It's not easy trying to forget an unforgettable season.
But that's the approach Kansas must take after going 12-1 last season with a victory against Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.
The only way for the Jayhawks to successfully follow their breakthrough season is not to dwell on the past. Sure, they should use the run, which included a 7-1 mark in the Big 12, to build confidence, yet not get carried away.
"We are just trying not to get complacent and know that we have to work hard to get where we were last year," said cornerback Chris Harris, the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2007. "We are not even talking about last year, because it is a new year. We just have to rebuild."
Fortunately for the Jayhawks, the process isn't altogether complex with 15 starters back. Nine returnees on defense will make the promotion to coordinator easier on Clint Bowen, who takes over that unit after veteran Bill Young left for Miami.
More playmakers must be found on offense, though junior Todd Reesing returns at quarterback after successfully orchestrating the no-huddle spread Kansas incorporated last season when it ranked second nationally in points (42.8) and ninth in yards (479.8).
For the Jayhawks to operate as smoothly in 2008 could take a miracle. They were the third-least penalized team in the country a year ago and also led the nation with a plus-21 turnover margin.
Still, the confident efficiency Reesing brought to the team cannot be overlooked. Even with new skill players surrounding him, he figures to again provide a winning spark, while the defense could be even better as long as the Jayhawks replace two All-Americans, cornerback Aqib Talib and defensive tackle James McClinton.
The biggest key during the offseason, however, is not to forget the humble backdrop that enveloped Kansas football prior to last season. It was then that critics appropriately questioned the job security of coach Mark Mangino, whose BCS response pads his record to 37-36 entering his seventh season.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, the Salty Iguana in Independence, MO held their annual Iguana Races this afternoon. Coach Bill Self made an appearence there earlier in the day. The Final Four racing iguanas were named Home Depot, Carl Peterson, Frank Martin and Mark Mangino. Home Depot and Carl Peterson were blown out in the semifinal races. Track pundits commented that Carl Peterson had
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Seventeen Division I-A football programs face penalties for failing to graduate enough players, the NCAA announced Tuesday with the release of its Academic Progress Rates.
Orange Bowl champion Kansas and <a href="http://w
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I know he didn't get drafted, but has anyone heard if he got signed as a free agent?? He is a bit smallish for DT at the next level, but you figure someone will give him a look.
I'm ready for another exciting Jayhawk football season. I think we have a pretty good chance of winning the Big 12 title this year. Any predictions on how well KU will do this season?
Hi I just want to ask you guys what kind of player Marcus Henry is because the Jets drafted him this weekend and we all dont really know much about him. that would be great.
First off let me say that I am in no way a USF fan. I actually don't like them at all. But here in FL people are starting to talk about the early season match up with Kansas. Obviously living in FL the views are heavily slanted. What do the Kansas fans think? Is this even an exciting game for you?
May 3rd, 2008 on the Gator Football homepage will be the first annual fan smack-off. Fans from all over CBSSportsline.com are invited to join a special thread being set-up which will be titled "Smack-off" to talk your best smack at your bitterest rival. Auburn v. Alabama, Michigan v. OSU, USC v. UCLA, Kansas v. Missouri, we'll have it all. We are
Who else is ready for college football . My jayhawks are going to be good and i don't care what mu,cu,or,ksu fans said they better get ready for the storm . ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS GO KU. oya any one want see the hawks they have their spring game april 12 at 1:00 these hawks will be soaring to new heights this year
And I ain't no bandwagon bitch either. I am in my second year of high school and have basically already chosen to go to KU. So, go Hawks!!! I'll be their in 2010 to cheer you on! (and maybe try to walk no to the team?)
Wasn't that great seeing Reesing pulling that grass out of his helmet after being swallowed up by our "D"?
I'll admit your guys never gave up, but they still lost after getting all the calls to go your way. Wish we could play again, I think it would be worse.
