Classic as learning experience

Bill Self remembers the last time he took a young, inexperienced basketball team to a pre-Thanksgiving holiday tournament.

Long-lasting legacy

Manning joins 7-man class in basketball hall of fame

Twenty years, seven months and 19 days after his last game in a Kansas University uniform, Danny Manning’s status as one of the elite college basketball players of all time hasn’t been forgotten. Sunday night, it was cemented forever.

Sources: Snyder to return as K-State football coach

Kansas State has called a news conference for Monday morning amid multiple reports that Bill Snyder, who retired as Wildcats coach three years ago, has been rehired.

KU women knock off St. Louis, 75-56

Kansas University juniors Danielle McCray and Sade Morris scored 27 and 14 points respectively in the Jayhawks’ 75-56 victory over Saint Louis on Sunday at Chaifetz Arena.

Dedications to Danny Manning

The following is a list of quotes made about Danny Manning.

Trip to Kansas City exciting for Orange

Syracuse has been flying under the radar while coach Jim Boeheim adapts to life without Donte Greene. After three straight wins to open the season, the Orange are ready to move into the spotlight. And it’s coming Monday night when they play No. 18 Florida (3-0) in the CBE Classic at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Getting his respect

Hall of Fame to induct Manning today in K.C.

Larry Brown, who witnessed the greatness of Danny Manning first-hand, watched with interest as ESPN last March embarked on a countdown of the 25 best college basketball players of all time.

Former KU receiver Rideau called up

The Chicago Bears placed veteran offensive tackle Fred Miller on injured reserve and elevated receiver Brandon Rideau from the practice squad on Saturday.

KU volleyball falls at No. 4 Texas

The No. 4 Texas volleyball team swept Kansas University on Saturday, 25-18, 25-11 and 27-25.

No. 5 Sooners slaughter No. 2 Tech, 65-21

Make way for a Sooners surge. Sam Bradford and Oklahoma are on their way up in the national championship race, and Texas Tech sure came down with a mighty fall.

First road test awaits Kansas women’s hoops

Score more than 100 points. Check. Did that in the opener against Sacred Heart. Knock off a quality team. Check. Did that last Tuesday against Iowa. Win one on the road. Not yet.

KU, MU working to remedy traffic problems

It didn’t take long for officials from Kansas and Missouri universities to respond to the horrendous traffic situation of last year’s Border Showdown at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.

Stakes high at OU-Tech

Today’s Oklahoma-Texas Tech showdown might carry Heisman Trophy and BCS playoff implications.

Two Texas players de-commit from Kansas

Two high school football players have changed their minds and don’t plan to sign with Kansas University after all.

LHS’ Tolefree signs with KU

Lawrence High’s Tayler Tolefree signed a volleyball letter of intent with Kansas University.

Scouting, not speech, occupies Manning

Danny Manning has spent multiple hours working on the scouting report for next week’s O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic. As of Friday afternoon, he’d not expended one second scripting the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame acceptance speech he’ll deliver Sunday night at the College Basketball Experience in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

KU basketball faces challenge on Monday

Three days and counting until the Jayhawks’ first true test of the 2008-2009 season. On Monday, the team will take on Washington.

Kansas regroups, preps for Missouri

A much-needed week off arrives for the Kansas football team on Saturday. Mark Mangino’s squad will wrap up the regular season a week from Saturday against Missouri.

Kansas D-line looking to ease defensive woes

It’s no secret that the Kansas University football team’s pass defense has struggled mightily this season.

CBE Classic crowded with coaching greats

Next week’s O’Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic championship round figures to have a Final Four flavor to it.

Mayer: Come January, look out

One of the most delightful moments during Kansas’ Tuesday basketball victory over Florida Gulf Coast could be an indication of why the Jayhawks will surprise a lot of observers this season. They get along and they eagerly back each other for success.

Xavier rallies to top Mizzou

Roundup of men’s Big 12 action.

Tech’s defense gaining respect

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach knew something had to change when the Red Raiders rolled up 718 yards last year against Oklahoma State — and lost.

Brown countdown begins

Texas coach Mack Brown insists Will Muschamp’s elevation to head-coach-in-waiting doesn’t start the tick-tock on the countdown to his retirement.

Jayhawks look for help from hometown KC crowd

The KU men’s basketball team plays its first game outside Allen Fieldhouse, facing Washington at the Sprint Center.

KU’s Smith plays through pain

KU women’s basketball player Nicollete Smith broke her nose in a game, but battled through it.

K-State rips ESU; Nebraska tops TCU

Fred Brown and Dominique Sutton scored 14 points apiece to lead Kansas State over Emporia State 82-60 on Wednesday night. Paul Velander came off the bench to score 11 points to help lead Nebraska to victory over TCU.

Confident Collins has green light to shoot

Sherron Collins doesn’t need to worry about being called a “ballhog” or a “gunner” at any time this season.

Mangino: Loss of Talib is No. 1 problem

Since it became apparent that this year’s version of the Kansas University football defense would be significantly less stout than it was a season ago, debates about who has been the most sorely missed member of last year’s unit — defensive coordinator Bill Young? Cornerback Aqib Talib? Defensive tackle James McClinton? — have been numerous.

KU guard Morris shows maturity

Call it a tale of two halves for Sade Morris.

Jayhawks raise banner, win big

What better way to celebrate Phog Allen’s 123rd birthday?

Keegan: Collins cleans up, too

Even a place as charming as Allen Fieldhouse has some very difficult jobs under its roof. The people who have to clean the bathrooms, for example. Had that job in college. Don’t want it again.

Sooners survive career night from DC’s Curry

• No. 12 Oklahoma 82, No. 21 Davidson 78• No. 7 Texas 76, Tulane 51• Baylor 90, Centenary 55• Texas A&M 55, Stephen F. Austin 48• Montana State 85, Colorado 82 (OT

Oklahoma St. improves to 1-1

No. 19 Oklahoma State bounces back against McNeese State.

Eagles couldn’t manage upset

The Atlantic Sun Conference couldn’t pull off the season-opening shocker against a major-college basketball program this time.

Jacobs, Jayhawks eat Hawkeyes’ lunch

LaChelda Jacobs had 18 points and six assists as Kansas University’s women’s basketball team beat Iowa, 76-55

Big 12 football notebook

Kansas is bowl-eligible, but only one of the Jayhawks’ six victories has come against a team with a winning record. Louisiana Tech, a team KU blanked, 29-0, in the second week of the season, is 6-4. Sam Houston State and Florida International are both 4-5, Colorado is 5-6, Kansas State 4-7 and Iowa State 2-9.

Hang ’em high

Banner ceremony precedes blowout

Kansas University’s basketball players stood in a row on the Allen Fieldhouse court, arms draped around each other as their eyes focused on a spotlight high in the north rafters.

Kansas basketball notebook

South supremacy: Tech, OU to battle with huge implications

The Texas Tech football program has made a habit this season of silencing doubters and controlling a Big 12 South division considered the toughest of any in America.

Morningstar settling into role

Guard calms jitters by creating offense for others

Sherron Collins knows when Brady Morningstar is nervous. It’s usually when he sees the sophomore guard keep a little more to himself.

Insight targeting Kansas

Insight Bowl officials are awfully interested in Kansas University for their Dec. 31 game.

FINAL: KU defeats Florida Gulf Coast, 85-45

KU health and fitness day gives kids chance to see college basketball

Tuesday was the first time that KU planned a health and fitness day with such a large group. Students in third through sixth grades from all of the city’s 15 elementary schools cheered on the Jayhawks and learned a thing or two about what it means to be a student athlete.

FINAL: KU women defeat Iowa, 76-55

LaChelda Jacobs tied her career highs in points and assists, leading the Kansas women’s basketball team to a 76-55 victory over Iowa on Tuesday at Allen Fieldhouse.

Henry picks Memphis

Xavier Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, has decided to play college basketball at the University of Memphis. Henry, whose brother C.J., is a freshman guard at Memphis and parents both attended KU, made the announcement this morning on ESPN.

Welcome to your new KUsports.com

Welcome to the new KUsports.com. We’re excited to get everyone into our new digs.

KU to retire Hinrich’s No. 10

Former Kansas University men’s basketball guard Kirk Hinrich will have his jersey number 10 hung in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse in a halftime ceremony at the KU-Missouri game on March 1. Hinrich, the seventh overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, guided KU to back-to-back Final Fours in 2002 and 2003. The Sioux City, Iowa, native ranks ninth on the KU career scoring list with 1,753 points.

KU prepared for early start

Brunch basketball may be out of context, but Kansas University’s women’s basketball players aren’t likely to be out of sorts. “We’ve had 5 a.m. practices and 7 a.m. practices,” junior guard Kelly Kohn said. “We’re used to a lot worse conditions than an 11 a.m. game.”

