KU Football Recycle: Crazy Talk From Ole Miss

The Red Solo Cup Ole Miss blog is pushing an interesting rumor:

We're hearing rumors which would lead us to believe that the Rebels will be playing the Kansas Jayhawks in 2009. If this is indeed true, the matchup will be held in Dallas at the New Cowboys Stadium (is that really what they're calling it?) with a guaranteed payout of $6 million for each team.

Everyone on the Gridiron Board is all in except me. I like the gambler's attitude over there, but I don't see this as a good idea. Yeah, the money would be nice, but it's a 12-game schedule and the physical toll of matching up with an SEC team in the non-con is going to wear on us by mid-season, just like the USF game did last year. We have Texas, OU and Tech on our schedule and conference games count (non-cons are to prepare for Big 12 play). We need to focus on winning the division and championship game.

Also, consider that we need development time for the brand new interior line and the new linebackers. We will not be ready for top 10 competition in September.

JAMES HOLT vs THE NATION
Graduating senior James Holt will get in on one of the senior All-Star games. It's called the Nation vs Texas and will be played January 31 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The game starts at 2:00 p.m. and will be televised by CSTV.

THE NEW DL COACH
The Jayhawks announced their new defensive line coach earlier this week. Fresno State's DL coach Kerry Locklin take the position at KU after working with the FSU line since 2000. Here's a look at the Fresno State defensive stats during his tenure:

Year	PA	Yds Allow/G	Rush/G	Pass/G	YPR
2000	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
2001	25	381	117	264	3.2
2002	27	405	160	245	3.9
2003	23	381	175	206	4.6
2004	21	340	165	175	4.1
2005	22	347	149	198	4.2
2006	28	363	141	222	4.2
2007	27	407	181	226	5.0
2008	31	411	210	201	5.6

Comments

[hiphopopotamus]

At first I was kind of like you on this game possibility because I don't really think it helps us in 2009 (even if we were to win). But the more I think about it, I think it's a great idea long-term for the publivity and money it would bring.

Tough call. And I hate neutral site games, but I'd have to be there.

[DJ]

I think I stand alone on this one -- at least that's my take after debating it on phog. $3m changes the situation a bit, but I don't believe it until I see it from the real media.

I think most people believe taking on a Top 10 helps us prepare for the big games in conference play. I disagree. However if I felt that was a competitive benefit, I'd be all in. I want conference championships and however that is best achieved, I say proceed.