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 ...
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
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