Confession From a KU Football Blogger

Kansas City's Back

Here's the confession. My number one passion is KU football, but there are a few other sports that I truly enjoy following. The fact that I follow KU basketball pretty seriously is probably no surprise, but a little less traditional for the KC area is my devotion to hockey and cycling. So yes, I was at yesterday's Stage One of the Inaugural Tour of Missouri in Kansas City. And yes, it was an experience that was difficult to wrap my brain around -- the Tour de France winner was racing on Ward Parkway in my city. The turnout was impressive (judged to be 40,000) and the event was top of the line all of the way. I was blown away and it was a true moment of pride for Kansas City.

It got me to thinking about the turnaround that is happening in KC and what a great line-up of events in the city has in store for the next seven months:

1. September -- Tour of Missouri (Contador, Hincapie and Leipheimer in Kansas City -- never even considered it to be a possibility).
2. November -- The CBE Classic college basketball tournament at the brand new Sprint Center (Maryland, Michigan State, Missouri and UCLA are all hosts for the early rounds).
3. November -- The Border War at Arrowhead which is pretty much guaranteed to be filled to capacity at this point. Plus KU and MU now are just six wins away from entering the game with eight wins each. This should be a huge showcase for both KU and Missouri and Big 12 football as well. Depending on how #6 below shapes up possibly the marquee event for the sports year.
4. December -- The 'Hawks make their first visit to the Sprint Center vs Ohio University.
5. February -- The Big 12 Club Ice Hockey tournament will be held in the KC metro area (for more info, check out KUhockey.com).
6. March -- Big 12 Tourney, the Sprint Center and downtown Kansas City. A dream realized.

As the riders made their way through downtown yesterday, I know they had a good view of the Sprint Center. Many projects make up what is the downtown renaissance, but the new arena is the crown jewel and the driving force. Within a year or two an NHL team will be in house and the movement will be complete. The result will be a first-class city with a thriving downtown. Enjoy it, it's a great time to live in the metro or surrounding area.

Opponent Update -- Week #2

And the beatdowns go on ... KU's opponents are now 1-7 with the one victory occurring in a common game (CMU 52-31 over Toledo). The most intriguing thing that happened this weekend was that FIU did not get blown out by Maryland. It was a home game for the Golden Panthers and they were only down by six points (16-10) early in the fourth quarter. CFB Rule #11 -- Always be wary of teams with Florida in the school name. KU fans will be watching for the score on the CMU/Purdue matchup this weekend. If the Chips can keep it from being a rout, KU fans can use that as a comparison. Of course, the Toledo game should have everyone's focus. The Rockets give up 52 per game, but this is the closest thing KU has to a non-con rivalry.

Non-Con prediction -- SLU gets a win this weekend.

Central Michigan #93
L @ Kansas 7-52
W Toledo 52-31
Next: @Purdue

SE Louisiana #196
L @ New Mexico St. 14-35
L @ Kansas 0-62
Next: Kentucky Wesleyan

Toledo #131
L Purdue 24-52
L @ Central Michigan 31-52
Next: @Kansas

Florida International #155
L @ Penn State 0-59
L Maryland 10-26
Next: @Miami (Fla)

# = Sagarin Ranking

HD Player of the Week: James McClinton

Player of the Week

With the shutout and an impressive pushback to leave SLU with -31 rushing yards, senior defensive tackle James McClinton is the HD player of the week. McClinton had five tackles including three for losses totaling 12 yards. He also had two quarterback hurries and a sack.
It was a tough call, but he sealed it up with the postgame interview, "... we got the mindset, we got the Lord and we got the coaches."

Honorable Mention: Todd Reesing (257 yards and 2 TDs), Marcus Henry (5 rec, 119 yards), Marcus Herford (3 returns, 149 yards), Joe Mortensen (9 tackles)

Play of the Week

Marcus Herford's 74-yard kick return for a TD -- it was a beautiful display of speed and teamwork, plus it got the 'Hawks rolling.

Honorable Mention: Maxwell Onyegbule's safety. Speed kills.

Team of the Week

South Florida heads into Auburn and gets the job done in overtime. Another one of the cupcakes that KU always has on their schedule.

