Psst:hey, you. Come here I have a secret. Lean in close. I don’t want this getting around. Are you ready? The KU football team is for real. But whatever you do, don’t let anybody know. That’s because the Jayhawks work best under the cloak of anonymity, doing their best work under the radar of the overrated Big 12 north. On Saturday night, when puddles were still wet underneath the collective legs of Missouri and Kansas State, KU played its best football game in nearly a decade a 63-14 dismantling of Toledo. It wasn’t the score of the game that proved the Jayhawks’ might it was the way they did it. With 12 minutes left in the first half, KU led 42-0. In reality, it wasn’t really that close. However, when the national polls were released Sunday night, the 2-0 Jayhawks were as absent as Johnny Morton was against the Broncos. Among those in the “Others Receiving Votes” category in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll were Nebraska fresh off a home loss to Southern Miss and San Diego State, which is 1-0 after defeating Idaho State on September 4. While most teams would see the slight as an attack on their ability, the Jayhawks seem to enjoy their time outside the limelight. Off to a 2-0 start for the first time in seven years, Mark Mangino’s team draws confidence from a national lack of respect. “One of the reasons why we’re 2-0 is because our kids are hungry,” Mangino said. “They read the newspapers and magazines about how lousy they were. So our kids are hungry. They want to be successful.” Simply put, this is the best Jayhawk football team since 1995. Behind shifty running back John Randle who deserves at least 20 carries a game — KU should score points at will this season. And thanks to a defense that suddenly knows what it’s doing, the Jayhawks should be able to stop the occasional opponent, as well. Before the season, I predicted Team Mangino would win five games. Now, seven seems within reach. These guys are good. Just don’t tell anyone. We’ll keep it as our little secret.**Week Three Predictions (Last Week: 5-0, Season 7-1): Kansas 28, Northwestern 24:** Jayhawks pick up road win over a Wildcat team that lost to freaking Arizona State. **Panthers 20, Chiefs 14:** Carolina features a strong defense and talented receivers. Chiefs feature none of the above. **Free State 24, Shawnee Mission Northwest 13:** Bob Lisher’s team is improving at an alarming rate. The Firebirds pick up their first win of the season on the [Hy-Vee Game of the Week.][1] **Lawrence High 17, Shawnee Mission North 10:** Indians lost to Olathe South last week. That’s not a good omen for week three. **Upset Special: North Texas 35, Colorado 13.** The Mean Green puts KU in the driver’s seat of the Big 12 North.**Big Tex’s Picks (Romary Last Week: 3-2 (ugh!), Season 5-3): Kansas 31, Northwestern 21:** KU wins this game as long as Hurricane Ivan doesn’t make landfall in Evanston on Saturday. If you think I’m joking, you didn’t go to last years game between the Hawks and Cats. **Chiefs 27, Panthers 20:** A loss in the home opener after falling to Denver? I don’t think so. Bring on the defending NFC champs. Just do me a favor Gunther, let Steve Smith go wild! **Free State 17, Shawnee Mission Northwest 6:** Finally, a game on Friday night for the Firebirds. If that’s not reason enough to win your first game of the season, I don’t know what is. **Lawrence 10, Shawnee Mission North 17:** The Lions once again fall. But, they’ve made changes and are getting better. After this, watch LHS rip off 6 straight wins to win the district crown and head into the playoffs with some much needed mo. **Upset Special: Marshall 28, Georgia 24.** Last week, the Baylor Bears let me down. Of all teams, how could they win? Texas State must stink! Let’s go big time in week three. The Herd almost knocked off Ohio State in Columbus last week. Georgia struggled to win at USC. Plus, the Dawgs are looking ahead to LSU on the 25th! In addition, any team (Marshall), that almost beat the team (Troy), that beat the Missouri Tigers, gets the nod from me! [1]: http://www.6productions.com/sports_cal.html