Kansas 52, Central Michigan 7 -- Box Score

Central Michigan....  0  0  0  7 -  7 Record: (0-1)
Kansas.............. 14 21 10  7 - 52 Record: (1-0)

Scoring Summary:
1st 07:21 KU - Fine, Derek 3 yd pass from Reesing, Todd (Webb, Scott kick), 12-68 5:08, CM 0 - KU 7
03:25 KU - Briscoe, Dezmon 16 yd pass from Reesing, Todd (Webb, Scott kick), 6-75 2:07, CM 0 - KU 14
2nd 06:38 KU - Henry, Marcus 46 yd pass from Reesing, Todd (Webb, Scott kick), 4-61 1:26, CM 0 - KU 21
06:08 KU - Pendleton, Raim 77 yd punt return (Webb, Scott kick), , CM 0 - KU 28
03:07 KU - Talib, Aqib 49 yd pass from Reesing, Todd (Webb, Scott kick), 7-91 1:45, CM 0 - KU 35
3rd 09:48 KU - Sharp, Jake 3 yd run (Webb, Scott kick), 8-76 3:18, CM 0 - KU 42
02:42 KU - Webb, Scott 34 yd field goal, 10-33 4:52, CM 0 - KU 45
4th 14:55 CM - ANDERSON, Bryan 16 yd pass from LeFEVOUR, Dan (AGUILA, Andrew kick), 12-85 2:41, CM 7 - KU 45
10:10 KU - Pendleton, Raim 21 yd pass from Meier, Kerry (Webb, Scott kick), 10-73 4:40, CM 7 - KU 52

                               CM         KU
FIRST DOWNS................... 17         28
RUSHES-YARDS (NET)............ 28-114     43-230
PASSING YDS (NET)............. 180        308
Passes Att-Comp-Int........... 38-20-0    35-26-0
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS..... 66-294     78-538
Fumble Returns-Yards.......... 0-0        0-0
Punt Returns-Yards............ 1-0        5-91
Kickoff Returns-Yards......... 6-125      1-16
Interception Returns-Yards.... 0-0        0-0
Punts (Number-Avg)............ 10-38.8    4-38.2
Fumbles-Lost.................. 1-1        0-0
Penalties-Yards............... 10-95      7-81
Possession Time............... 27:56      32:04
Third-Down Conversions........ 5 of 15    7 of 14
Fourth-Down Conversions....... 0 of 0     2 of 2
Red-Zone Scores-Chances....... 1-1        5-5
Sacks By: Number-Yards........ 1-9        2-16

RUSHING: Central Michigan-ARCHER, Marcel 4-27; HOSKINS, Justin 4-27;
LeFEVOUR, Dan 9-26; SNEED, Ontario 7-17; BROWN, Antonio 1-13; BROOKS, Duane 3-4.
Kansas-McAnderson, Bra 16-110; Sharp, Jake 15-106; Boyd-Anderson 3-8; Reesing,
Todd 6-8; Meier, Kerry 2-5; TEAM 1-minus 7.

PASSING: Central Michigan-LeFEVOUR, Dan 19-37-0-172; BRUNNER, Brian
1-1-0-8. Kansas-Reesing, Todd 20-29-0-261; Meier, Kerry 6-6-0-47.

RECEIVING: Central Michigan-ANDERSON, Bryan 7-62; SNEED, Ontario 4-58;
BROWN, Antonio 4-23; HOSKINS, Justin 2-14; POBLAH, Kito 2-10; BROOKS, Duane
1-13. Kansas-Henry, Marcus 7-103; Fine, Derek 5-30; Fields, Dexton 4-49;
Pendleton, Raim 3-34; Talib, Aqib 2-52; Briscoe, Dezmon 1-16; Herford, Marcus
1-12; Foster, Jeff 1-6; Sharp, Jake 1-6; Meier, Kerry 1-0.

INTERCEPTIONS: Central Michigan-None. Kansas-None.

Stadium: Memorial Stadium Attendance: 46815
Kickoff time: 6:05 pm End of Game: 9:16 pm Total elapsed time: 3:11
Officials: Referee: Clete Blakeman; Umpire: Richard Brown; Linesman: Curtis Graham;
Line judge: Chad Green; Back judge: Greg Yette; Field judge: Joe Blubaugh;
Side judge: Scott Gaines;
Temperature: 89 F Wind: E 6 mph Weather: Sunny

DEFENSE

SACKS (UA-A):

Central Michigan-KENNEDY, T. 1-0.

Kansas-Mortensen, Joe 1-0; Larson, John 1-0.