Top 25 Men: No. 2 Connecticut crushes Hartford

With starting point guard A.J. Price sitting out to rest a sprained ankle, Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun was hoping another leader would step forward for the Huskies against Hartford. Craig Austrie did that in a literal way Monday, stepping into the gaps in the Hawks’ zone defense and hitting 15-foot jump shots.

Big 12 Women: Texas rolls to easy win

Brittainey Raven scored Texas’ first 12 points and finished with 20, and the No. 14 Longhorns routed No. 25 Old Dominion, 78-44, on Monday night to win the World Vision Classic.Kathleen Nash finished with 15 points and had eight rebounds for Texas (3-0). She scored on a layup midway through the first half to tie the game at 20. Nash was fouled during the shot and completed the three-point play.

Henrickson finishes class

Size and shooting ability were Bonnie Henrickson’s priorities in recruiting, and Kansas University’s women’s basketball coach seems to have filled the bill. Henrickson reached her scholarship quota by announcing the signing of Monica Engleman, a 5-foot-10 guard who was a second-team all-state pick at San Antonio (Texas) Madison High.

Big 12 Men: OU’s Griffin keys rout

Oklahoma sophomore forward Blake Griffin finished with 20 points, 19 rebounds and six steals in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

Prep Henry to make college pick today

The Xavier Henry recruiting saga is scheduled to end this morning. ESPN announced during Monday night’s Memphis-UMass game that Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, would choose either Kansas University or Memphis at 7:45 a.m. CST today.

Banner to be unveiled before Tuesday night’s KU-Gulf Coast game

Many months after a trip to the White House - and several weeks after both a ring ceremony and unveiling of a temporary national-title banner - comes the final tribute to Kansas University’s 2008 NCAA championship basketball team.

Hinrich to have KU jersey retired March 1

Former Kansas University men’s basketball guard Kirk Hinrich will have his jersey number 10 hung in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse in a halftime ceremony at the KU-Missouri game on March 1.

Elijah Johnson officially signs with KU

Precocious prep star Johnson inks with KU

Marcus Johnson used to let his 5-year-old son, Elijah, attend his Gary (Ind.) Wirt High School freshman basketball team practices. And, almost every day, coach/proud papa Marcus would let tiny Elijah take the court against the imposing ninth-graders who did not scare his child.

Meier, Sharp could miss MU-KU game

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino said Monday morning that injured starters Jake Sharp and Kerry Meier haven’t practiced this week, and he is unsure whether they’ll be available for the Jayhawks’ Nov. 29 game against Missouri at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.

Jayhawks frigid from long range

Sherron Collins hit Kansas University’s first three-pointer just 11 seconds into the game. The next 39 minutes, 49 seconds, the Jayhawks survived against UMKC without hitting another shot from behind the arc.

Martin agitated after KSU win

Big 12 men’s basketball round up• K-State 88, SE Missouri State 68• Nebraska 63, San Jose State 46• Texas A&M 76, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 47• Iowa State 79, Wisconsin-Milwaukee 61

Stanford ends KU soccer season

Stanford scored three goals in an eight-minute span and went on to a lopsided 5-0 victory over Kansas University in the second round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament on Sunday at Cagan Stadium.

UMKC guard, Collins familiar

There was a reason for all of the smiles and chatter that went on between Kansas University guard Sherron Collins and University of Missouri-Kansas City guard Reggie Hamilton on Sunday night.

Kansas basketball notebook

Uneasy opener

Jittery Markieff Morris keys victory

Markieff Morris had a severe case of opening-day jitters Sunday in Allen Fieldhouse. “He had sweaty hands,” Kansas University junior point guard/team leader Sherron Collins said after watching the freshman power forward muscle his way to 15 rebounds in a 71-56 victory over UMKC.

Mangino offers no excuses

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino does not like talking about the past - or, for that matter, the future.

Duke survives Rhode Island, 82-79

Top 25 men’s round up• No. 8 Duke 82, Rhode Island 79• No. 6 Michigan State 100, Idaho 62• No. 9 Notre Dame 94, S.C. Upstate 58• No. 19 Florida 81, Bradley 58• No. 25 Wisconsin 68, Long Beach St. 61

Baker football to meet Morningside in playoffs

For the first time in 15 years, the Baker University football team has made the NAIA playoffs.

No. 19 Baylor stuns Stanford

Big 12 women’s round up¢ No. 19 Baylor 81, No. 2 Stanford 65¢ No. 11 Texas A&M 56, Pittsburgh 50¢ No. 13 Texas 110, Saint Mary’s 76

Keegan: Releford provides a spark

Players don’t just walk into a basketball program like Kansas and become instant fan favorites. They have to earn that distinction. It takes some longer than others. It didn’t take Travis Releford long at all. It took him all of 13 minutes. That’s how long Releford was on the floor in KU’s season-opening, 71-56 victory Sunday night against a UMKC team that had a way of coming back to life.

FINAL: KU defeats UMKC, 71-56

FINAL, KU wins 71-56. Releford shows a smooth move in the lane, taking a couple dribbles before gliding to the rim for a finger roll. He also picked up a steal on the previous UMKC possession. Aldrich gets on the floor to help KU corral an offensive board, and he gets rewarded a few seconds later, getting an entry pass and drop-stepping for a thunder dunk. Suddenly, KU’s lead is up to 71-52. UMKC hits two more meaningless baskets, and KU comes away with a 71-56 victory to open the year.

Thrown for a loss

Kansas denied by UT

This was more about pride. At this point, one of two things could have happened. A touchdown would make the score a bit more respectable; helped the Jayhawks end on a high note; proven - at least to those still in attendance - that the Kansas offense can score anytime, anywhere, on any defense in the country.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

Kansas basketball coach Bill Self doesn’t expect an easy time tonight against UMKC, a squad that dropped its season opener to North Dakota, 61-56, Friday night on the Kangaroos’ campus. “They played us well here last year, and we had a pretty nice team,” Self said. His eventual national champions led by 10 points with 8:41 left before storming to an 85-62 victory.

KU swimming wins

Kansas University’s swimming and diving team rolled past Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday afternoon, 171-80. KU did not lose an event on the day, however, the Jayhawks exhibitioned all of their scores and times in

LBs go out with bang

James Holt said Kansas University’s three linebackers wanted to do more than play well for themselves on Senior Day against Texas. They also wanted to leave an example to those who would play after them.

McCoy leads way

Texas QB picks up 30th victory

Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, Texas junior Colt McCoy tied Vince Young’s school record for career victories by a Longhorns starting quarterback. Fittingly, McCoy bagged win No. 30 - against just seven losses - by using his legs Ã la Young (30-2 career at UT) and once again led No. 4 Texas in rushing during a 35-7 blowout victory against Kansas University.

Keegan: Seasons’ changes dramatic

Snow fell on the 2008 Kansas University football team Saturday for the first time. The curtain fell on their chances of having a truly memorable season long before that. Exactly when did that happen? Can’t remember. The snowflakes barely were visible, small and short-lived, like the hopes of duplicating a magical 12-1 season that ended in an Orange Bowl victory against Virginia Tech.

Kansas football notebook

As if playing the nation’s fourth-ranked team wasn’t difficult enough, Kansas was forced to do it without two of its top players Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

KU volleyball falls to Nebraska

Savannah Noyes has played 115 matches now in a Kansas University volleyball uniform. Saturday night arguably was the most important match of her career. You see, Noyes, a senior from Indianola, Neb., was playing her hometown team for the final time. She used to travel 31â2 hours to Nebraska University’s campus nearly every weekend for two years to compete in club volleyball and became quite familiar with most Nebraska players.

KU takes 7th, 8th

Led by top-30 performances from Donny Wasinger and Lauren Bonds, the Kansas men’s and women’s cross country teams finished eighth and seventh, respectively, at the NCAA Midwest Regional on Saturday.

Morningstar: Let’s get it started

Brady Morningstar - who during his days at Quail Run Elementary, Southwest Junior High and Free State High - often wondered what it’d be like to start a basketball game at Kansas University, had a final 24 hours to prepare for the big moment.

FINAL: McCoy’s 3 TDs lead Texas to 35-7 victory

FINAL, Texas wins 35-7. Colt McCoy threw for 255 yards and rushed for 78 more, leading the Texas Longhorns to a 35-7 victory over Kansas on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

No. 22 Cincinnati remains in hunt for Big East title

Seconds after the gun sounded to end No. 22 Cincinnati’s soggy 28-20 victory over Louisville on Friday, several Bearcats sprinted to the end zone and grabbed the Keg of Nails, the trophy that had tormented them for years.This was one keg party coach Brian Kelly had no plans of interrupting. Besides, for the surging Bearcats the good times might just be starting.

FSU suspends five after campus fight

Five Florida State wide receivers will miss tonight’s homecoming game against Boston College for their roles in a midweek campus fight, coach Bobby Bowden said Friday. Taiwan Easterling, Bert Reed, Corey Surrency, Cameron Wade and Richard Goodman will sit out today’s crucial Atlantic Coast Conference contest, Bowden said.

