Great publicity. And a jinx.Sports Illustrated is putting the Kansas football team on the cover of its popular magazine this week, a shot of utility man Kerry Meier [ catching his touchdown][1] in last week’s 45-7 victory over Iowa State. The words “Dream season (so far)” are underneath. Of course, SI will now get 100 percent of the blame if Missouri wins Saturday’s game. The SI cover jinx has been the subject of research in the past, and now KU football is another example to dissect.But it’s a good problem to have.**Now, the nuts and bolts** of Tuesday’s press conference:**- KU coach Mark Mangino was asked** if he’s confident that left tackle Anthony Collins would be able to play after sitting out the Iowa State game.”Am I confident of that? I’m not absolutely confident of that,” Mangino said. “I feel pretty good about the prospects of him playing.”**- Obviously, KU is facing perhaps** the best offense in the nation in Missouri, a team that has scored 30 every single week this season.Cornerback Aqib Talib, who played against the Vince Young-led Texas offense in 2005, took it a step further.”This is one of the best offenses I’ve seen since I’ve been watching football,” Talib said. “They’re just nice. From the tight end to the wideouts to the line to the quarterback to the running back.”** – Players of the week** for the Iowa State game were: Dexton Fields and Kerry Meier on offense, Chris Harris on defense and Justin Springer on special teams. [1]: http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2007/11/20/SICover_112607_Kansas.jpg