TACKLES (UA-A):

Central Michigan-HISSONG, Calvin 5-5; CUTTS, Curtis 3-7;
BROWN, Ike 4-4; GORDY, Josh 4-3; ZOMBO, Frank 3-4; FRASER, Eric 4-2; KNIGHT,
Larry 3-2; KEITH, Red 2-3; FRIEND, Steven 2-3; WEST, Chaz 3-1; EDWARDS, K. 3-0;
BRAZZEL, Tim 3-0; BELLORE, Nick 1-2; HARTMANN, Brett 1-1; DROSCHA, Casey 1-1;
DOMAN, Victor 0-2; McLAUGHLIN, EJ 0-2; KENNEDY, T. 1-0; TELFER, Philip 1-0;
WILLIAMS, Sam 1-0.

Kansas-Holt, James 4-5; Harris, Chris 3-6; Mortensen, Joe
4-4; Larson, John 4-3; Stuckey, Darrel 4-3; Rivera, Mike 1-3; Resby, Patrick
2-1; Talib, Aqib 1-2; Brorsen, Russel 2-0; McClinton, Jame 1-1; Thorton, Justin
1-1; Schermer, Jake 1-1; Springer, Justi 1-1; Seymour, Brian 1-0; Green, Gary
1-0; Haselhorst, Tod 1-0; Blakesley, Cale 1-0; McAnderson, Bra 0-1; Wright,
Arist 0-1; Wheeler, Jeff 0-1; Muhammed, Sadiq 0-1; Laptad, Jake 0-1.

Gameday Notes -- Central Michigan @ KU

"You Wait All Year ... and Then It's Here"

Series: First Meeting
Line: Kansas (-7.5)

The Rundown
I'm not usually a big believer in over-estimating early games, but for this season and at this stage in Mark Mangino's career this is a huge game. If KU wins, this team can go onto a great season. If they lose ... we'll, it's not a disaster, but we'll be looking at another 2005/2006-type season, and I'm not sure that will be enough for Lew. If they win, 4-0 looks possible with a bye prior to the K-State "road" trip. The last time KU went 4-0 -- 1995.

The Key
KU's defensive line and more specifically the ends. To have a great season, KU needs the defense to return to 2005 form and attack opposing quarterbacks. Last year, we kept waiting for improvement from the pass rush and it never really happened. I'll be watching Brorsen (#81) and Larson (#87) carefully tonight and make my final evaluation after the game. This looks like the key to tonight's game and probably to the season as well.

Predictions

• KU fans, known for their tolerance, won't even notice or mention the construction
• KU's first TD of the game -- Marcus Henry (add your guess to the comments, winner is awarded status as a legend)
• If we get less than 45k, I'll whine about it all next week in this blog
• There will be no survivors at our tailgate -- beeritas (sp) are on the drink list and that's a recipe for disaster

Update on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at 08:13AM by DJ Goodwin

Derek Fine scored TD number one and there were no takers on a guess. Sorry, no legend status for week #1.

Missouri Tigers 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Gary Pinkel (37-35) Seventh Year
Last Year: 8-5, 4-4 Big 12, Second in the North 
Returning Starters : Offense 8, Line 3 | Defense 5, Line 2

Three Things You Should Know
1) Gary Pinkel is the Prince of Darkness.
2) They like to talk about the tight ends and wide receivers, but Chase Daniel (JR, 6-0, 225, #10) is the difference at Mizzou. The kid can run the offense, throwing for 3,527 yards with 28 TDs and 10 interceptions. The defensive coordinators of the Big 12 have some film now, so it'll be interesting to see how they approach the Tiggers this season. Of course, film of Texas Tech has been around for years and it hasn't really helped anybody. Senior center Adam Speiker (6-3, 305, #77) is a leader and a big part of the success of the offensive unit.
3) The defense is still a question mark in my opinion. They return only five starters to a unit that ranked seventh in the conference with 375 yards allowed per game. MU dominated the 'Hawks last year, but frankly that was an offensive game plan only Nick Q could have conceived. A truly un-inspired effort by KU with a one-armed QB until the game was out of hand. The TD's by Cornish and Talib were among the longest offensive plays of the year for KU. Junior LB Brock Christopher (6-2, 240, #34) is the leading returning tackler for Mizzou with 87 tackles last year with 6.5 for loss.

Trends
The Border War series is either tied at 53-53-9 or KU leads 54-52-9 depending on where you live ... both teams generally keep each other in check, MU had a five-game win streak from 1938-1942. KU preceeded that with a five-game win streak 1930-1934. KU did have a nine-game winless streak from 1958-1966. This stroll through ancient history has been brought to you by Phil Mayer ... Looking toward Arrowhead, MU is 4-2 at neural sites (KU 1-2).