McCoy latest Heisman-caliber foe

Were members of the Heisman Trophy voting committee in need of some additional information before making their pick for the 2008 winner, they might be wise to seek out members of the Kansas University football team.

OSU sets sights on new goals

Since the preseason, Oklahoma State football players have worn orange wristbands with black lettering that reads “Big 12 Champs.” It’s a goal that no longer can be reached. The Cowboys’ 56-20 loss at No. 2 Texas Tech on Saturday night knocked them out of contention for the conference title. Oklahoma State (8-2, 4-2) conceivably could share the Big 12 South title but would lose tiebreakers to represent the division in the conference title game.

Big 12 Women: Duke rallies past Okie State

Chante Black scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Duke’s come-from-behind victory on Friday. Carrem Gay added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Blue Devils, who won their 18th consecutive home opener. Abby Waner and Jasmine Thomas also scored 10 points. Duke trailed 44-35 at halftime but ripped off a 20-0 run early in the second half to seize control.

Rivera a finalist for Wuerffel Trophy

Kansas linebacker Mike Rivera was named as one of 15 finalists this week for the 2008 Wuerffel Trophy, a national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

Big 12 Men: Post-Beasley ‘Cats cruise

Denis Clemente had 19 points, and Jacob Pullen added 17, helping Kansas State open the post-Michael Beasley era with an easy 96-57 victory over Florida A&M Friday night. Kansas State relied heavily on Beasley last season, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 12 years behind the All-American.

Top 25 Men: UConn rolls in opener

Hasheem Thabeet had 23 points and 17 rebounds to lead Connecticut to a season-opening victory. DeJuan Blair was overpowering inside with 17 points and 13 rebounds in slightly more than a half.

McCray keys KU to opening rout

Slow down, Danielle McCray, you’re moving too fast. McCray eased up on the pedal and matched her career-high with 29 points as Kansas drubbed Sacred Heart, 106-64, in women’s basketball on Friday night in Allen Fieldhouse. “She’d been exceeding her speed limit,” KU coach Bonnie Henrickson said about the 5-foot-11 junior guard/forward. “Not on defense, but on offense, and I said, ‘Let the game come to you.’”

KU soccer dumps Denver, moves to second round

Katie Williams and Shannon McCabe scored first-half goals, and the Kansas University soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament with a 2-1 victory over Denver on Friday at Cagan Stadium on the campus of Stanford University.

KU receiver Meier finalist for Biletnikoff

Kansas wide receiver Kerry Meier has been named as one of 10 finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top wide receiver. Meier is tied for 14th in the nation in receptions per game at 6.90 and ranks 36th in the country with 79.40 yards per game.

Suh an offensive threat, too

NU defensive lineman gets wings as 'Ducky'

When Ndamukong Suh lines up at fullback for Nebraska, things are just “Ducky” for the offense. Suh has emerged as one of the Big 12’s dominant defensive linemen this season. But it was his touchdown reception in last week’s victory over Kansas University that has earned the 6-foot-4, 300-pound junior nicknamed “Ducky” his celebrity.

Mayer: Texas did KU 2 favors

Kansas won the first football games it played against Texas, 1901 and 1938, but there’s a 0-6 drought for the 1996-present stretch. Yet the Longhorn program did KU a massive favor by spawning two of the most colorful and successful operators in local history - Don Fambrough and Jack Mitchell, one a native Texan, the other a Kansas kid.

KU vs. UT: Head to head

After a strong ground presence in recent weeks, the Jayhawks struggled to get a substantial running game going against Nebraska. Kansas rushed for just 118 yards as the Huskers’ front line proved too dominant. Texas ranks sixth nationally against the run, holding opponents to 86 yards a game.

Missouri must replace 22 seniors

As strong as the veteran presence has been for Missouri (8-2, 4-2), the influx of first- and second-year players has been just as impressive. Through 10 games, the Tigers have put 11 true or red-shirt freshmen on the field; three of them started games this season.

VMI stuns Kentucky

illy Gillispie didn’t mention Gardner-Webb, but his postgame assessment was verbatim from the last time his Kentucky team was shocked like this. “They whipped us,” Gillispie said of the Wildcats’ 111-103 stunner to Virginia Military Institute Friday night.

Jayhawks land four local senior products

Signing week proved profitable for four local prospects and Kansas University. During the first official high school signing period of the 2008-09 season, KU landed three area softball players and one city hoops standout, three of whom made their commitments official Friday afternoon.

Snaer chooses Florida State

Michael Snaer, a a 6-foot-4 senior shooting guard from Rancho Verde High in Moreno Valley, Calif., has decided to play college basketball at Florida State University, Rivals.com’s No. 11-rated player announced Friday afternoon on ESPNU.

Jesse Newell’s Sideline Report

Jesse Newell: How difficult has it been for you with all the switches in the defense this year? Justin Thornton: It’s not been too difficult on me. I think it’s been maybe harder for a couple other guys. I’ve had a chance to be back there and learn a lot of the defense. I’m pretty comfortable with everything.

Two WVU players charged

Two West Virginia football players have been charged with battery stemming from a fight at a Morgantown bar in October. Tight end Maxwell Anderson, 21, and Jeremy Kash, 21, the starting holder on special teams, are to be arraigned on the misdemeanor charge Dec. 3 in Morgantown Municipal Court.

Denver still a mystery to Kansas soccer team

If ignorance is bliss, then consider Kansas University’s soccer team one gleeful bunch. When Kansas (12-7-2) takes on Denver University (19-2-2) at 6:30 tonight in the first round of the 64-team NCAA Tournament in Palo Alto, Calif., it will do so knowing virtually nothing about its opponent.

Sacred Heart up next for KU

Not often does Krysten Boogaard face anyone nearly her size on a basketball floor. Not with the Kansas University sophomore standing 6-foot-5. But Boogaard will be facing one of the best tall players in the country tonight when the Jayhawks open the regular season against Sacred Heart and 6-4 center Kaitlin Sowinski, who averaged 17.2 points and 7.4 rebounds last season.

KU’s Teahan surprised his shots aren’t going in

Conner Teahan, who hit 60 percent of his three-pointers as a freshman, went 0-for-3 from beyond the arc during the 2008-09 preseason. The 6-foot-5 Kansas University sophomore’s oh-fer against Washburn and Emporia State came as a huge surprise to junior point guard Sherron Collins.

Not so ancient history

Meeting in '04 not forgotten

Since the beginning of the season, there really has been no question as to what would emerge as the prominent story line heading into this week’s Kansas University-Texas game. Dollar signs. Or, more precisely, the controversial ending that sparked Kansas coach Mark Mangino’s heated and much-discussed postgame rant.

KU announces target date for submitting NCI application

In a ceremony at its medical center campus Thursday, Kansas University announced a firm date for applying to become a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.

Civil lawsuit against KU basketball’s Sherron Collins dropped

The woman who accused Kansas University basketball player Sherron Collins of exposing himself and rubbing against her dropped a civil lawsuit against him, court documents filed Thursday morning said.

Tackling troubles frustrate KU

Analysts have been so preoccupied with the Kansas University football team’s woeful pass defense that they haven’t gotten around to tackling another pressing matter. Namely, the Jayhawks’ inability to tackle.

Top 25 Basketball: New faces spark 82-58 UCLA rout in Classic

Pardon UCLA fans for double-checking their programs. It will take some time to get used to all the new faces on the court for the fourth-ranked Bruins. But if they follow through on the promise they showed in their debuts, UCLA could indeed reach its fourth consecutive Final Four.

Missouri’s Maclin not quite ready for NFL

Jeremy Maclin is not ready to leave Missouri for the NFL - yet. The All-American is concentrating on helping the 12th-ranked Tigers finish strong. “You dream of that as a little child, playing in the NFL,” Maclin said. “That’s everybody’s dream, that’s what you’re here working for. But you’ve just got to approach that situation when it comes.”

KU volleyball loses to OU in four sets

The Kansas University volleyball team fell in four sets to Oklahoma (25-13, 25-13, 22-25, 25-20), on Wednesday. KU sophomore Jenna Kaiser and senior Natalie Uhart produced double-digit kills in the losing effort.

Ex-Jayhawk Gordon preparing for surgery

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Charles Gordon is in Charlotte, preparing for surgery on his broken left ankle. Coach Brad Childress said Wednesday it would take about five months before the defensive back and punt returner out of Kansas is back to full speed. Gordon suffered the gruesome injury on Sunday when a Packers defender rolled up on his ankle during a punt return.

Keegan: Pass defense deficient

When a pass defense performs as poorly as has that of Kansas University in the nation’s best quarterback conference, a variation of the chicken-and-egg question can be difficult to answer.

Collins displays leadership abilities

Before the Kansas men’s season even started, junior guard Sherron Collins was the default leader.

KU football prepares to take on Texas at home

The Longhorns visit Lawrence for the first time since 2004.

Big 12 basketball players predict the conference MVP

At the 2008 Big 12 Media Day in Oklahoma City, players from around the conference weighed in on which player they liked, other than themselves, to win the conference’s MVP award.

