Bowl Game: The Minimum Standard
4 x 12
Now that we've weeded through the multitude of "consolation" bowl games, we'll finally get a match-up that means something on Monday night when Florida and Ohio State battle for the MNC. I suppose the Boise St. win over OU meant something. I'd certainly be claiming a national championship with a Florida win on Monday if I was a Boise St. fan or player. Still, the rest of the bowls were meaningless clashes created for TV interest and tourism under the guise of tradition. So as I watched teams like Houston, South Florida, Kansas State, Missouri and Nebraska enjoy a bowl trip, I once again take note of the fact that we have beaten each of those teams at least once within the last two seasons. Sure, Missouri clipped us pretty good this year, but Nebraska didn't exactly spank us. We've proven that we can pretty much play with and beat virtually any team in our conference. The question is -- why can't we do it consistently?
In general, KU fans have been pretty impressed that KU players continue to play hard no matter what the situation. I'll tend to agree with that. For the most part, performances like the Missouri game have been pretty rare. However, it does seem like there is always a portion of each game where KU loses intensity. Frequently, it comes in the second half. I'd say KU needs to work on their killer instinct and I'd also suggest a new motto for 2007 -- 4 x 12. As in, play all four quarters for all 12 games. You've proven that you can play, now can you prove that you can play well over a full season? With all of the mediocre teams that actually play in bowl games, there is no excuse for missing the bowl season. The pressure is on for 2007.
DJ Goodwin
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