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Kansas head football coach Mark Mangino and media members listen to a question during an interview session on the second of three Big 12 football media days today at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.
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Kansas takes the stage at Big 12 Media day
Mark Mangino, Darrell Stuckey, Mike Rivera and Todd Reesing lifted the curtain on the 2008 Jayhawks today in Kansas City at the Big 12 media days.
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2008 Big 12 Media Days
Mark Mangino, Darrell Stuckey, Mike Rivera and Todd Reesing lifted the curtain on the 2008 Jayhawks today in Kansas City at the Big 12 media days.
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KU at Big 12 Media Days
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Big 12 Media Days - Day 2 from Kansas City
The guys (Matt Tait, Eric Sorrentino and Dugan Arnett) talk about the action from the second day of the Big 12 Media Days, which featured Kansas, Kansas State, Colorado and Oklahoma State. The group examines the KU running back situation and offers opinions on how KU's defense ranks amongst the ...
Kansas City, Mo. — Everywhere Mark Mangino turned, they kept asking him about "expectations."
How do you get your guys prepared for the kind of expectations they're about to face?
What's it like going into a season with so many expectations surrounding your team?
Talk about the expectations that your team has after what it accomplished last year.
"We embrace those expectations," said Mangino, the Kansas University football coach. "Because there was a time when I first arrived here that there were no expectations for Kansas' football program."
Indeed. Entering a season in which "expectations" are at an all-time high and the team will look to battle for its first Big 12 championship in school history, Kansas football has never been bigger.
At least it seemed that way during Tuesday's Big 12 Media Days at Kansas City's Marriott Downtown.
All morning, dozens of reporters shoved microphones in Todd Reesing's face and scribbled down Mike Rivera's thoughts and laughed at Darrell Stuckey's jokes. They surrounded Mangino, the reigning national coach of the year, and threw out words like "arrived" and "over the hump."
On a day that also featured former conference powers Kansas State and Colorado, as well as Oklahoma State, the Jayhawks stole the show.
"I think there's really a buzz around Lawrence," said Reesing, who passed for 3,486 yards and 33 touchdowns as a sophomore. "People are excited about this football team and (about) what we can do after the success we had last year."
And the success, to be sure, has been sweet. Between recruiting bonuses ("We're at least able to make our pitch," Mangino said, "whereas some kids, a year ago, three years ago, wouldn't even pay attention to us") and attendance boosts ("In passing, some administrators have told me sales are going extremely well"), the Jayhawks can now consider themselves, at least for the moment, among the conference's elite programs.
"We won't be underestimated," is how safety Darrell Stuckey put it. "I know that for a fact."
There are questions, of course, on the eve of this heavily anticipated season. Who will replace former 1,000-yard running back Brandon McAnderson? What will become of the defense following the departure of two all-Americans and a top-of-the-line defensive coordinator? How will a beefed-up schedule affect the team's final record?
But on Tuesday morning, in a ballroom full of reporters, the focus among players seemed to rest on a return to prominence in 2008.
"We want to be in that situation," senior linebacker Mike Rivera said.
"We wanted to have a great year last year, and we want to have a great year this year. We have a lot of big games this year, and we're going to have a lot of big challenges.
"But that's what we want."
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Jayhawks look for help from hometown KC crowd November 20, 2008
Comments
plasticJHawk (anonymous) says...
Look Dugan, if you think the Reesing for Heisman campaign was brief, then you clearly haven't had that conversation with Tom Keegan. Yes, it started in week 1 in flawless blowout victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas
July 22, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teejhawk00 (anonymous) says...
I am now quite ready for football season. The season officially begins for me at the Big 12 media days. I am so excited about the possibility of playing two straight games in Arrowhead (Mizzou game and Big 12 Championship game). Here's hoping for a Cotton Bowl or higher and lets go get'em boys!
July 22, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
King_Kaun (anonymous) says...
Agreed. I cannot WAIT until football season!! January was SOOOO long ago...
GO KU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 22, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
teejhawk00 (anonymous) says...
Why is the Big 12 using our old helmet (by 2 years I believe)? Can we not get an updated helmet for the table? Great shot of Coach Mangino. He always has the look on his face of "I can't wait to get the hell out of here" whenever he is doing these events.
July 22, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JayViking (anonymous) says...
Good stuff but you might want to patch up the article.
July 22, 2008 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sevenyearhawk (anonymous) says...
Coach Mangino ...
THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!!!
July 22, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nutflush21 (anonymous) says...
GoBadgers- Doogie also went to missery just like you. Another reason to pile on him...
July 22, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
100 (anonymous) says...
KU players -- Missouri fans on ESPN websites are cracking up (mocking you and Mangino and his staff) that an ESPN writer has predicted you guys to go 11-2. ''ha ha ha'' (among other explitives) is what they are writing. Show these fake football fans what you're made of this year, each and every game. Every game is winnable this year, especially if your fire is lit. Let their mockery (of you and the Coaching staff) fuel all of you this season, through the championship game until you're holding the big trophy. You can and you will. Rock Chalk!