Snaer to announce on ESPNU on Friday; Self happy with new signee Robinson

Michael Snaer, a 6-foot-4 senior shooting guard from Rancho Verde High in Moreno Valley, Calif., will reveal his college choice Friday on ESPNU, network officials reported Wednesday.

Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook

Mark Mangino reflects on a 2004 outburst that cost him $5,000. Quarterback Todd Reesing is recovering from being sacked five times last week.

Top 25 Basketball: Georgia Southern no match for eighth-ranked Duke, 97-54

Kyle Singler scored 19 points for the second straight game, and No. 8 Duke rolled into the 2K Sports Classic semifinals by routing Georgia Southern, 97-54, on Tuesday night. Nolan Smith added 13 points, and Gerald Henderson and Greg Paulus each finished with 11 to help the Blue Devils (2-0) win their 61st straight nonconference game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

KU thrilled about tourney berth

Deep down, Mark Francis knew all along. Francis, Kansas University’s 10th-year soccer coach, did the math. He figured a victory by his team in the first round of the Big 12 tournament - which would give Kansas 12 on the season - was going to be enough to ensure a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Kansas basketball notebook

¢ KU signs one recruit, and waits on two more.¢ KU freshman Quintrell Thomas says his shoulder is OK.¢ Sherron Collins hit his elbow, but recovers.¢ KU shot 80 percent in the first half.¢ Bill Self joins Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani at the Get Motivated Seminar in Kansas City, Mo.

Keegan: Marcus figuring it out

Today is the first day high school basketball players can sign national letters of intent. So ends the signees’ recruiting process, and in the minds of so many begins the necessary step of going through the motions of playing one year of college ball before they begin to collect the inevitable NBA paycheck.

NU linebacker suspended

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has announced that linebacker Cody Glenn has been suspended indefinitely from the team for violating team rules.

Planned site upgrades postponed

Some of your favorite features about LJWorld.com, KUSports.com and Lawrence.com will be unavailable Wednesday night as we complete a major upgrade to the back end of our Web site.

Weis to call Irish plays

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis will call the plays on offense for the Irish against Navy. Weis said at his news conference Tuesday he is taking over the play-calling for at least one game because offensive coordinator Mike Haywood will miss some practices this week to attend a funeral.

Neglected guard Pyle shines

Hornet makes most of make-up start against Kansas

Months from now, Alex Pyle hopefully can laugh about the peculiar predicament he encountered Monday night. Pyle, a guard on the Emporia State men’s basketball team, was supposed to make his season debut that evening in the Hornets’ opening exhibition game against Wichita State. But a funny thing happened to Pyle on his way to the scorer’s table.

The usual suspects

Aldrich, Collins lead way

Everybody knows Kansas University’s basketball team will rely heavily on Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins this season. “We have two standouts,” KU coach Bill Self said of the dynamic duo, who erupted for 39 points off combined 14-of-19 shooting in the Jayhawks’ 103-58 thrashing of Emporia State on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.

Top 25 Football: Ball State reaches 10-0

For the first time, Ball State is a perfect 10. Nate Davis threw for a touchdown and ran for another in a quick-strike offense, and the 14th-ranked Cardinals stayed unbeaten by wearing down the Miami RedHawks for a 31-16 victory Tuesday night that made a little bit of school history.

Big 12 football notebook

Nebraska nose tackle Ndamukong Suh may have been the first Big 12 football player ever to earn defensive player of the week award for a game in which he also scored an offensive touchdown. Suh had a career-high 12 stops in Saturday’s 45-35 win over Kansas, including 2.5 sacks. Suh also plays fullback in goal-line situations and caught a two-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

Heisman hopefuls

Trophy near-lock to land in Big 12

Three players in the Big 12 era have won the Heisman Memorial Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football at the end of each season. Barring any outrageous circumstance, the conference will add a fourth in 2008. This player would join Ricky Williams (Texas, 1998), Eric Crouch (Nebraska, 2001) and Jason White (Oklahoma, 2003) in striking the famous pose.

KU walk-on ear-to-ear happy

Juenemann gets first points in exhibition blowout

The smile was still on Jordan Juenemann’s face as he stood outside the locker room after Tuesday’s exhibition game against Emporia State. “This is definitely the No. 1 moment in my life,” Juenemann said after scoring his first points as a Jayhawk in the final minute of Kansas University’s 103-58 victory at Allen Fieldhouse. “It’s just awesome. I’m just so thankful.”

Holt passes (out) tough test

Question: How do you know you’ve done something unusually tough and physically impressive? Answer: When Joe Mortensen, Kansas University’s hard-talkin’, head-shavin’, tattoo-wearin’ senior linebacker, takes notice.

Longhorns will challenge KU

Kansas University takes on the Texas Longhorns Saturday, and quarterback Colt McCoy will be in the Jayhawks’ sights.

FINAL: KU runs away from Emporia State, wins 103-58

Final: KU wins 103-58 Releford puts in a two off a steal, and Brennan Bechard gives KU 101 points with a three-pointer from the wing, much to the delight of the half-empty Fieldhouse. Juenemann caps the victory with a layup off the glass and one of the widest smiles you’ll ever see. He pumped his fist coming back down the court, obviously a moment he won’t forget. Keep checking back on KUsports.com for postgame audio, Spodcasters Postgame and more.

Change is coming to KUSports.com

It’s been in the works for a while, and it’s nearly ready: Our newest version of KUSports.com. We wanted to give you, our readers, a brief heads up.

Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook

Kansas coach Mark Mangino was quick to dispel questions Monday about whether 2004’s near-miss against then-No. 6 Texas - a 27-23 loss that ended on a controversial call - would provide an added advantage or motivation heading into this year’s matchup.

Mangino: Reesing’s struggles no concern

In just two years as Kansas University’s starting quarterback, Todd Reesing has moved to the top of a number of lists - passing yards and touchdowns in a KU career, to name a few. Unfortunately for the junior from Austin, Texas, this season he’s also found himself atop a far-less desirable list: Interceptions among Big 12 quarterbacks.

Self doesn’t expect changes

Kansas University’s four returning scholarship players and walk-on Conner Teahan started last Tuesday’s exhibition basketball game against Washburn. Whether Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, Brady Morningstar, Tyrel Reed and Teahan open tonight’s 7 p.m. clash against Emporia State remains to be seen.

Freshmen can be unpredictable

"Every day it's a box of chocolates," coach Self says about young team

Good thing Bill Self has a sweet tooth … or he might not be able to handle coaching such a young Kansas University basketball team. “Every day it’s a box of chocolates,” Self said of not knowing what to expect from his first-year Jayhawks. In last week’s 98-79 exhibition rout of Washburn, freshman power forward Quintrell Thomas proved to be the richest of the assembled treats.

Woodling: Woodling: Familiar faces for KU

I’ve been asking around for months now and nobody can come up with an answer. Bill Self, as you know, has zero starters back from the NCAA championship team, and no one can remember the last time a Kansas University men’s basketball coach faced that situation. On the flip side, there’s KU’s women’s basketball program. Whereas Self has so many new faces it may be January before fans sort them all out, Bonnie Henrickson has just one.

Top 25 Roundup: Duke not pleased with 80-49 win

Only at Duke could there be so much dissatisfaction with a 30-point victory. The eighth-ranked Blue Devils opened a season of high expectations Monday night with an 80-49 rout of Presbyterian in the 2K Sports Classic, but there weren’t many people from Duke who were content with it. Not Kyle Singler, who scored 12 of his 19 points during the decisive first half but uncharacteristically missed seven shots.

NCAA bound

KU gets at-large bid, to play Denver on Friday

Kansas University’s soccer team is headed to the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks (12-7-2) on Monday received an at-large bid on the heels of last weekend’s victory over No. 8 Texas A&M and shootout loss to No. 18 Missouri at the Big 12 championships.

KU womens basketball team tops Washburn

The Kansas women’s basketball team achieved a 2-0 record after their exhibition win against the Washburn Lady Blues.

Volleyball players receive conference honors

Two members of the Kansas volleyball team have been awarded Big 12 honors.

Local barbecue restaurant plans benefit for LMH nurse

The owners of Vermont Street BBQ are having a benefit for a Lawrence Memorial Hospital nurse who is fighting brain cancer.

Two questionable for NU

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says offensive lineman Lydon Murtha and linebacker Phillip Dillard are questionable for this week’s game at Kansas State.

‘Bama, Tech pull away

Penn State slipped to the back of the one-loss pack Sunday in the Associated Press college football poll, while No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas Tech strengthened their hold on the top spots.

Three Jayhawks on all-tourney team

Kansas University juniors Monica Dolinsky, Shannon McCabe and Estelle Johnson have been named to the Big 12 Soccer Championship’s All-Tournament team. The three Jayhawks on the squad, which is voted on by members of the media, sets a team record.

KU hoops target Snaer to decide Wednesday

Blue-chip basketball recruit Michael Snaer, who last week said he’d wait until the spring to pick a college, has had a change of heart. Rivals.com’s No. 11-rated prospect said Sunday he’ll choose between Kansas University, Florida State and Marquette at a yet-to-be-determined time Wednesday at Rancho Verde High in Moreno Valley, Calif. “I want to get it out of the way. I think it’s that time,” Snaer said of finalizing his college choice.

Vikings PR Gordon injured

Minnesota Vikings cornerback and former Kansas University player Charles Gordon was carted off the field in the second quarter against Green Bay after a gruesome ankle injury that occurred on a punt return.

Mizzou wins Big 12 crown

Mo Redmond scored in the sixth minute, and Missouri made it stand up in a 1-0 victory over Colorado that gave the Tigers their first Big 12 soccer championship.

Kansas unusually porous vs. run

While its defensive line has struggled to apply pressure and its secondary has been almost completely overhauled and its pass defense has learned just how valuable Aqib Talib and James McClinton were, the Kansas University football team always could fall back on its proven ability to stop the run.

Texas, Florida, OU lurking in BCS

Alabama and Texas Tech and their perfect records were on top of the BCS standings Sunday. Texas, Florida and Oklahoma, all with one loss, are lurking and ready to take advantage if the front-runners fall.

Sophomore center keys KU women’s victory

When Krysten Boogaard is good on a basketball court, she is very, very good. But when she is bad, she is : Well, Kansas University’s 6-foot-5 sophomore center isn’t ever horrid, but she definitely has some bad days.Both phases of Boogaard’s up-and-down game were on display Sunday afternoon when the Jayhawks toppled Washburn, 67-51, in an exhibition game in Allen Fieldhouse.

No. 1 Alabama survives Saban’s return to LSU

Nick Saban lingered at LSU’s end of the field, seeking out the players he once recruited to the Tigers. He wanted to give each of them a hug, pass along a few words about how much they still meant to him. Then it was time to head the other way. Saban’s wearing crimson now.

Keegan: Keegan: Huskers won this one on lines

Slammed to the ground for the second consecutive play, Kansas University quarterback Todd Reesing was pulled up by a teammate and slowly made his way off the field for the final time Saturday. He tried to run to the sideline, but his body wouldn’t cooperate, so he hobbled, a beaten man, roughed up from start to finish, still clever enough to make a game of it, but in the end, beaten by a better team.

Bulls’ Hinrich might miss three months

Ex-Jayhawk needs surgery for torn ligament in thumb

Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich needs surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and will miss up to three months.

Game balls & Gassers

Dezmon Briscoe had six catches for 176 yards and a touchdown, and many of the yards came after the catch.

KU swim team wins dual against Evansville

The No. 23 Kansas swimming and diving team finished the weekend 2-0, defeating Evansville, 132-95, in a dual meet Saturday afternoon at Robinson Natatorium. KU (4-2) topped Drury on Friday night.

Huskers: Win ‘awesome’

Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz bruised his heel on one play and twisted his knee on the other, but his coach, Bo Pelini, said he didn’t even consider removing him from the game. “If I wanted to fight him on the sidelines,” Pelini said. “He would have fought me before he would have let me take him out.” Pause.

Kansas sweeps Texas Tech

Sweeps week in November isn’t reserved for the television set anymore. Saturday night at the Horejsi Center, Kansas University’s volleyball team continued flaunting its own series of sweeps-week episodes.

Aldrich has interests outside of hoops

Cole Aldrich always has stood out from his peers. “I found an ID (card) a year or two ago from when I was in second grade. I was 4-foot-9. I was 6-foot tall in fifth grade,” Aldrich, Kansas University’s 6-foot-11 sophomore basketball center, said. “I was taller than some of the teachers in elementary school.” His height definitely came in handy as a child growing up in Bloomington, Minn.

Commentary: Young athletes hear right message

During the past few days, black athletes and coaches have lined up to say that Barack Obama’s victory in the presidential election proves to young African-Americans that anything is possible. They should have taken it a step further.

Kansas secondary takes a step back

Nebraska QB Ganz throws for 324 yards against beleaguered backfield

Just a week after it seemed to have things figured out, Kansas University’s football secondary looked young and confused once again in Saturday’s 45-35 loss to Nebraska on Saturday at NU’s Memorial Stadium.

Dugan Arnett’s quick hits

On first-and-10 from the Nebraska 28-yard line, Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing looked to be under fire as he scrambled in the backfield. But the 5-foot-11, 200-pound junior bounced off a defender, took a few steps backward, and fired a touchdown pass to a wide open Kerry Meier down the right sideline.

Hansbrough sits out

Tyler Hansbrough emerged from the tunnel to loud cheers from the Smith Center crowd. Yet as his North Carolina teammates warmed up for their exhibition game Saturday, the reigning national player of the year plopped down on the bench to stay.

Top 25 Roundup: Iowa destroys Penn State’s BCS title hopes

Last-second field goal lifts Hawkeyes over No. 3 Nittany Lions, 24-23

Penn State is perfect no more, its hopes for giving coach Joe Paterno another national title given a sharp and surprising kick by Iowa.

KU women expect stiffer competition

Little doubt Kansas University’s women will face a different species of table fare in their second exhibition basketball game.

Slipping away :

Jayhawks suffer costly setback

Entering Saturday’s game against Nebraska, Kansas University’s football team understood that a victory was a necessity in order for the Jayhawks to keep pace in the race for the Big 12 North title. And following Saturday’s 45-35 loss to the Huskers, during a blustery day at Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks understood the consequences of their defeat. “Coaches told us this is a game (where) we’re playing for championships,” said KU sophomore receiver Dezmon Briscoe, who caught six passes for 176 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort. “And we fell short of it.”

Wyoming stuns Tennessee

Ward Dobbs’ 24-yard interception return for a touchdown helped Wyoming beat Tennessee, 13-7, sending the Vols and outgoing coach Phillip Fulmer to another loss. Wyoming (4-6) grabbed its first road victory of the season.

Big 12 Roundup: Texas Tech routs OSU

Harrell 40-50 for 456 yards, 6 TD's

Around the time Michael Crabtree caught his second touchdown and stood in the back of the end zone staring at the crowd - or maybe when he celebrated his third score with a high-flying chest bump into Graham Harrell - the questions about Texas Tech vanished.

Kansas football notebook

While Kansas University quarterback Todd Reesing took quite a pounding Saturday in Lincoln, limping through the final minutes of the Jayhawks’ loss, he can take solace in at least one thing: He’s now the Jayhawks’ all-time top passer.

FINAL: Ganz’s 324 passing yards lead Nebraska to 45-35 victory

FINAL, NU wins 45-35: Joe Ganz threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns, and Nebraska dominated the second half in a 45-28 victory over Kansas on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb.

Baker to face unbeaten MANU

How sweet it is for Baker University football. Six consecutive wins have propelled the Wildcats into the No. 15 slot in the weekly NAIA poll, and now they have a shot at the Heart of America Athletic Conference championship. Clearly, though, it won’t be easy, not with unbeaten and No. 5-ranked MidAmerica Nazarene on tap today.

Kansas swim team wins meet, but will lose sleep

In a perfect world, Maria Mayrovich sleeps in until 9:30 this morning, saunters over to greet her team for breakfast 15 minutes later and relaxes until her early afternoon swim meet. But hey, rules are rules. And life is full of imperfections.

Gameday analysis: KU vs. NU

The Jayhawks are coming off their best ground performance of the season, having racked up 280 rushing yards against Kansas State last week - their highest total since 2001. Jake Sharp has continued to impress since earning the starting running-back spot outright. He has rushed for 647 yards and nine touchdowns, as the team’s offensive line, which features two red-shirt freshmen at the tackle positions, has made significant strides since Week 1.

Huskers still smarting from last meeting

Jayhawks hung school-record 76 on NU last fall, and Nebraska hasn't forgotten

There is something oddly fascinating about a team scoring 70 points in a single college football game. Something intriguing.

KU soccer falls to MU in shootout

Missouri’s Alysha Bonnick’s penalty kick eliminated Kansas University on Friday night in the semifinal round of the Big 12 soccer championship at Blossom Complex. The two teams played to a 1-1 tie in regulation.

Keegan: Keegan: Game at NU is huge

Today’s Kansas-Nebraska game at the Cornhuskers’ Memorial Stadium is big, but just how big? It’s bigger than Lil’ Red’s caboose, bigger than Bill Callahan’s debt to Nebraska football, bigger than Jake Sharp’s e-mail in-box after the Kansas State game. That big.

Towson suspends three

Towson basketball coach Pat Kennedy has suspended three players for violating team policy, doling out punishments from one to five games. Senior forward Tony Durant will miss the season opener against Navy on Nov. 14; senior forward Junior Hairston will sit out the Tigers’ first three games, and freshman forward Rick Brown was suspended for the first five games, the school announced Friday.