How KU Wins
We'll know a lot this Saturday night. If the defensive ends can get pressure on CMU's Dan Lefevour, then KU will have a great season. If not, then we're looking at another 2005 or 2006. How is this relevant here? To stop Daniels, you've got to get pressure with the d-line  ... expect Bill Young to have his defense breathing fire for this year's edition of the Border War. The KU defense was confused last year at Columbia and didn't have the aggresive edge as the MU offense certainly played to KU's weakness. MU players wanted to mix it up after plays (that's not a criticism), but the Hawks just wanted to get back to the huddle and figure out what the hell was going on. The common theme for the three-game win streak KU held against the Tigers was that they were able to intimidate QB Brad Smith. Daniels was pretty much un-touched last year, so I believe that Young will have the D focus on knocking him to the ground. He may get his yards, but he'll have to pay for it.

2007 Missouri Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 at Illinois
Sat, Sep 8 at Mississippi
Sat, Sep 15 Western Michigan
Sat, Sep 22 Illinois State
Sat, Oct 6 (20) Nebraska
Sat, Oct 13 at (8) Oklahoma
Sat, Oct 20 Texas Tech
Sat, Oct 27 Iowa State
Sat, Nov 3 at Colorado
Sat, Nov 10 (25) Texas A&M
Sat, Nov 17 at Kansas State
Sat, Nov 24 at Kansas

Oklahoma State Cowboys 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Mike Gundy (11-13) Third Year
Last Year: 7-6, 3-5 Big 12, Fifth in the South 
Returning Starters : Offense 8, Line 4 | Defense 7, Line 0

Three Things You Should Know
1) The Adarius Bowman Experience. He's 6-4, 220 and wears number 12 and this will be his senior year. He had 13 catches for 300 yards and four touchdowns last year against the 'Hawks, but you already know this. You're a KU fan, so you have nightly terrors about #12 in the orange jersey.
2) And hey, some of the other guys on the OSU can play as well. Senior QB Bobby Reid (6-2, 235, #14) is perfect for this offense. He rushed for five touchdowns and threw for another 24 in 2006. Add to the mix senior RB Dantrell Savage (5-9, 195, #22) who averaged 6.5 yards per carry on his way to 820 yards and it gets scary. That's probably enough there, but four offensive lineman return and junior Brandon Pettigrew (6-6, 260, #87) is a standout at tight end.
3) The defense ranked ninth in the conference last year with 401 yards allowed per game, but there big time players at several positions on the unit. DE Nathan Peterson (SR, 6-2, 240, #13) had eight sacks last year. Linebackers Rodrick Johnson (SR, 6-3, 250, #2) and Chris Collins (SO, 6-2, 240, #44) are expected to challenge for All-Big status. Senior CB Martel Van Zant (6-1, 210, #7) and sophomore safety Andre Sexton (6-1, 210, #20) lead the secondary. Expect improvement this season. 

Trends
OSU has won three straight opening road games. If they beat Georgia, hide the women and children ... the Cowboys have lost three straight on Homecoming. KSU comes to town this year (10/20).

How KU Wins
This looks like the most challenging game on the schedule for KU. The OSU offense is freakin' scary. Hopefully, the linebackers have figured out how to drop and the safeties know where to be to lay out the receivers running the quick slant. It seems like KU should have some motivation as the game in Lawrence last year was a low point for organized football in Kansas. The Hawks do catch OSU right after they host Texas, so maybe the Pokes will get the upset and still have their heads in the clouds.

2007 Oklahoma State Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 at (13) Georgia
Sat, Sep 8 Florida Atlantic
Fri, Sep 14 at Troy
Sat, Sep 22 Texas Tech
Sat, Sep 29 Sam Houston State
Sat, Oct 6 at (25) Texas A&M
Sat, Oct 13 at (20) Nebraska
Sat, Oct 20 Kansas State
Sat, Nov 3 (4) Texas
Sat, Nov 10 Kansas
Sat, Nov 17 at Baylor
Sat, Nov 24 at (8) Oklahoma

Iowa State Cyclones 2007 Preview Capsule

 NOTE -- ISU Preview was moved up due to the early start for the Clones tonight 

Coach: Gene Chizik (0-0) First Year
Last Year: 4-8, 1-7 Big 12, Sixth in the North 
Returning Starters : Offense 5, Line 1 | Defense 5, Line 1

Three Things You Should Know
1) The senior combo of Brett Meyer (6-3, 204, #7) and Todd Blythe (6-5, 209, #1) are back for 2007. Blythe caught 8 TD passes last year, but missed three games due to illness. Meyer threw 12 interceptions against 12 TD passes last year. A return to form for both players would boost the Clones, but still it's pretty easy to focus on that one dimension.
2) Senior linebacker Alvin Bowen (6-2, 216, #15) led the Big 12 in tackles with 155, but the Clones defense only has five returning starters. This will be quite a project for Chizik.
3) Brett Meyer is the leading returning rusher for ISU after gaining 439 yards last year.