July 22, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wcormode (anonymous) says...
I think it is hilarious that the Mizery fans think they are winning the championship. I think they are looking at a KSuck like collapse
July 22, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ohioburg (anonymous) says...
Does Reesing's looks remind anyone else of Favre?
July 22, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GoBadgers (anonymous) says...
No.
July 22, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...
I think Kansas will go 8-4 (including 4-4 in the Big 12 North). Sorry, folks, but unless they can beat a Big 12 South team on the schedule and figure out a way to beat Mizzou, a .500 conference mark is the best I can see them going. But hey, we will be in a bowl game in back to back seasons for the first time in school history.
July 22, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fabio (anonymous) says...
jhwkfan-We play 5 North games, 3 South games, and 4 non conferences games. There is a link to our schedule up top on the left.
July 22, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rockingthechalk (anonymous) says...
um, they only play 5 games in the B12 north. Do you mean 4-4 in conference play? Curiously, who do you have them losing to jhwkfan162515? It sounds like you're saying OU, Texas, Texas Tech, and mizzboo. But you're confident in a win in South Florida? And at Nebraska?
Did the magic 8 ball give you this information?
July 22, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stravinsky (anonymous) says...
I think we can definitely beat texas, and should be able to win at least one out of the three of Texas tech, OU, and mizzou. Hoping to win 3 out of the 4 is hoping for some great luck. Which is something to hope for. I'd like to see it, but I'd be pleased with 2 wins out of those four tough games.
July 22, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
trojanhawk (anonymous) says...
We'll beat Tejas. Think of how many players we have from the Lonestar State who want to kill the Horns.
July 23, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhawk23 (anonymous) says...
11-0 heading into Arrowhead isn't unreasonable:
a) Close game at USF, but 'Hawks will eke out a win.
b) KU gets OU the week after the Red River game, and will benefit in the form of a beat-up Sooners team that is on an "emotional game" hangover. Further, does anyone else have the sneaking suspicion that Stoops doesn't take Mangino seriously yet?
c) KU gets TT and Texas at home. KU is headed for another record season for ticket sales, and the crowd will make the difference. Plus, KU fans, players, and coaches haven't forgotten the 2004 game that was stolen on a phantom offensive pass interference call. Revenge and lack of respect will be huge motivators for KU against Texas. Tech will be the tougher of these two games, because that matchup doesn't carry the extra "revenge" motivation.
July 23, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rivethead (anonymous) says...
Mangino and Stoops are still very good friends and talk all the time. Stoops absolutely takes Mangino seriously. OU will be ready for that game - ignoring the fact that it is KU, it'll be a home game vs a ranked team.
July 23, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KGphoto (anonymous) says...
You guys are Debbie Downers. All of the sudden we can't beat South teams? What's this 8-4 crap? We proved we can play with anybody last year. We lost a couple of good players, but we are becoming a reload team. Talib wasn't an All American before he got here. Collins wasn't All-Conference. New players will become great. Watch out for Chris Harris. Mortensen should be All-American. One of the many new O-lineman like Marrongelli will step right in. I can't wait to see what Briscoe does this year.
12-0 is the only goal after 11-1.
This is the year we stomp the south.
July 23, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KGphoto (anonymous) says...
Okay, your not ALL downers.
jhawk23, you make some great points. The 2004 Texas game highlights should be played in the locker room, and on the big screen on the field before the game. Do that, and it could be a route.
July 23, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
troutsee (anonymous) says...
I agree with the ESPN guy--10-2 during regular season and with a bowl win--11-2. We will beat UT and MU.
Come on FB season. I'm ready!!!!!!!!
July 23, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ESUjayhawk (anonymous) says...
You are all forgetting about the B12 Championship game and bowl game... 14-0
July 23, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
txrockchalk (anonymous) says...
ESU - I like the cut of your jib! However, I think 11-2 is more realistic.
July 23, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grantmvb (anonymous) says...
The comments fans have from this ESPN article are just laughable:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/big12/0-1-...
This team needs to keep there heads high and stay grounded. KU football can accomplish greatness with this approach. From the sounds of our media day that's exactly what we've done thus far!
July 23, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...
I don't have much to go by except that our record against the South all-time is very poor, especially since the inception of the Big 12, and that we have lost several key players from our Orange Bowl team. Mangino himself said in an article for ESPN that none of the games we won last year are going to help us win any games this year. So until they prove me wrong (and I love seeing my favorite team prove me wrong, by the way), I'm sticking with 8-4 (4-4 Big 12 North).
July 23, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mcrozb (anonymous) says...
All the returning players is a plus. Even one of the players not returning is a plus, our new kicker could make a big difference, and possibly would have made the difference at arrowhead last year !!!
Rock Chalk Champion-Hawk !!!!!