Marcus Herford -- Special Teams Player of the Week

Junior Kick Returner Shares Big 12 Honor

"... Herford, a junior from DeSoto, Texas, had three kickoff returns for 149 yards and one touchdown in the Jayhawks' 62-0 victory against the Lions.  Herford's first attempt resulted in a 74-yard return for a score after a free kick. Herford shared the award with Brandon Foster of Texas."

Full Story

Around the North | Week #2

The Top Teams Represent

Nebraska went on the road and did what they had to do taking a 20-17 win over Wake Forest and the ACC. Sam Keller put up bigger numbers with 258 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two INTs. He was pretty shaky when the pressure was on. However, the Blackshirts look solid ... Missouri is working on a theme as they once again took a comfortable lead, then watched it quickly evaporate. The bottom line is that it was another road win over an SEC team, but no one is feeling comfortable with that defense. Chase Daniel threw for plus 300 yards and five TDs. Tony Temple had 123 yards ... Everyone was looking for a 50+ point win for Kansas as they entertained a not-so formidable FCS team in Lawrence. Cross that off the checklist as the 'Hawks started a little slow but put up a 62-0 mark. Rival fans want to know when KU will play someone. It'll be a while yet, but KU is looking sharp and the confidence is building. It'll be interesting to see how Toledo approaches a KU team that will be motivated from the start ... Kansas State got in the win column with a 34-13 home victory over a San Jose St team that was 9-4 last year. Josh Freeman completed nearly 70% of his passes and amassed 273 yards, but still managed to throw two INTs. His career TD/INT ratio is a disturbing 7/19. The rushing game showed life as James Johnson rushed for 111 yards and a TD. This game was 17-7 going into the fourth quarter ... Colorado started fast, but it looks like they're not quite ready for the big-time falling 33-14 at Arizona State. The Buffs jumped out to a 14-0 lead early, but that was it for the day as Cody Hawkins put up 42 passes and completed only 15 for 155 yards. CU rushed for 39 yards. ASU is #12 in the Sagarin rankings ... Iowa State has a long way to go and the 24-13 home loss to N. Iowa pretty much says it all. Brett Meyer threw two intereceptions and ended up as ISU's leading rusher with 50 yards on the ground. Todd Blythe caught two passes? Next up: Iowa.

North Sagarin Rankings -- Rank/Schedule
Nebraska -- 14/85
Kansas -- 25/166
Missouri -- 28/62
Colorado -- 48/26
Kansas St -- 58/74
Iowa St -- 136/115

Full Rankings

Bam! KU Rolls SE Louisiana 62-0

Running Down the Lions

Despite the 62-0 score, the beatdown actually rolled out a little slow as KU didn't seem particularly sharp with the passing game early on. It took a little help on special teams to get things rolling. The Lions started things off by snapping the ball over the punter's head for a KU safety. Marcus Herford caught a seam on the kick return and that's all he needed. KU was up 9-0 and the rest unfolded pretty much as expected. Todd Reesing had another big day with 257 yards and two touchdowns on a 13 for 23 day, but he actually started a little slow in the first half. He was off on a deep ball and threw a rollout screen into the grass (looked like an awesome play). He did seem to really get into the flow passing though after picking up some yards on a run in the third quarter. Mark Mangino mentioned constant blitzing by the Lions and that may have been a factor for Reesing in the first half. Or, maybe it was too much newspaper reading this week. Still, he has six TD passes on the year and the kids alright.

Defensively, the 'Hawks were suffocating as they clearly overmatched SLU talentwise. They seemed a little more aggresive from the start and that increased throughout the game. Everything appears to be on schedule. Bring on the Rockets.

Things I Like

• Special teams. Wow! Marcus Herford has been explosive for a while and it finally paid off with a TD on a 74-yard return. "Hot Dog" Pendleton looked good as well with 76 yards on four attempts including a 40 yard return. The kick return coverage was suffocating. All the work is paying off for the Fighting Manginos.
• Maxwell Onyegbule's speed rush for a safety ... we've been lacking that quick burst off the end. Let's see how this develops.
• Marcus Henry -- 5 catches, 119 yards. It looks like this will be a weekly entry.
• The wide receivers continue to show good skills catching the ball. As a unit, this is the best they've been since Mangino arrived.
• The defense increased intensity throughout the game. We need to see that in all 12 games.
• All three running backs look like they could be starters.
• Kerry Meier is truly a great running QB; however, I hold my breath every time he gets hit.
• The Aqib Talib Heisman campaign.

Areas of Concern

• Going for two in the first half with a 22-point lead. 100% wrong.
• Not to isolate a specific player, but I've watched Justin Thornton give up two passes so far this year. His cover skills don't appear to be improved. Is he at the right position?
• Mike Rivera had the responsibility on a screen pass in the first half and really misplayed it resulting in a long first down conversion for the Lions. Overall though, Rivera improved this week.
• Why did Jake Sharp play sparingly in the first half? Is he struggling with pass blocking assignments?
• Would have liked to see Meier throw the ball a few more times (1-1, 23 yards). However, Mangino was doing the honorable thing by running the ball in the second half.

"Last year we were kind of inexperienced, none of us had really played that much. We know what we are capable of and we have that `refuse to lose', win attitude. We know that if we run our assignments and we do what our coaches teach us, no one can beat us."

--Joe Mortensen

Game Notes: Kansas-SE Lousiana

--Kansas is 2-0 for the fourth straight season.
--The 'Hawks have won 12 straight home games against non-conference teams.
--Mark Mangino is 13-2 at home against non-conference teams.
--The 62-point win for KU was the largest margin since a 72-0 win against UAB on Sept. 24, 1994. It also ranks tied for fourth as the largest margin of victory in school history.
--With 52 points last week, KU scored more than 50 points in back-to-back games for the first time in school history.
--The last KU shut out was against Southern Illinois on Sept. 23, 2000 (42-0).
--SE Louisiana rushed for -31 yards which is the second fewest yards rushing all time by a KU opponent. KSU rushed for -56 yards in the 1992 season.
--Eight different Jayhawks have scored KU's 11 TDs this season.
--The attendance of 43,914 was the 12th time in the last 13 home games KU has drawn over 40,000 at Memorial Stadium.
--KU junior Marcus Herford's kick return for a touchdown in the first quarter was his first career kick return TD and first TD return since Greg Heaggans' 100-yard return vs. Southwest Missouri State in 2002.
--Junior cornerbak Aqib Talib has four career receptions with three of those going for touchdowns.
--Sophomore Raimond Pendleton has 9 punt returns for 166 yards. KU's leading punt returner in 2006 was Jonathan Lamb with 165 yards on 15 returns.
--Senior Marcus Henry had 119 receiving yards on five catches for back-to-back 100-yard games.
--Junior Dexton Fields first touchdown pass of the year was his seventh career TD catch.
--Senior Derek Fine has at least one reception in 23 of his last 26 games at Kansas.

Kansas 62, SE Louisiana 0 -- Box Score

Score by Quarters     1  2  3  4   Score
-------------------- -- -- -- --   -----
Southeastern La.....  0  0  0  0 -  0 Record: (0-2)
Kansas..............  9 20 19 14 - 62 Record: (2-0)

Scoring Summary:
1st 06:18 KU - TEAM safety, , SL 0 - KU 2
06:07 KU - Herford, Marcus 74 yd kickoff return (Webb, Scott kick), , SL 0 - KU 9
2nd 14:35 KU - McAnderson, Bra 4 yd run (Webb, Scott kick), 5-83 1:49, SL 0 - KU 16
08:29 KU - Talib, Aqib 36 yd pass from Reesing, Todd (Reesing, Todd pass failed), 5-93 1:46, SL 0 - KU 22
04:07 KU - McAnderson, Bra 2 yd run (Webb, Scott kick), 5-22 2:33, SL 0 - KU 29
3rd 12:07 KU - Webb, Scott 33 yd field goal, 10-50 2:47, SL 0 - KU 32
07:11 KU - Fields, Dexton 25 yd pass from Reesing, Todd (Webb, Scott kick), 5-64 2:05, SL 0 - KU 39
05:28 KU - Onyegbule, Max safety, , SL 0 - KU 41
03:51 KU - Sharp, Jake 23 yd pass from Meier, Kerry (Webb, Scott kick), 4-34 1:28, SL 0 - KU 48
4th 12:41 KU - Sharp, Jake 3 yd run (Webb, Scott kick), 5-53 2:13, SL 0 - KU 55
05:23 KU - Boyd-Anderson 2 yd run (Webb, Scott kick), 8-32 4:48, SL 0 - KU 62

                               SL       KU
FIRST DOWNS................... 8        22
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............ 29-31    39-221
PASSING YDS (NET)............. 106      280
Passes Att-Comp-Int........... 34-22-0  24-14-0
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS..... 63-75    63-501
Fumble Returns-Yards.......... 0-0      0-0
Punt Returns-Yards............ 0-0      4-76
Kickoff Returns-Yards......... 9-157    3-149
Interception Returns-Yards.... 0-0      0-0
Punts (Number-Avg)............ 9-32.8   2-38.0
Fumbles-Lost.................. 0-0      0-0
Penalties-Yards............... 3-33     3-15
Possession Time............... 32:41    27:19
Third-Down Conversions........ 5 of 18  8 of 12
Fourth-Down Conversions....... 1 of 3   0 of 1
Red-Zone Scores-Chances....... 0-0      5-6
Sacks By: Number-Yards........ 1-9      4-19

RUSHING: Southeastern La.-Lucas, Jay 9-12; Adams, Dremell 5-4; Ross,
Byron 3-3; Schlosser, Brad 1-minus 3; Muhammad, Krish 1-minus 7; Babin, Brian
9-minus 12; TEAM 1-minus 28. Kansas-McAnderson, Bra 11-60; Boyd-Anderson 13-54;
Meier, Kerry 2-44; Sharp, Jake 8-32; Reesing, Todd 5-31.

PASSING: Southeastern La.-Babin, Brian 20-30-0-89; Schlosser, Brad
2-4-0-17. Kansas-Reesing, Todd 13-23-0-257; Meier, Kerry 1-1-0-23.

RECEIVING: Southeastern La.-Lucas, Jay 8-20; Smith, Courtney 3-20; Adams,
Dremell 3-17; Muhammad, Krish 3-13; Ross, Byron 2-22; Garrett, Jamarr 2-10;
Wardell, Cole 1-4. Kansas-Henry, Marcus 5-119; Fields, Dexton 5-59; Fine, Derek
2-43; Talib, Aqib 1-36; Sharp, Jake 1-23.

INTERCEPTIONS: Southeastern La.-None. Kansas-None.

Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 43914
Kickoff time: 6:05 pm End of Game: 9:08 pm Total elapsed time: 3:03
Officials: Referee: Rick Loumiet; Umpire: Stephen Rieker; Linesman: Chad Green;
Line judge: Tripp Sutter; Back judge: Athur Lucky; Field judge: Rocky Ryan;
Side judge: Joe Pester; Scorer: Beau White;
Temperature: 84 F Wind: NE 7 mph Weather: Mostly sunny

DEFENSE

SACKS (UA-A): Southeastern La.-Womack, Dwight 0-1; Wilson, Re'Keem 0-1.
Kansas-Onyegbule, Max 1-0; Wright, Arist 1-0; Rivera, Mike 1-0; McClinton, Jame
1-0.

TACKLES (UA-A): Southeastern La.-Byers, Jared 5-2; Newbill, Mark 4-2;
Johnson, Michae 2-4; Richardson, Ant 0-6; Godare, Ryan 1-4; Jackson, Eric 3-1;
Johnson, Demeri 3-1; Dume, John 2-1; Williams, Travi 2-1; Connors, Tommy 2-1;
Anderson, Ryan 0-3; Womack, Dwight 0-3; Douglas, Trey 0-3; Frazier, Donald 2-0;
Cannon, Devin 1-1; Honore, Steven 1-1; Vaughn, Walter 0-2; Wilson, Re'Keem 0-2;
Richardson, Tim 1-0; LeBlanc, Kyle 1-0; DiCarlo, Chris 1-0; Harris, Brennen 1-0;
Samples, Cody 0-1; Boutwell, Devin 0-1. Kansas-Mortensen, Joe 5-4; Rivera, Mike
2-3; McClinton, Jame 2-3; Larson, John 2-3; Holt, James 2-3; Talib, Aqib 2-2;
Onyegbule, Max 2-2; Brorsen, Russel 1-3; Seymour, Brian 3-0; Stuckey, Darrel
2-1; Lewis, Dakota 2-1; Laptad, Jake 2-1; Harris, Chris 1-2; Webb, Anthony 2-0;
Greene, Jamal 2-0; Sharp, Jake 1-1; Wright, Arist 1-1; Resby, Patrick 1-1;
Brown, Micah 1-1; Green, Gary 1-0; Blakesley, Cale 1-0; Schermer, Jake 1-0;
Dudley, Drew 1-0; Haselhorst, Tod 1-0; Springer, Justi 1-0; Thornton, Justi 0-1;
Wheeler, Jeff 0-1.

Gameday Notes -- SE Louisiana @ Kansas

Avoiding Wolverine Syndrome

Series: First Meeting
Line: No line

The Rundown
It's a little tough for the fans to get up for an FCS opponent, so let's hope that doesn't translate to the players. The Lions (2-9 in 2006) are not two-time FCS champions, so despite the Appalachian State hype, KU fans and players should view this one as a glorified scrimmage. Since it's Band Day, there should be a good crowd on hand and after last week's performance, the crowd could certainly use a little work on the Rock Chalk chant. On the field, this should be another good opportunity for Todd Reesing to work on his game and develop more confidence before Big 12 play. Actually, he's always seemed pretty confident, so let's just say it gives him valuable "live game" experience.

The Key
KU can win even if they come out with a lack of focus, but it sure would be nice to see them retain the killer instinct they had last weekend. I'd like to see the pass rush make some noise early on. A little more aggresiveness for the overall "D" would be a good indicator as well. Both lines should be dominant for the 'Hawks today. It's difficult to identify an advantage that SE Louisiana might have -- other than overconfidence by the Jayhawk Nation.

Predictions

• KU fans will be disappointed with less than 50 points -- that's the bite on this type of game
• Four more TD passes for Todd Reesing to keep him on his season pace of 48
• Band Day is tough to call, but I'll go with 43k for attendance
• Raimond Pendleton will score another TD and quietly hand the ball to the referee
• KU fans will secretly long for an 80's style video of the Jayhawk mascot doing air guitar
• Jake Sharp breaks a big one
• KU's first TD of the game -- Jake Sharp (add your guess to the comments, winner is awarded status as a legend)

Update on Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 05:04PM by DJ Goodwin

--KU fans were not disappointed

--Only two TDs for Reesing, it looks like only 36 for the year now. Of course, he only played 2.5 quarters

--Marcus Herford filled in for Hot Dog on this one

--Does the TD pass count?

--Well, wrong again. Herford scores TD #1

SE Louisiana -- Quick Primer

Prepping for the Lions

SE Lions Preview Capsule (Hawk Digest)

An interview with Lions' coach Mike Lucas via Rock Chalk Sports Network 

Summary and stats from last week's loss to New Mexico State

Last Week | New Mexico State (35-14 loss)

• The Lions were held to 62 yards total offense in the first half.
• SE Lousiana gave up five sacks in the game.
• QB Brian Babin was 14-27 for 145 yards with no touchdowns and one interception (returned for TD).
• Running back Dremell Adams scored the Lions' lone offensive touchdown on a 62-yard gallop with 2:01 remaining.
• The other score came on Demerious Johnson's 30-yard interception return in the first quarter.
• Adams finished with 73 yards on five carries for the Lions while Preseason All-Southland choice Jay Lucas added 73 yards on sixteen carries.
• The Lions had four interceptions against New Mexico State. Eric Jackson had two.
• Travis Williams and Tommy Conners led the Lions with eight tackles each.

HD Big 12 Power Rankings

1) Oklahoma (1-0, 0-0) #10 CBS
Okay, so I guess the new quarterback might work out for the Sooners. The Hurricanes will provide a much better guage on the boys from Norman.
CBS Schedule Rank: 86
Results: W N. Texas 79-10
Next: Miami (Fla)

Week-by-Week:
HD: 1
CBS: 10

2) Texas (1-0, 0-0) #8 CBS
I'm confused and I'm pretty sure all of Austin is confused. Should have been an interesting week of practice. The Horned Frogs (#22) are probably thinking about a win this Saturday.
CBS Schedule Rank: 11
Results: W Arkansas St 21-13
Next: TCU

Week-by-Week:
HD: 2
CBS: 8

3) Nebraska (1-0, 0-0) #19 CBS
The Huskers did it old style last week. Wake will provide a nice little road test before the Trojans come to town. If you have to take on the No. 1 team in the nation, this schedule probably lays out pretty decent for preparation.
CBS Schedule Rank: 17
Results: W Nevada 52-10
Next: @Wake Forest

Week-by-Week:
HD: 3
CBS: 19

4) Texas A&M (1-0, 0-0) #21 CBS
The Aggies took care of business last weekend. This week will be a much better gauge on A&M. KSU fans will watch this one with interest as they finish out the season against Fresno State.
CBS Schedule Rank: 89
Results: W Montana St 38-7
Next: Fresno St.

Week-by-Week:
HD: 4
CBS: 21

5) Missouri (1-0, 0-0) #41 CBS
They won, but questions about the defense remain. The Tigers can get back a little respect by proving themselves on the road. Do these guys get to play in Columbia this year?
CBS Schedule Rank: 22
Results: W Illinios 40-34,
Next: @Mississipi

Week-by-Week:
HD: 5
CBS: 41

6) Texas Tech (1-0, 0-0) #45 CBS
If it wasn't for the North, Tech could probably figure out a way to play all of their games in Texas and Oklahoma. Tech is Tech. They'll take care of business the next few weeks then we'll find out what they're really made of when they travel to OSU on 9/22 -- predicted score 96-85.
CBS Schedule Rank: 113
Results: W SMU 49-9
Next: UTEP

Week-by-Week:
HD: 6
CBS: 45

7) Oklahoma St (1-0, 0-0) #37 CBS
I guess their offense is stoppable. Georgia's good, but OSU's defense has a long way to go.
CBS Schedule Rank: 105
Results: L @Georgia 14-35
Next: Florida Atlantic

Week-by-Week:
HD: 7
CBS: 37

8) Kansas (1-0, 0-0) #52 CBS
Everybody wants to get on the bandwagon, but it'll be a while before the Hawks play a BCS team. In the meantime, KU and QB Todd Reesing should build up a lot of confidence to carry into Big 12 play.
CBS Schedule Rank: 88
Results: W Central Michigan 52-7
Next: SE Louisiana

Week-by-Week:
North: 8
CBS: 52

9) Kansas State (0-1, 0-0) #54 CBS
So close ... yet so abused at the left tackle position. It was hard to watch Josh Freeman get pummelled late in the game against Auburn. Scary, can you help a young QB out? The Cats have dropped three straight, but they've all been away from home against good opponents.
CBS Schedule Rank: 111
Results: L Auburn 13-23
Next: San Jose St.

Week-by-Week:
HD: 9
CBS: 54
 
10) Colorado (1-0, 0-0) #53 CBS
Are the Buffs ready to re-claim a position among the North elite? Maybe, we just need one more game to evaluate. At least they have a QB this year.
CBS Schedule Rank: 68
Results: W Colorado St 31-28 OT
Next: @Arizona St

Week-by-Week:
HD: 10
CBS: 53

11) Baylor (0-1, 0-0) #80 CBS
It's a tough call putting the Bears above ISU, but I give it to them by virtue of playing on the road against a ranked opponent. Does it ever end for Baylor? We get a new commissioner and everybody is talking about trading them out for TCU or Arkansas. That's just wrong.
CBS Schedule Rank: 16
Results: L @TCU 0-27
Next: Rice

Week-by-Week:
HD: 11
CBS: 80

12) Iowa State (0-1, 0-0) #70 CBS
You've got Brett Meyer and Todd Blythe. Otherwise, the cupboard is bare. Please consult, "So You Inherited A Shelled Out Big 12 Team," by Mark Mangino.
CBS Schedule Rank: 112
Results: L Kent St 14-23
Next: N. Iowa

Week-by-Week:
HD: 12
CBS: 70

Rock Chalk Radar

Scanning the KU football scene ...

KU Gets a Vote in the AP Poll

Ryan Wood thinks that's as high as we'll go for a while:

"Considering the Jayhawks’ schedule the next three weeks, it’s unlikely they’ll get too many more votes anytime soon, even if they finish the nonconference slate unbeaten."

One thing might change that -- a CMU thrashing of Toledo this weekend. They could also move us up by winning at Purdue the following week. Still, it truly doesn't matter at this point. Until we beat a BCS team, we don't really belong in the poll.

Arrowhead is Filling Up + Stadium Talk

The Phoggies agree. With 69k sold, you better get your tickets now.

The annual stadium thread is alive -- http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=172&f=2485#s=172&f=2485&t=949718