Bighorns pick Robinson

Former Kansas University guard Russell Robinson was selected by the Reno (Nev.) Bighorns in the second round of Friday’s NBA Development League draft. He was the only former KU player taken in the 10-round draft. Robinson is currently playing pro ball in Turkey.

Kansas not content with half dozen wins

By Kansas University football standards, reaching six wins always had been an uphill battle. Boy, how things have changed.

Commentary: BCS system, not a playoff, is best

We have just sent a dangerous man to the White House. Let’s not kid ourselves about it. Say all the positives you want about the feel-good story of president-elect Barack Obama. The bottom line is this is a man … who wants a college football playoff. Obama said that very thing at halftime of ESPN’s Monday Night Football. And we elected him, anyway.

KU guard Collins earns another preseason honor

Sherron Collins, who was named preseason all-Big 12 and received votes for the Associated Press All-America team, claimed a third honor on Friday. Kansas University’s junior point guard was tapped one of 50 preseason candidates for the John R. Wooden Award.

KU hopes to end streak at Nebraska

The Kansas football team is trying to end a 40-year drought tomorrow against Nebraska. KU hasn’t defeated NU in Lincoln since 1968.

Kansas women to play final exhibition game on Sunday

On Sunday, the Kansas women’s basketball team plays its second and final exhibition game of the 2008-2009 season against Washburn.

Mayer: Mayer: Marshall cultural visionary

The late Thurgood Marshall, a sports fan with a vastly broader perspective, called the shots about the significance of a Barack Obama presidency 50 years ago during a visit to Lawrence.I was too dumb and non-visionary to recognize the importance of his comments about athletics, minority status and the need for more role models beyond the realm of jocks. I finally got it.

Brotherly love

Competitive Lawrence siblings share football bond

To understand truly the relationship between brothers Tyler and Blake Lawrence, it is probably best to go back to the Golden Gun incident. This occurred sometime while they were in elementary school, age 11 or 12.

Marcus Morris working on foul woes

Bill Self believes some of Kansas University’s newcomers were “humbled a little” during Tuesday’s exhibition basketball victory over Washburn. “Not because their expectations were so high,” KU coach Self said of the five freshmen and one junior-college transfer who played in the 98-79 victory. “No disrespect to Washburn, but when a big guy can foul you out in seven minutes, that’s not exactly Blake Griffin we’re going against.”

Prep Henry won’t decide until spring

Xavier Henry, a 6-foot-6 senior guard from Putnam City (Okla.) High, who had surgery Thursday to repair a broken cheekbone, told ESPN.com he will not choose a school until the spring signing period. Henry’s dad, Carl, on Thursday said his son - who ultimately will choose between Kansas and Memphis - will be on medication and not be able to practice basketball the next four to six weeks.

KU’s Garlington named Academic All-District

Kansas University volleyball sophomore Karina Garlington was named to the ESPN The Magazine Third Team Academic All-District on Thursday. Garlington became the sixth Jayhawk and fourth in the last two years to earn the award for her success on the court and in the classroom.

Top 25 Roundup: Undefeated Utah topples TCU

Virginia Tech turns back No. 23 Maryland

The BCS Busters II are still alive. Brian Johnson led No. 10 Utah to a thrilling comeback, marching the Utes 80 yards in the final minutes and completing a nine-yard touchdown pass to Freddie Brown with 48 seconds left in a 13-10 victory against No. 11 TCU on Thursday night.

Firing of KSU’s Prince, KU’s Allen comparable

The athletic director at a major university in the Sunflower State fires his football coach with three games remaining in the season. Did this week’s action by Kansas State athletic director Bob Krause sound familiar?Seven years ago, Kansas athletic director Al Bohl did the same thing.

Former NFL commissioner to speak at Dole Institute on Nov. 13

A former NFL commissioner will visit the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics next week.

Chalmers sets Heat record with 9 steals

Dwyane Wade scored 29 points, Mario Chalmers set a franchise record with nine steals, and Miami scored 12 straight points in the fourth quarter.

KU sweeps CU despite rare substitution snag

After using all their subs, Jayhawks rally for 30-28 victory in marathon second set

The dust pan and broom disappeared into the depths of a Horejsi Center closet for awhile, but Wednesday evening marked the return of both for Kansas University’s volleyball team.The Jayhawks finally had themselves a good, clean sweep.

Spikes gets a little help from a friend

Offensive tackle consults with former KU standout Collins

Every week or so, a cell phone rings somewhere in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a grizzly bear of a man named Anthony Collins - or “Mama’s Gotta Eat”, as he was sometimes called - answers. On the other line is another well-proportioned individual, Kansas University offensive tackle Jeff Spikes, calling for his weekly performance evaluation.

Keegan: Keegan: NU game special for one

Turner Gill, Irving Fryar, Roger Craig, Tom Osborne. Such names make Nebraska football fans, which is to say all Nebraskans, think back to the glory days. For Kansas University special teams player Micah Brown, they mean more. They’re family friends. Micah’s father, Todd, played for Osborne and with Gill, Fryar and Craig.

KU soccer wins Big 12 quarterfinal

Kansas University Junior Shannon McCabe scored two goals and Monica Dolinsky tallied two assists as the Jayhawks soccer team upset the eighth-ranked Texas A&M Aggies, 4-2, Wednesday in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Soccer Championship.

Davis leads Ball State past Northern Illinois

Ball State’s Nate Davis pulled everything together perfectly Wednesday night.

Practice pays off

Reed logged 29 minutes for Jayhawks

No Kansas University basketball player will ever complain about getting too many minutes in a single game. “It’s fun getting tired,” KU sophomore Tyrel Reed said with a smile. He scored 16 points and grabbed five rebounds while logging a whopping 29 minutes in Tuesday’s 98-79 exhibition rout of Washburn in Allen Fieldhouse.

Jayhawks made history in last NU battle

The 76 points the Kansas football team put up on Nebraska a year ago are the most ever scored by a Cornhusker opponent.

6 of 7 KU newcomers make Fieldhouse debut

Six of Bill Self’s seven newcomers took the floor at Allen Fieldhouse for the first time on Tuesday.

KU ready to take on new-look Huskers

This Saturday, KU takes on the new-look Nebraska Cornhuskers led by first-year head coach Bo Pelini.

K-State’s Prince fired

Kansas State coach Ron Prince was unable to rebuild the Wildcats into the Big 12 contender they were under his predecessor. Now after 2 1â2 seasons in Manhattan, Prince is on his way out and K-State is in the market for another coach who can do what Bill Snyder did in the Little Apple.

Carroll: BCS ‘stinks’

Pete Carroll insists he doesn’t understand how the BCS system works. He understands enough to know he doesn’t like it one bit.

Freshman Thomas shakes nerves

Quintrell Thomas couldn’t help but be anxious about his first game in Allen Fieldhouse. “I was actually nervous all day,” he said, “because I thought I was going to come out and airball a layup or something like that.”

Dugan Arnett’s KU football notebook

At a tiny 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, Kansas University placekicker Jacob Branstetter is not expected to be his team’s on-field enforcer. Apparently, however, no one has shared this fact with him.

Tennessee coping with odd concept of nationwide head-coaching search

A nationwide search for head football coach? It’s almost a foreign concept at Tennessee. Now that coach Phillip Fulmer has announced he’s stepping down at the university’s request at the end of this season, it’s reality for Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton.

Keegan: Keegan: Rookies struggle in debut

Here’s guessing Barack Obama will get off to a better start than the newcomers to college basketball’s defending national champions did Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse. Then again, giving young players a chance to ease their way into college basketball is a big reason why Div. I teams schedule exhibition games against Div. II programs.

KU, in a landslide

Kansans key rout of 'Bods

The Kansas kids on Kansas University’s basketball team stole the show Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse. Sophomores Tyrel Reed of Burlington and Brady Morningstar of Lawrence combined for 31 points off 12-of-18 shooting while starting and playing 29 minutes apiece in the Jayhawks’ 98-79 exhibition victory over Washburn.

Florida corner arrested, kicked off team

Florida cornerback Jacques Rickerson was kicked off the team Tuesday after he was arrested and accused of slapping his girlfriend, choking her and then covering her face with a pillow.

Commentary: Rodriguez on the clock at Michigan

Go Blue has become Woe Blue. Michigan is one defeat from the first eight-loss season in its 129-year football history. The fear among the faithful is that eight losses isn’t the absolute bottom.

Pelini attempts to tone down temper

Coach admits sideline behavior hinders image of program

Bo Pelini knows he needs to cool it. The first-year Nebraska coach acknowledged his volatile sideline demeanor is casting a negative light on himself and the program.

Exhibition a mixed bag for Washburn

Coach Bob Chipman learned a couple of useful tidbits about his Washburn University men’s basketball team Tuesday night. One good. One not so good. First, the good news.

Style points vital for Oklahoma’s BCS goals

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has never been a fan of style points, but coming down the stretch that could be just what the No. 6 Sooners need to achieve their championship goals.

KU soccer players earn academic honors

Ten Kansas University soccer players have been named to the Big 12 Conference All-Academic teams, nine of whom were named to the first team.

Patterson adapts to change

Freshman receiver-turned-cornerback might be part of a trend

Two weeks ago, when Kansas University defensive coordinator Clint Bowen tracked down true freshman receiver Daymond Patterson and told him about this idea he had - namely, to move the 5-foot-9, 175-pound speedster to cornerback in mid-season - Patterson wasn’t exactly expecting it.

Kansas basketball notebook

Kansas University coach Bill Self was at the polls bright and early to cast his vote on Election Day. “I was in the voting lines at 6:25 (a.m.) thinking it was going to be crowded,” said Self, who voted at Free State High.

Big 12 football notebook

Defense: Who needs it? Oklahoma avoided giving up 30 points in a fourth straight game for the first time in school history in its 62-28 victory over Nebraska. Then again, when you’re scoring at a league-leading 49.8 points-a-game clip, who’s counting?

Captains of the comeback: Erasing deficits becoming normal at Texas Tech under Leach

The art of the comeback is not a new concept to the Texas Tech football program under coach Mike Leach. Last week’s 39-33 triumph at home over then-top ranked Texas made for spectacular theater. It was the most significant victory in Tech’s 83-year history.

Branstetter shows he can tackle, too

Jacob Branstetter is Mark Mangino’s special teams player of the week. But honestly - the Jayhawks’ sophomore kicker probably should have received defensive player of the week honors as well…

Useless Fieldhouse Trivia with DJ

Another installment of Useless ‘Fieldhouse Trivia with DJ.’

KU bowl eligible after steamrolling KSU

After steamrolling K-State, the KU football team is bowl eligible for the fourth straight season.

Kansas opens exhibition season with 98-79 victory over Washburn

Final, KU wins 98-79. Matt Kleinmann connects on his first points of the preseason, putting in a left-hook while drawing a foul. A brief chant of “Kleinmann, Kleinmann” erupts from the student section. Tyrone Appleton, in the last couple minutes, adds a free throw and also a soft jumper off the glass. We should see more of him as he recovers from his hip flexor injury. Kleinmann misses a pair of free throws that would have given KU 100 points, and a sloppy game ends after a Releford jumper clangs off the glass at the buzzer.

Mangino encourages his players to get to the polls

At his weekly press conference this week, coach Mark Mangino spent five minutes talking about how important it was for his student-athletes to vote.

Vols’ Fulmer to step down

Tennessee coach forced out after 17 years

Tennessee’s Phillip Fulmer has been forced out as coach after 17 years that included a national championship.

MU’s Coffman plans to play

Tight end Chase Coffman sprained his left big toe in No. 13 Missouri’s victory at Baylor but said Monday he expects to play this week.

KU using music to drown out chant

In an ongoing effort to curb an obscene football chant, Kansas University has begun to play music longer during kickoffs.

Big-game bounty: Ramifications large on weekly basis

Catch your breath Big 12 football fans. There still are some more big games to come. Texas Tech’s milestone victory at home over then-No. 1 Texas with one second remaining was only the latest in a string of big games, particularly in the South division, with implications not only on the conference standings but national polls.

Two coaches honored

The Big 12 named Texas Tech’s Jon Murray and Oklahoma State’s Dave Smith as its cross country coaches of the year.

Sooners’ English out

Defensive end Auston English could miss the next two games for sixth-ranked Oklahoma after spraining his left knee.

Kansas, ‘Bods familiar foes

Year after year, Washburn University coaching legend Bob Chipman stocks his popular summer camps with counselors from Kansas University’s basketball team. “They do such a great job. They are such great ambassadors for KU, it’s scary,” said Chipman, who annually holds sessions in Ulysses, Garden Plain and Kansas City, Kan.

Cornhuskers practicing selective amnesia

In attempting to regroup from last week’s 62-28 trouncing at the hands of then-No. 4 Oklahoma, the Nebraska University football team is taking an interesting approach to the recovery process.In short, the Huskers are acting like the OU game never happened.

Hansbrough unanimous All-American

Collison, Curry, Harangody, Griffin join Tar Heel on preseason team

It’s no surprise Tyler Hansbrough made The Associated Press’ preseason All-America team - this is his record third straight year as its leading vote-getter. For the first time, however, the North Carolina forward was a unanimous selection.

KU soccer duo nab honors from Big 12

Kansas University freshman Emily Cressy was named Big 12 Conference Rookie of the Year, and teammate Monica Dolinsky was a first-team All-Big 12 selection.

KU basketball notebook: Self names starters

Five familiar faces will be in Kansas University’s starting lineup tonight in Allen Fieldhouse.

KU defeats KSU for 3rd straight season

Recently when it comes to the Sunflower State - the Kansas football team has been the superior over Kansas State.

KU women’s basketball team dominates Fort Hays State

After dismantling Fort Hays State, the Kansas women’s basketball team makes good on it’s first exhibition game of the season.

KU rebounds from Texas Tech loss with romp over KSU

What a difference a week makes for the Kansas football team.

Self names starters for exhibition game during weekly radio show

During his weekly radio show “Hawk Talk” on Monday, Kansas coach Bill Self announced that his five of returning players - Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, Matt Kleinmann, Tyrel Reed and Brady Morningstar - would start in Tuesday’s exhibition game against Washburn.

Sherron Collins: One-on-One

So what exacty was Sherron Collins thinking while dribbling the ball up the court in the national championship game, Jayhawks down three points, time winding down?

KU-Nebraska game will be available on pay-per-view

The Kansas-Nebraska football game, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Lincoln, Neb., will be available on pay-per-view, and information on how to order the package will be made available later this week.

KU-MU football game time set

The Kansas University football team’s Nov. 29 game against Missouri at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium will kick off at 11:30 a.m. and be televised on FSN, KU announced today.

Gary Bedore’s KU basketball notebook

There will be a change in the pregame schedule this season, starting Tuesday. It used to be the Allen Fieldhouse floor was cleared with 12 minutes on the clock for the playing of the national anthem as well as the alma mater and ensuing Rock Chalk Chant.

Commentary: Texas Tech enters new territory

National spotlight suddenly shines brightly on Red Raiders, 9-0 for first time since 1938

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach leaves the hype to others. Why overstate when it’s just as easy to underplay any question? With the Red Raiders moving to second in the Bowl Championship Series standings with their 39-33 victory over previously top-ranked Texas, thoughts turned quickly to once-beaten Oklahoma State, Tech’s next opponent.

KU women make short work of FHSU

A scrimmage is a scrimmage is a scrimmage. Unless it’s listed on the schedule as an exhibition game. So it was officially a contest - although not much of one - as Kansas University’s women’s basketball team trounced Fort Hays State, 93-37, on Sunday afternoon in Allen Fieldhouse.

Chalmers’ nose not broken

Miami Heat rookie guard Mario Chalmers, who took an elbow to the nose in Saturday’s game at Charlotte, did not suffer a broken nose, Heat officials told the Palm Beach Post on Sunday. Chalmers, who played college basketball at Kansas, should start Wednesday versus Philadelphia.

Fine records first TD catch

Former Kansas University and current Buffalo Bills tight end Derek Fine caught his first career NFL touchdown on Sunday in Buffalo’s 26-17 loss to the New York Jets in Orchard Park, N.Y. Fine scored on a nine-yard pass from quarterback Trent Edwards at the 11:26 mark in the first quarter. The score put the Bills ahead, 7-3.

Kansas hoops rookies eager for opener

They played well during three exhibition games - all victories - over Labor Day weekend in Canada. Now it’s time to see how Kansas University’s wide-eyed newcomers fare in a practice game in the U.S.A.- on election night, no less.

Kansas defensive backfield settled

After two long - and sometimes frustrating - weeks of tinkering, Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino thinks he finally has found the perfect look for his defensive secondary. Mangino said Sunday that, after various shake-ups, he expects to use a starting secondary that will feature Darrell Stuckey and Phillip Strozier at the safety spots, Justin Thornton and Daymond Patterson at cornerback and Chris Harris as the nickel back.

‘Bama, Tech 1-2 in BCS

No scoreboard watching necessary for Texas Tech. Fewer than 24 hours after the Red Raiders gave the national championship race a makeover by defeating then-No. 1 Texas, they received more good news when the BCS standings were released Sunday.

Brorsen shows hands

Defensive end snares two pickoffs

After playing his entire freshman year at tight end, Russell Brorsen was switched to defensive end by Kansas coach Mark Mangino the next season. The reason? “I got moved back probably partly because of my horrible hands,” Brorsen said with a smile after KU’s 52-21 victory over Kansas State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Big 12 Roundup: Red Raiders beat Longhorns in final second

Texas Tech can call itself No. 1 in the Lone Star State - and maybe best in all the land. Graham Harrell fired a 28-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree with one second left, and No. 6 Texas Tech stunned No. 1 Texas, 39-33, Saturday night in a wild game that will shake up the national title race.

Keegan: Keegan: Clock is ticking on Prince’s tenure

How fitting that the week started with a Kansas State player talking so tall and ended with the team walking so small. What a perfect way to capture the expiring Ron Prince era. All talk. So much style, so little substance.Listen to the man talk, and you leave impressed with his intelligence.

KU football notes

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino wanted to make one thing abundantly clear following his team’s 52-21 victory over visiting rival Kansas State on Saturday: Not once this season has he questioned the abilities of first-year KU defensive coordinator Clint Bowen.

Wildcats eat their words

Murphy: 'They were the better team today'

Deon Murphy dined on more than a Kentucky Fried Chicken boxed lunch after Kansas State’s 52-21 loss to rival Kansas University on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. He also ate his words.

Dugan Arnett’s quick hits

Four. That was the number of times Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman turned the ball over Saturday: three interceptions and a fumble at the goal line. Freeman, who entered the game with just five interceptions on the year, has now turned the ball over 13 times in three career games against the Jayhawks.

Top 25 roundup: Gator rout: No. 5 Florida flattens Georgia, 49-10

Tim Tebow accounted for five touchdowns, Percy Harvin scored twice, and revenge-minded Florida thumped No. 8 Georgia, 49-10, Saturday in one of the most anticipated matchups in the history of this storied rivalry..

Game balls & Gassers

¢ Jake Sharp didn’t carry the ball in the fourth quarter and still rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns and had 76 receiving yards in the game of his career.¢ James Holt blitzed effectively, played well in pass coverage and flew all over the field making sure tackles.¢ Russell Brorsen intercepted two passes from the defensive end position.

Lookin’ Sharp!

Salina back runs wild; KU dismantles KSU

Thanks largely to the marvels of modern technology, Jake Sharp did not have to wait long Saturday afternoon before the inevitable messages began to make their way, via high-frequency radio waves, into the junior running back’s cell phone.

FINAL: Sharp’s 4 TDs help KU to Sunflower blowout, 52-21

5:00 p.m. The audio interviews have been posted and can be found on the left side of this page. The most breaking news from KU coach Mark Mangino after the game was the announcement that linebacker Justin Springer is out for the year with the leg injury he suffered during the game.

Baker has opportunity to make ‘statement’ today

Is Baker University’s football team a contender? Or are the Wildcats merely a pretender? The answer is only hours away. Perennial NAIA powerhouse Missouri Valley will be in Baldwin City today, and BU has an opportunity to make a statement.

Weight-room work has worked for Taylor

When freshman Tyshawn Taylor arrived at Kansas University from New Jersey this summer, he had no problem showcasing his outgoing personality to his teammates. Put Taylor in front of anybody and he could likely hold an hour-long conversation without hesitation or any awkward, long-lasting silence.

Juco transfer Little has big expectations

The problem with being a Kansas University basketball player named Mario, especially in the wake of the events that transpired in last April’s Final Four, is that you have to be specific. Oftentimes when Mario Little, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound transfer guard, introduces himself by first name only to someone in Lawrence, he’ll get a funny look.

KU guard Appleton returns to practice after hip injury

Kansas University junior guard Tyrone Appleton, who has been nursing a hip-flexor injury since the end of basketball Boot Camp on Oct. 10, finally was cleared to practice full time on Thursday. “It was very tough sitting out, seeing my teammates go through the motions and not being able to do the stuff they do. Now that I’m back, it’s good,” Appleton, a 6-foot-2 transfer out of Midland (Texas) Community College, said Friday.

KU 24th in preseason poll

North Carolina No. 1 for second straight year

The Associated Press panel of media members ranked Kansas University’s basketball team No. 24 in the country on Friday - a day after ESPN/USA Today’s group of coaches tapped the Jayhawks one slot better at No. 23.”I’m excited to be ranked. I’d rather be ranked than not ranked,” KU coach Bill Self said after release of the AP poll that had North Carolina the first unanimous preseason No. 1 since the poll’s inception in 1981-82.

Morningstar feeling paternal

Though just a sophomore, guard has experience on his side

He’s only a sophomore, but Kansas University guard Brady Morningstar said he’s adopted a new role on this year’s basketball team. “I’m like a dad, I feel like,” Morningstar said with a smile. “I’ve been here three years, and I’m 22 years old, almost 23. A lot of guys are 18, 19 years old. Any time they need advice or anything, I just tell them to come to me.

Morris twins virtually indistinguishable

There are a couple of good ways to pinpoint the difference between Kansas University freshmen twins Marcus and Markieff Morris. A handful of current Jayhawks have got it down. “Markieff’s got a little lower voice,” sophomore guard Tyrel Reed said. “So I try to key in on that.”

Aggies confident leading up to Buffs

The vibe has changed around Texas A&M. Players and coaches said the team bonded and had its best practice week of the season leading up to the Oct. 18 game against Texas Tech. A&M lost, 43-25, but the new sense of unity stayed intact.

Veteran Collins willing to speak up

Sophomore sixth man Sherron Collins didn’t feel totally comfortable speaking up on the court and in the locker room last season. “We had guys older than me - juniors and seniors who were great players. It was not really my place,” said Collins, who deferred to the likes of starters Russell Robinson, Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, Darnell Jackson and Darrell Arthur.

MU soccer flogs KU, 6-0

Missouri scored three goals in each half to hand Kansas University its worst loss since the 1999 season, a 6-0 Tigers victory Friday at Walton Soccer Field. The Tigers improved to 13-5 overall and 7-3 in the Big 12, while KU fell to 11-7-1 and 4-5-1.

Thomas disputes Darnell likeness

Freshman forward lauds Jackson, but wants to be himself

No less an authority than Kansas University basketball coach Bill Self has compared KU newcomer Quintrell Thomas to one of the most beloved former Jayhawks in recent history. And as touched as Thomas is to be likened to Darnell Jackson, he isn’t sure it’s the compliment he’d hoped to hear coming off his coach’s tongue.

Tigers focused on Baylor

Dreams of a national championship dashed by consecutive losses, the Missouri Tigers have narrowed their focus. While the Big 12 North title and a return to the league’s championship game remain a very distinct possibility for the 14th-ranked Tigers, even that is more broad than coach Gary Pinkel wants his team to consider.

Releford in rush to deflect comparison

Travis Releford says he knows the comparisons to Brandon Rush are going to be there. He just doesn’t agree with them. “We are two different players,” the 6-foot-5 guard from Bishop Miege High School said. “He’s more of a shooter, I’m more of a slasher. There’s really no comparing.”

Bedore: Several Jayhawks banner-worthy

There are oh, so many things to love about Allen Fieldhouse, home of Kansas University basketball the past 53 years.In no particular order, there’s …¢ The limestone facade.¢ The quaint windows.¢ The videoboard.

Argh!: Tech-Texas a ‘big deal’

Red Raiders have chance to join national-title picture - if they beat Longhorns today

The eye patches will be out tonight in honor of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach. And yet, his No. 6 Red Raiders have a chance to turn their eccentric offensive wizard into something more than a conversation piece who has a penchant for pirates and a law degree.

Commentary: Brown, Leach have opposite styles

One off-hand question this week illustrated the differences in coaching style and personality between Texas’ Mack Brown and Mike Leach of Texas Tech. Just before his weekly news conference, Brown was asked if he had a backup long snapper to avoid a meltdown like that of the Pittsburgh Steelers against the New York Giants. Brown immediately identified Alex Zumberge.

Reed competitive on court, links

Sophomore working to improve defense, round out offense

There’s no lack of competitive spark in Tyrel Reed, even off the basketball court. When he’s not on the floor trying to improve his game, the Kansas University sophomore guard likes to hit the links. Golf is just another way for Reed to bond with his teammates.

Aldrich learned plenty as freshman

Soph not awed by surroundings

A year ago at this time, Cole Aldrich would look out on the court and discern little more than crimson-and-blue blurs. “When I got on campus, it was an eye-opener,” said Aldrich, Kansas University’s 6-foot-11, 245-pound sophomore from Bloomington, Minn. “I didn’t know people could run that fast.”

Teahan vows not to be gun-shy

Sharpshooter: 'I've never had a problem with that my entire life'

Memo to Kansas University basketball fans: You need not yell “shoot” when Conner Teahan touches the basketball this season. Teahan - who has been given the green light to fire from beyond the three-point arc from coach Bill Self - plans on doing just that without any prodding from the stands in this, his sophomore campaign.

Appleton remains a mystery

Making the transition from junior-college basketball to high Div. I ball presents a challenge even without any setbacks. For 6-foot-2, 203-pound combination guard Tyrone Appleton, it grew tougher when he missed practice time while nursing a hip flexor.

Title repeat quite a feat

Lure of NBA makes consecutive titles difficult

Winning back-to-back NCAA basketball championships is highly unlikely in this day and age of parity and one-and-dones to the NBA. Yet recent history reminds all it’s not unthinkable to clip the nets on college hoops’ biggest stage two years in a row.

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