South Florida Live Thread in the Forum

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Game Preview: KU vs South Florida

 

Photo: www.annependleton.com

Hawk Digest Newsletter #2 PDF -- USF 2008
(all issues located here)

Series: KU 1-0
Time: September 12, 7:00 p.m. (CT)
Venue: Raymond James Stadium (65,857) Location: Tampa, Fla.
TV: ESPN2
Line: South Florida (-3.5)

Most Recent Meetings:
2006 KU 13, South Florida 7

Hawk Digest Preseason Capsule on South Florida

The Rundown
Well, the secret little playoff game in Tampa Bay gets under way tonight on ESPN2 and though the national media is passing on this one, the winner really should move to the fringe of national title talk. For KU, the pattern continues you on -- you have to keep winning to get respect. For Mark Mangino and the Jayhawks, respect is now defined as being discussed on national TV as a team that will eventually get exposed. We have to continue winning to keep that going, but you set 'em up, we'll knock 'em down. Really, the pressure is on USF tonight because teams that lose to Kansas get tossed on the scrap heap.

The Key
USF has a great run defense, so it's tough to expect KU to get things rolling there tonight. Especially considering that FIU and LA Tech have somewhat proven the strategy at least slows the Hawks down by holding KU under their home scoring average. The Jayhawk wideouts have looked good so far, but they'll have to deal with a much bigger secondary tonight. Still if the receivers are game and Reesing can spread the ball around the field early on, I think the run game will start to open up in the second half. We like to create tight, physical games on the road and I suspect we'll use Angus Quigley as a punisher tonight. We've really got to run at George Selvie to get some hits in and take his wind away on the pass rush. On the other side of the ball, we'd clearly like to limit Matt Grothe's running ability. We've obviously got the defense to do that, but he seems to get his yards each week. This will be a nice challenge for the senior LBs.

The Bullets

• Pass conference? Angus Quigley is seventh on the list of Big 12 rushers at 65.5 yards per game. If he could push that over 70 this week, he could possibly jump up to fourth
• Todd Reesing ranks second in the conference in passing yards per game (334). Graham Harrell is at 416.5
• Kerry Meier leads the Big 12 with 18 catches 
• Dezmon Briscoe is averaging 100.5 yards per game (fourth in conference) 
• Daymond Patterson is averaging 20.6 yards per punt return to lead the Big 12 
• Phillip Strozier is tied for the conference lead with four passes defended 
• Tim Biere is now listed as the Jayhawks #1 tight end. Last week though, KU opened with four wideouts
• Kansas leads the nation in pass efficiency defense at 51.84
• KU is 4-8 vs ranked teams in the Mark Mangino era.
  
• KU has won four straight road games.
  
• The Hawks have won eight-in-a-row against non-conference opponents, but this is the first true road game during that streak
• Last non-con loss was that 2006 road game against Toledo (31-37 2OT)  

"Everybody always says we play cupcakes and stuff. This is a respect game for us. We want to prove that we should be ranked even higher."
--Chris Harris, Kansas cornerback

Brand New Big 12 Predict-O-Scores - Week #3

The week we unveil the Hawk Digest Predict-O-Score results developed in the HD summer R&D lab. The Predict-O-Score VIC-20 supercomputer has never been wrong. Of course, it's also never been tested before, but let's fire this sucker up with a few of the BCS match-ups for the Big 12 this week:

Kansas 29, @ South Florida 27
Vegas line is USF -3.5

Oklahoma 34, @ Washington 27
Vegas line is OU -20.5

Iowa State 17, @ Iowa 27
Vegas line is Iowa -13.5

Washington State 30, @ Baylor 26
Vegas line is now PICK EM (Baylor opened at -5)

Yes, the Predict-O-Score Computer picked three out of four road games. Results are absolutely not guaranteed.

Credit: c.j.b (Flickr CC)

Update on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 08:47AM by DJ Goodwin

The Predict-O-Score got off to a pretty mediocre going 2-2. The KU/USF game almost produced a nice 3-1 record, but that's how it goes.

As a spread-beater, the P-O-S fared no better at 2-2 -- way off on both the OU and Baylor games. Let's see how the VIC-20 fares next week before we start kicking it around. 

Are You Ready For South Florida?

This might help.

Sound and the Fury: South Florida + Rip His (censored) Head Off

Credit: davierae (Flickr CC)

What concerns you most about the matchup with South Florida?
Brian Hanni and David Lawrence tipped me off to this factor. USF is very tall all across the defense -- including the secondary (6-1, 6-4, 6-2, 6-0). Of course, we know that a tall defensive line means -- the o-line has to create lanes for Todd Reesing. However, the bigger concern is that the Bulls could go ahead and stack the box like FIU and LA Tech to stop the run. Those teams fell to KU, but they held the Jayhawks well under their scoring average, so the strategy isn't necessarily a failure.

That leaves the USF secondary matched up in a lot of one-on-one with our talented wide receiver unit. Bigger DBs means more tie-ups at the line. So, as high as I am on our young set of wide receivers, I think their challenge this week will be escaping their cover man in individual matchups. If they can do that, we are good. It'll be a nice test and great experience for the OU game.

Also, consider that USF may be able to slow our running game with just a base defense. Stopping the run is what they do. Oregon went crazy on them last year in the bowl game (353) but prior to that they were only allowing 112 yards on the ground per game (131 ave after Oregon). In our 2006 game with the Bulls, they held us to our second lowest output of the year at 118 yards and our lowest ypc of 3.4. That was of course, the year of Jon Cornish.

Still, I like what Angus Quigley has been doing and I expect improvement in the run game this week. I also think rotating three backs will be good for Jocques Crawford as you sometimes gain perspective from the sideline.

What's your take on the students' profanity laced kickoff cheer?
The lady that sat next to me for the FIU game asked me what the students were chanting. I told her. She seemed pretty offended. I guess it's the profanity, because no one has any problems with the "hit 'em again, harder, harder" cheer. I suppose it's not the best example of sportsmanship out there, but it is college and there is a certain level of rowdiness that all students feel the need to strive for -- I mean D-Day, Otter and Bluto set the bar pretty high. I say it's all in good fun and on occasion in life you'll be exposed to a little profanity from young kids. Try to not to let it bother you.

One thing though, I believe in the tradition of Michigan hockey, the students are supposed to add another line or word to the phrase each year -- sort of a senior class gift.

Why do I have to see a Kansas State Ringtones ad everytime I come to Hawk Digest?
For the love of all that is sacred and holy isn't that about the most disappointing item to see each day as you tune into the only website on Earth dedicated solely to Kansas Jayhawk football. It's a necessary "evil" though. Google ads key off of words in the site and "Kansas" and "football" conjure up the old KSU ringtone ad. Evidently the Wildcat fans are still into buying ringtones. Good for them, we need the revenue here ... hoping to hit 100k this year. NOTE -- You can get Nebraska ringtones on the Big 12 Portal page. 

KU vs Louisiana Tech Chart Breakdown

We added the full table of stats this week as well (at the bottom). The main thing that jumped out at me is that maybe we were a little predictable running on 21 of 31 first down plays and passing 13 of 14 plays on third down. Of course, nine of those third downs were long yardage, plus as Mark Mangino said you might as well take what they give you.

 

  

Around the Big 12: Week #2

It was a perfect 12-0 week against non-BCS competition for the conference. This week the Big 12 needs to back up the talk as five teams will engage BCS competition (UT/Arkansas, OU/Washington, KU@USF, ISU@Iowa, Baylor/Wash St).

Big 12 vs BCS: 2-1
Big 12 vs All: 22-2

1-Oklahoma (2-0) #1, s = 81
At 21-14 it looked like a game at the half, but OU poured it on after the break and beat up on a pretty good Cincinnati team. I'd move the Sooners up a spot if I could. At Washington next week.
(HD rank 1-1)

2-Missouri (2-0) #6, s = 102
The Tiggers played an exhibition against SE Missouri and did what thye had to do. The result was an expected score of 52-3. The KC Star mentioned continued difficulty in pass coverage though. Nevada and Buffalo visit Columbia before MU heads to Lincoln for a "real" test.
(HD rank 2-2)

3-Kansas (2-0) #10, s = 17
Todd Reesing and his merry band of wideouts are on schedule. We'd like to see a running game, but it seems to get better in the fourth quarter when #22 carries the ball. Defense is solid, but we'd like to know more about the injuries. The Jayhawks head to South Florida now for a huge one. A lot to gain for the Jayhawks and the Big 12.
(HD rank 3-3)

4-Texas (2-0) #9, s = 46
UT gets a 42-13 over UTEP (0-2) and Colt McCoy is off to a nice start with a 7 to 1 TD to INT ratio. The Longhorns will get a much better measuring stick when Arkansas visits this Saturday.
(HD rank 4-4)

5-Texas Tech (2-0) #12, s = 105
Nevada racked up 488 yards of total offense, but the Tech defense was stout in the red zone. That could build confidence going forward. Graham Harrell was a little off as he hit just 19 of 46 and had two picks (297 yds). Home dates with SMU and UMASS are next. After a bye, the Red Raiders open Big 12 play at KSU.
(HD rank 5-5)

6-Oklahoma State (2-0) #34, s = 63
The Cowboys put up some big offensive numbers in their 56-37 win over Houston (1-1). The Cougars led 16-14 at the half but OSU had a 28-point outburst in the third quarter and ended up with 699 total yards! Home dates with Missouri St and Troy with a bye week between are up next. OSU hosts A&M for their Big 12 opener.
(HD rank 6-6)

7-Nebraska (2-0) #53, s = 6
The 35-12 win over San Jose St looks good in print, but this game was actually 14-12 in the early part of the fourth quarter before the Huskers got serious. The best news is that the NU defense had a three-and-out in the fourth quarter. That's a pretty big step in the right direction, so I bumped the Huskers up over Colorado. New Mexico St is next, then the Huskers will take two weeks to prepare for Virginia Tech.
(HD rank 8-7)

8-Colorado (2-0) #49, s =91
The Buffs win 31-24 over Eastern Washington, but this one was far from under control. The Buffs were down 21-7 at the half and got the winning score on an INT TD return with 1:44 left. That was after tying the game with just 2:05 left. Most teams like to relax a bit before taking on FSU and West Virginia, but hopefully, the bye will will help.
(HD rank 7-8)

9-Kansas State (2-0) #63, s = 64
Party like it's 1998! The Cats roll Montana St 69-10. Hey, the Buffs would have taken it back in 2006. KU fans don't believe it, but it is possible that Josh Freeman might be good. The Cats travel to Louisville for a Wednesday nighter (9/17).
(HD rank 9-9)

10-Iowa State (1-0) #82, s = 104
Progress is measured pretty easily here. The Clones knock off Kent State 48-28 one year after letting the Golden Flashes push them around in Ames (23-14 in 2007). At Iowa (2-0 vs Maine, FIU) this Saturday.
(HD rank 10-10)

11-Baylor (1-1) #85, s = 3
Northwestern St was just what Art Briles needed. The Bears roll 51-6. Washington State comes to Waco on Saturday. We'll see if anything was learned from the Wake Forest experience.
(HD rank 11-11)

12-Texas A&M (0-1) #89, s = 72
The Aggies get a 28-22 road win against New Mexico. The starting QB goes down and A&M improves -- what does that mean? After a bye week, Miami (FLA) comes to town.
(HD rank 12-12)

# = CBS Sportsline Rank

s = CBS Strength of Schedule 

Inside the Tent: Kansas 29, Louisiana Tech 0

 

"I think Coach Mangino summed it up well after the game when he talked about how mental toughness defines character and defines a man.  The play defines me as human being and how willing I was to throw everything out there for my team.  It was important for us to get a shutout and for us to stop them from scoring.   I thought if I made a play we could stop them from scoring and we did." 
--Darrell Stuckey on "The Tackle"

From Row 46

• I'm going to go ahead and tell you that Darrell Stuckey is going to be one of my Monte Cozzens Award winners at the end of the season. Rarely does a player earn that honor this early in the season, but Stuckey secured with that incredible two-play series. It just doesn't happen. Ninety-nine out of 100 players give up on that play. Plus, it's not like he was chasing down a tight end or something -- we're talking about a 4.4 Phillip Livas here. Follow that up with a cut-down in the backfield for a four-yard loss that says, "YOU WILL NOT SEE OUR ENDZONE TODAY!!!!!" ... The man had 10 tackles. Darrell Stuckey for president. Period.
  
• This is really old news, but it should be mentioned again ... Daymond Patterson for Heisman.
  
• Unless of course, you want to give it to The Breeze (Dezmon). The 48-yard highlight reel TD in the third quarter was a lot of fun. Let's do more of those.
  
• That's right ... 11 straight home wins
  
• Jacob Branstetter's 28-yard field goal on the first drive represented the first time KU scored on an opening drive since the 2006 KSU game
  
• By the way, I guess Branstetter is our placekicker now. Good job on the fields goals. We won't mention that other thing.
  
• The 5.5 yards per carry that the KU defense allowed is a little alarming; however, if you take out the 78-yard Livas run the average comes down to the expected 2.69.
  
• The near capacity crowd of 48,621 was pretty impressive despite the nasty little rain. Still, the Jayhawk walk is getting old fast. You can't win with these lightweights. Gotta get home so we can get up for church. Move the game up and they can't handle the heat. I think we may need to put our fanbase through training camp.
  
• Todd Reesing ... 32 of 38 for 412 yards and three TDs. Okay, we're going to have to have extra Heismans this year.
  
• Briscoe (146) and Patterson (130) both went over 100 yards. I like it alot. Kerry Meier had nine more catches.
  
• So we were putting the blame for the running game on the tackles. Exhibit A for Angus Quigley -- 15 carries, 86 yards and a 5.6 ypc average. More Angus pleas.
  
• FAN QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Now I gotta go take down a wet tent. That'll be fun."

Saturday Chatter | Newsletter Launch

Today, I'm releasing the first Hawk Digest Newsletter in PDF form. It's been a long-term goal to put together a weekly PDF during the season. The idea was just something fans could print out with a roster and starting line-up for game day. In theory, it's not too big of a deal. Throw together the standings, game schedules, rosters, line-ups, stats, etc. and drop it on the net for download. In practice, it takes a pretty good effort. KUathletics.com already offers several nice PDFs, but I thought we could consolidate it a bit. You'll find material posted on the HD site in the newsletter plus more. It's certainly not perfect and I'll be improving the design and tweaking the look throughout the season. Feedback is appreciated via the comments button below.

Hawk Digest Newsletter #1 PDF Download

(also can be found on the HD Newsletter link at the top of the site)

Now for our regularly scheduled Saturday Chatter info ...

Media Watch

Brian Hanni did an interview with Lee Corso this week on KLWN 1320. Corso continued to bash the Hawks for a "weak" schedule in 2007 and generally appeared to be un-informed about the 2008 KU squad. He spent most of the interview harping on how great Mizzou is -- occasionally referencing KU's tough schedule. Hanni noted after the interview that Corso appeared to be a little more "read up" on Missouri here in the early part of the year.

Mark Mangino mentioned that punt return skills were "just part of the story" for Daymond Patterson on his TV show this week. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book.

"The win over Mississippi State was probably one of the top two or three home wins in Joe Aillet Stadium history. Although MSU wasn't ranked, they had SEC caliber players across the board and were the more talented team overall. However, Tech outplayed them on special teams and were very opportunistic on defense. MSU had a vaunted defensive line, which got pressure, but did not get a sack on Tech's Taylor Bennett."
Jimmy Watson / Shreveport Times -- from an interview with KJ-IBT

"Phillip Livas is a one-man highlight show. You'll enjoy seeing him play. He had a big game last year against LSU and was a game-changer against MSU last Saturday. P.J. is a guy who can hurt you in a number of ways ... strong runner, good receiver out of the backfield and an excellent kick returner. Shane Womack, Philip Beck and Cruz Williams are a couple of other offensive playmakers who could make a difference."
Jimmy Watson / Shreveport Times -- from an interview with KJ-IBT

Jayhawk Quotes This Week

Mark Mangino -- On the Louisiana Tech defense:
“I think they are pretty sound fundamentally and assignment-wise. Their kids get where they need to be. Rarely on tape could you see them have an alignment bust on defense. They have corners that are good players that allow them to do things with their safeties and linebackers. They just play good fundamental football; the kind of football that coaches like to see.”

Ryan Cantrell -- On the team’s running game:
“Every team is going to try and key in on our run game. If you look at the stats from last year, you will see that the team went as our running game went. We have to run the ball, and I think that will be a major emphasis this week as we go and get prepared.”

Joe Mortensen -- On what the defense needs to improve upon:
“We want go get more turnovers. We are trying to lead the nation in turnovers. We got three last week, so four or five would be nice this week. We also want to get some big hits.”

Jake Laptad -- On the possibility of looking ahead to South Florida:
“I think it is pretty easy to stay concentrated, Coach Mangino keeps us level so we don’t get a big head.  So I think we are always really concentrated for the next game and the next game is always the most important game, as he always says, so we just try to focus on that. The next game.”

Caleb Blakesly -- On Louisiana Tech:
“I think Louisiana Tech is going to provide some challenges overall.  So far what we have seen on them they look like a pretty good team.  They beat Mississippi State.  They started the season out strong.  They come in with a lot of confidence and some momentum.  They have some real good skilled guys.  They look good as a team, but it is going to be the same as every other game.  We prepare and get ready for them like everyone else.”

Click here for more quotes from KUathletics.com 

Game Day Preview: KU vs Louisiana Tech

Photo: www.annependleton.com

Series: Tied 1-1
Time: 6:00 p.m.
TV: FSN
Line: KU (-20.5)

Most Recent Meetings
2005 KU 34, LA Tech 14
1987 LA Tech 16, KU 11

The Rundown
After holding Florida International to just 2.5 yards per rush last week, the KU defensive line will step up from Sun Belt talent to WAC level talent when they take on Louisiana Tech tomorrow night. Throw in the fact that your talking about a WAC team that just knocked off SEC middleweight Mississippi State 22-14 last week and you like this matchup as a measuring stick for the d-line. Sure, most KU fans are focused solely on that offensive right tackle position and whether or not Jeremiah Hatch can help get the running game on track. That's a legitimate concern as well, but after last year, I have faith that Ed Warriner and John Reagan will get that worked out. So, that get us back to the d-line. If we want to play with the high-flying offenses of the Big 12, we need to improve over last year (minus James McClinton). Another solid game by the front line on defense will give us a peak into how far the Jayhawks can go in 2008.

The Key
From what I've heard, I guess the key is stopping Louisiana Tech's version of Daymond Patterson -- Phillip Livas. He wears #6 and is listed at 5-7/170 on the Tech website, but everyone has been raving about him all week. Evidently, Georgia Tech transfer QB Taylor Bennett can whip it around the field. That'll be a nice challenge for the secondary, though the word is the LA Tech wideouts actually struggled last week. RB Patrick Johnson is both a good runner and receiver.

The Bullets

• KU has been ranked 11 straight weeks in the AP poll. The longest streak ever for KU football
• KU has a 10-game home winning streak rolling right now
• Last week's 40-point performance was KU's lowest home output since the 39-20 victory over KSU in 2006 
• KU is 12-2 in the last 14 games played as an AP ranked team 
• Should Daymond Patterson be looking for Charles Gordon's freshman receptions record of 57? 
• All indications are that Jeremiah Hatch will start at right tackle 
• Kicker Jacob Branstetter has been cleared to play by the NCAA 
• The KC Star lists Johnathan Wilson, Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe as the starters at wideout. We'll see. 

"Phillip Livas is a one-man highlight show. You'll enjoy seeing him play. He had a big game last year against LSU and was a game-changer against MSU last Saturday."
--Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times from KJ-IBT

KU vs Florida International Chart Breakdown

  Behold the power of Excel as we get into the charts from last Saturday's Florida International. I love getting into the stats, but the reality is you gain the most just by watching the game. Generally, what seems to be happening is happening. Sometimes though, it's good to look a little deeper and see that the stats do back up what you thought you were seeing.

The main things I would note:

• KU's success on first down both offensively (4.82 yd ave) and defensively (2.58 yd ave allowed)
  
• FIU's conversion rates on third down -- 27% on 11 attempts for third and long  

 

Update on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 12:14PM by DJ Goodwin

"Generally, what seems to be happening is happening. "

hee, hee -- I actually put that in writing? Not my best work.

Sound and the Fury: Husker Tradition vs Saturday Night Hamburgers

This one arrived a few weeks ago, but it was during the season previews.

Dear Hawk Digest,

Last night Alisha was talking to her step-dad (a huge lifelong Husker fan). Alisha mentions that we are going to try to go to the KU football rally tonight, and he immediately says let me talk to Randy.

He goes on to pose the following question. “Let me ask you this. If your football program has or is a “tradition”, why would you need to advertise to sell tickets?” Apparently, he heard a KU football radio advertisement that made some reference to “join the tradition , get your KU football tickets now!”

His argument was that you can’t call your program a “tradition” after one nice season of football. “Tradition” means your football program is so consistently good that your tickets sell themselves. A “tradition” is selling out nearly 300 consecutive games over umpteen years….See Nebraska.

I was caught off guard and extremely annoyed by his blatant attempt to tick me off just because he could. But, I tried to defend anyway.

I tried to make the argument about KU football and not Nebraska, because I think we can pretty much agree that Nebraska football is a tradition. I tried to use a generic definition of tradition. “Something that you do over and over again.” Just like it might have been my childhood tradition to eat a hamburger dinner every Saturday night growing up, KU has fielded a KU football team every Saturday since what, 1890? I tried to argue that success does not make a tradition, and he argued otherwise.

Frustrated, I ask him why would you start sh*t at 10:00 at night. Then, I just went on to say 76-39, see ya later putz!

His query ticked me off, but it was thought provoking. So, I’m interested in your take?

Sincerely,
Married into the wrong family in Lenexa


Dear Married/Randy,

Your mother-in-law must be involved in one of those May/December romances as it is pretty clear your father-in-law is about 22 years old. That must be weird for you.

For starters, your defense is perfectly acceptable. Tradition is not necessarily defined by winning. Still, KU has put together winning seasons over the decades just often enough to keep a KU football fanbase viable and eternally hopeful. Plus, as bad as it has been at times, the campus stadium with the view of Campanile has always made Kansas football games an awesome experience. It's easier to see now with capacity crowds on hand rockin' the joint, but it's always been there for those that could tough out some heartbreaking seasons.

Speaking of which, the old warhorse -- Memorial Stadium, represents a pretty big part of the KU tradition for me. Without opening up my media guide, it was built in the 1920's and actually expanded to seat 50k in the 1960's. That kind of capacity is middle of the pack now, but the fact that interest was that high forty years ago says something in itself. I know other programs that were playing in 30k stadiums into the 90s before expanding to 50k. A couple more bowl trips and Memorial will expand to over 65,000.

I've seen the college football venues that Notre Dame, Michigan, Mizzou, KSU, Florida State, Northwestern and TCU play in and I still contend that Memorial Stadium is my favorite football stadium. To me, it represents everything that a football stadium should be. Of course, I am biased and I know that's debatable even among KU fans, but I'll stand by that one until the end.

I should also mention Gale Sayers, John Riggins, Ray Evans, Fielding Yost, Don Fambrough, Pepper Rodgers, Nolan Cromwell, Don Carlos and on and on as part of the KU tradition. Put up against Nebraska football though, that doesn't hold too much weight. However, throughout the years, I've always been told about how great Nebraska fans are. My contention is that it's pretty easy to be a fan when you're smoking through the conference in an unbalanced competition. Put an NFL team in Omaha and start up a Nebraska State University back the middle of the last century and then I'll buy in.

So, I do have to admit that it's been during this decade that Nebraska fans have actually impressed me. Will you show up when the team is brutal? Oddly enough, the Corn fans still showed up to games and kept the sellout streak alive.* In fact, I was probably most impressed to see scattered pockets of Husker fans at Memorial Stadium near the end of last year's 76-39 beatdown.

Or, if you want an easy out, you can tell your croquet-challenged father-in-law:

"Tradition is as tradition does, Mr. Lollapalooza."

Good Luck!

*With a little corporate help, here and there.