July 23, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
feedback71 (anonymous) says...
jhwkfan162515,
Don't forget that KU had a very poor Big 12 record before last year. Also, as for B12 road games, they had only won 1 or 2(?) prior to last year. In my view, KU had been on the cusp in the past but poor play and/or injuries (mainly at the QB position) held them back from improving upon this. It is my opinion that as long as Reesing stays healthy, this team will do very well again this year. My prediction is 9-10 regular season wins.
July 23, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vmwskywalk (anonymous) says...
10 wins is definately not out of the question. I love the fact that we SHOULD be either 5-1 or 6-0 going into the Oklahoma game. Nothing better than a bigtime game on a bigtime stage!
July 23, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansaspike (anonymous) says...
Doogie everyone, his name is Doogie.
What I want more than anything, is for the Big 12 North to be on the line again at Arrowhead. We'll have the experience to come out of the gate this year.
....getting juiced for college FB season!!
July 23, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
littlerichard (anonymous) says...
Mangino's teams have played everybody in the conference tough since 2004. And that was with Barmann/Luke at QB, Nick Quartero and many holes in the 2-deep. Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech have never played THIS Jayhawk football team. They better be ready.
July 23, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KGphoto (anonymous) says...
jhwkfan162515 is sticking with 4-4 in the North.
July 23, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tis4tim (anonymous) says...
Though I can't stand him, Mel Kiper has pegged the South Florida game as one of the top games of the YEAR in college football. If we get that one, we could very well be 6-0 heading into the game with Oklahoma.
If we get adequate protection from our new tackles, Meier blossoms as a receiver, if Reesing stays healthy, and if Crawford steps in and gets production in place of McAnderson, 9-3 looks extremely doable.
Of course, 12-0 or 11-1 would look much better.
July 23, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KGphoto (anonymous) says...
The only game I doubt is at Oklahoma.
Matt Grothe is a fine quarterback in South Florida, but he's declined in every category since we beat them in 2006.
The running game woes against Fizzou won't happen again. That was a fluke. Besides, you got the feeling that KU was seriously tense due to the pressure of the national attention. They loosened up, albeit too late. This year they'll be loose. (Don't forget, Misery lost players too. Franklin, Rucker and Tony Temple won't be replaced. That's about 2,600 yards of total offense and 25 TDs. Nothing to sneeze at.) KU 42, MU 24.
76 points against a pathetic Nebraska defense, not a fluke. I don't expect 76 in Lincoln, but that game wasn't as close as the final score indicated. KU controlled that game like a herd dog controls a flock.
Texas lost Limus Sweed, Jamal Charles, a couple of great linemen and their tight end. KU 35, Texas 21.
Even though Oklahoma seems to reload better than anybody, losing Malcom Kelly, Curtis Lofton and Reggie Smith is a hit. A victory here is not impossible. In fact it could be the buff on a crazy diamond season.
July 23, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stravinsky (anonymous) says...
I dont understand all the worry about the run game. I think our new tackles will be fine, they wont be AC, but they'll be fine. And about McAnderson being tough to replace? Remember, we're replacing a career fullback with the Juco offensive player of the year. I think Jocque will be able to step in nicely. And he's big, I think he'll have no problem being his own blocker.
July 23, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KGphoto (anonymous) says...
I think you're right stravinsky. I like these O-line recruits, and Crawford sounds formidable. (though I haven't seen him run). But my biggest concern about the up-coming season is that McAnderson was a magical piece to the orange puzzle, much like Reesing. I mean, who knew?
I don't know why he blossomed into a running back so fluidly. My hope is that the success of McAnderson, Reesing, Talib, Collins and the whole team, was a conjuring of Mangino's sceptor, and not just dumb luck.
I'm not a gambler, but I think it's the sceptor.
July 23, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
txrockchalk (anonymous) says...
Here are a couple of KU football articles from the KC Star for those who are interested:
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/colu...
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/colu...
July 23, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansaspike (anonymous) says...
Nice pub for KU bb and Phog Allen Fieldhouse right now on the front of si.com
Pretty impressive that nobody else in college bb mentioned in top 5 eh?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008...
July 23, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KGphoto (anonymous) says...
nice link pike.
July 23, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhwkfan162515 (anonymous) says...
Yes, 8-4 (4-4 conference) remains my prediction, but I am ready to eat my words - no, be force-fed my words - if the Hawks do better than that. And trust me, I hope that they do.
July 23, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kirk (anonymous) says...
KU won at Stillwater and College Station last year. Forget about sucking on the road, and sucking against South teams.
I see KU losing 2 conference games. Not four.
July 23, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rockchalk_dpu (anonymous) says...
Did anyone notice that MU wore their Cotton Bowl rings to Media Days and KU didn't sport their OB bling? Just an observation that goes along with HCMM's statements that last year isn't going to get us anything this year. I like the fact that we aren't relying on past results for future success. Just like in golf, good or bad shot, the only thing that matters is the next shot/hole.
Let me know what you think.
RCJ
July 23, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )