Today's data charts all of the coaches we've looked at over the past two days and is the last of the three-part series. The chart pretty much speaks for itself, but it's interesting to note how close Glen Mason and Bill Snyder were after year five. Of course, we all know who won the war in that clash, as Mason was eventually escaped to Minnesota.
Mangino vs KU | Mangino vs North | Mangino vs all
Today, we look at Mark Mangino vs a few of our favorite coaches in the North division, including Bill Snyder from ol' KSU. A number of things standout after looking at the data (charts below).
--How did Gary Pinkel survive his slide and three straight losses to KU? It was a little rough for a while there, but last year was pretty significant for Gary. Looks like patience may have paid off for Mizzou.
--I haven't had much respect for Bill Callahan, I suppose that's due to the fact that we've been able to challenge his squad every year. Still, the data shows why Nebraska fans are jacked again. He is quite a recruiter, so let's see how this QB transition goes.
--Interesting that prior to this year, Mangino pretty much mirrored the man from K-State. Avoid the meltdowns against Toledo and Baylor and it would have be a virtual match.
Mangino vs KU | Mangino vs North | Mangino vs all
Hey, good to see these guys are still at it. Here is your link for the story: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/GPG02/707130523/1225
Today is the first of a three-part series analyzing the points delta for KU underneath Mark Mangino (inspired by my desire to be more like FHD on the Gridiron Board). The delta chart below is for six years and represents total points scored vs total points allowed in a season. Today, the comparison is Mangino vs former KU coaches Terry Allen and Glen Mason. The starting point is the year prior to each coach starting with the program.
Of course, the real measurement for a coach is wins, but the chart below does provide an interesting comparison with Mason. Mangino turned the program faster, but has hovered in the same relative atmosphere for the past four seasons. That pretty much backs up what the detractors are saying. Still, it's only been in the past two seasons that Mason eclipsed Mangino. If 2007 is a breakout or even an improvement, all will be forgiven. How about Terry Allen? For the two remaining "Gameball" supporters, maybe this chart will help.
Mangino vs KU | Mangino vs North | Mangino vs all
As much as I would have liked a 7-4 record for 2005, this is the right thing to do:
"What’s most likely is that Kansas will keep a 7-5 record in 2005 in its official documentation. Next to the Oklahoma game will be an asterisk and explanation that the Sooners later vacated the victory."
LJW Article Link: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/jul/12/kansas_unfazed_ou_penalty/?football
The NCAA came down hard on Oklahoma for the Rhett Bomar/J.D. Quinn dealership extravaganza. The OU football program will lose scholarships and must "vacate" all wins from the 2005 season. OU doesn't seem happy and will appeal. Check out this SI.com story for details.
Thoughts from a KU perspective:
--Undefeated at Arrowhead ... yes!
--7-4 does sound better than 7-5, I'll take it
--I'm glad to be rid of that four-game losing streak in 2005. It was the worst time of my life ... until the 2006 four-game losing streak.
--The penalty seems harsh, considering that OU self-reported
Ripped off from the Gridiron Board (Phog.net)
Just when you think you can no longer stomach the Gridiron Board (thread link), they go and put together a project like this. Awesome stuff. NCAA 08 hits stores July 17, 2007.
According to SI.com's Cory McCartney, the highlight video on West Virgina running back recruit Noel Devine is supposed to blow you away. It kind of gave me the impression that kids in Florida don't tackle well or run to the ball. Looks like 18 guys are out for a jog on a lot of those plays. I guess for KU fans, it's hard to impress after the legendary Jake Sharp video.
As a refresher, Ryan Glazer gave a verbal commitment to KU back on June 3. Phog.net has him rated as a four-star defensive tackle while Rivals has not yet rated him. The 6-3, 285 lb. defensive tackle out of El Cajon, California was recruited by Bill Young according to Rivals and is probably expected to compete for a starting spot in 2008. Standout DT James McClinton will be a senior this season and the staff will probably want to bring in a number of tackles to create competition for the position.
Here's a quick look at a few plays from three-star tight end recruit Tanner Hawkinson out of McPherson, Kansas. As a refresher, Hawkinson is 6-6/230/4.8 and gave KU a verbal on June 16.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1577303708111122045&q=Tanner+Hawkinson&total=1&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
Alright, so I'm sure you've caught the ESPN article by Mark Schlabach ranking KU's 2007 football schedule as the easiest in the nation. He even adds this fantastic quote:
"The Jayhawks' nonconference schedule includes more cream puffs than your favorite bakery"
If you liked that then you'll really enjoy this quality production by Adam Krueger at 6sports.
Impressive stuff -- except there is no way in hell that I am buying Central Michigan as a "cream puff." If memory serves me correctly, it seems that we, along with a few of our close friends/enemies, have struggled with some of the MAC teams. So, this year we start off the season fresh with the MAC champion and sophomore QB Dan LeFevour who went 247 for 388 and 3031 yards as a true freshman. He also added 26 TD passes, so I'm pretty sure the kid won't be intimidated coming into Memorial Stadium. Go back and check Central Michigan's schedule from 2006 and you might notice that the only team that really knocked them out was Michigan.
Anyway, the media viewpoint doesn't matter. They need something to talk about. However, the team has a job to do, and it doesn't even need to be a possibility that people at KU think that Central Michigan is a pushover. If anyone has a question with that, check out the Sagarin Ratings -- KU #64, CMU #56. Or maybe you like CBS Sportsline -- KU #62, CMU #31.
Let's just go ahead and over-emphasize the point -- this matchup with Central Michigan is critical for success this season. We want to go to Manhattan 4-0, but CMU is going to be a major test right out of the gate. If you want to see a great football game, I'd get out to Lawrence on Labor Day Weekend because this one matters.
What About the Rest of the Schedule
Sure, overall the schedule isn't awesome for 2007. Still, the premise that KU is afraid to play anyone is flat out false. Do we have "cream puffs" on the schedule every year -- yes. However, we usually challenge ourselves with a BCS level opponent in the non-con schedule. This year is the exception and it happens to occur during our weak* south rotation. Next year we'll have South Florida, Nebraska and Oklahoma on the road. Throw in a couple of home dates with Texas and Texas Tech as well. In 2009, those will be road games.
Did KU fans criticize Bill Snyder and K-State for weak schedules? Absolutely. However, the main criticism came when Bill wouldn't face BCS teams during that window when the Cats were actually challenging for national titles. Plus, a lot of that criticism came from KSU fans as well. If KU was ranked in the top 25 in the preseason polls, it'd be a slightly different story. When I look at the Schlabach article, I ask myself why is Texas on that list? Still, let's continue to bash KU in the local media -- it sells and hey, those guys gotta make a living too.
*KU was 0-3 against the "weak" rotation of Baylor, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M in 2006.
Both Aqib Talib and Anthony Collins made The Sporting News Top 40 Big 12 Players List posted on Tuesday. It makes for interesting debate and there's plenty of it in this thread on the Gridiron Board. My notes:
--Adarius Bowman should be #1, but hey, KU fans will always be scarred by AB
--I agree with the posters, James McClinton could be on this list
--Marcus Watts seems overrated to me as well
--Ian Campbell is a tough one. He had a great year, but he did get dominated in the KSU game I watched the closest against the 39th ranked player on the list. His stats back up the #7 ranking, but I still got my eye on him this year as to whether or not he is the real deal. (Too bad the Campbell/Collins rivalry won't be re-newed this year as Collins switched to left tackle.)
DJ Goodwin