Trends
ISU has won eight straight home openers at Jack Trice Stadium ... ISU has lost three of the last four versus Kansas ... The Clones have lost four straight Big 12 openers.

How KU Wins
Senior day in Lawrence and a chance for three straight against the Clones. It'll take an inspired effort by Iowa State to steal one this year.  You might think the Hawks will be looking ahead to the Border War at Arrowhead, but I doubt it.

2007 Iowa State Schedule
Thu, Aug 30 Kent State
Sat, Sep 8 Northern Iowa
Sat, Sep 15 Iowa
Sat, Sep 22 at Toledo
Sat, Sep 29 at (20) Nebraska
Sat, Oct 6 at Texas Tech
Sat, Oct 13 (4) Texas
Sat, Oct 20 (8) Oklahoma
Sat, Oct 27 at Missouri
Sat, Nov 3 Kansas State
Sat, Nov 10 Colorado
Sat, Nov 17 at Kansas

Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview Capsule

Coach: Bill Callahan (22-15) Fourth Year
Last Year: 9-5, 6-2 Big 12, First in the North, lost to OU in championship 21-7 
Returning Starters : Offense 7, Line 4 | Defense 5, Line 0

Three Things You Should Know
1) The offense looks good with four offensive linemen returning, including standout guard Matt Slauson (JR, 6-5, 335, # 70) and tackle Lydon Murtha (JR, 6-7, 305, #76). The Huskers have two big-time receivers with seniors Maurice Purify (6-4, 220, #16) and Terrence Nunn (6-0, 190, #83) and a solid running back in Marlon Lucky (JR, 6-0, 210, #20). The assumed improvement at quarterback with transfer Sam Keller (SR, 6-4, 230, #5) seems a little bold, but it could happen. Let's look at some game action this weekend and re-evaluate.
2) Nebraska's defense returns just five starters and none on the d-line. They finished ranked eighth last year in conference defense with 391 yards allowed per game. They did start to slow teams down late in the season, but none of those teams really had what you would call an explosive offense. There's a lot of talk about senior Bo Ruud (6-3, 235, #51) at linebacker, but he didn't rank among the league's top tacklers last year with 65 total tackles (of course, nine of the top 10 Big 12 tacklers played on mid-level to weak teams). Performance is expected to improve, but that expectation is not based on the numbers.
3) In case you are only four years old, Nebraska has dominated the series with KU 88-22-3, but recently the scores have tightened -- '03 NU 24, @KU 3 | '04 @NU 14, KU 8 | 2005 @KU 40, NU 15 | @NU 39, KU 32 OT. If the 'Hawks could get another win this year, a nice rivalry could develop.

Trends
Bill Callahan is 0-5 against top 10 teams ... the Huskers are 6-3 in non-conference road games since the start of the Big 12 ... NU is 8-13 in their last last 21 Big 12 road games.

How KU Wins
Despite what the experts say, NU's defense looks a little suspect and if one of KU's quarterback's is playing to a level of say, "late '05 Jason Swanson," the Hawks will have a field day at home. Everyone remembers Adam Barrman's great performance last year, but somewhat forgotten is that he put us in a deep hole with some silly early game interceptions. An error-minimized game at QB should result in a win for the 'Hawks. Add to that the fact that it's in Lawrence for homecoming and the last home loss to a north team for KU was in 2004 (to CU) and this one looks pretty promising for the Hawks. NOTE -- KU has only lost two home games to north teams since Mangino got the team on it's feet in 2003 (CU in '04 and NU in '03).

2007 Nebraska Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 Nevada
Sat, Sep 8 at Wake Forest
Sat, Sep 15 (1) USC
Sat, Sep 22 Ball State
Sat, Sep 29 Iowa State
Sat, Oct 6 at Missouri
Sat, Oct 13 Oklahoma State
Sat, Oct 20 (25) Texas A&M
Sat, Oct 27 at (4) Texas
Sat, Nov 3 at Kansas
Sat, Nov 10 Kansas State
Fri, Nov 23 at Colorado

Texas A&M Aggies 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Dennis Franchione (25-23) Fifth Year
Last Year: 9-4, 5-3 Big 12, Third in the South 
Returning Starters : Offense 9, Line 3 | Defense 6, Line 2


Three Things You Should Know
1) Mike Goodson (SO, 6-0, 192, #3), Jorvorskie Lane (JR, 6-0, 274, #11) and Stephen McGee (JR, 6-3, 208, #7) make up the best rushing backfield in the conference. Together they had 27 touchdowns last year with Lane hogging 19 of those.
2) McGee completed 62% of his passes last year amassing 2,295 yards. He had 12 TD passes and only two interceptions. He should be one of the top QBs in the Big 12 this year.
3) Texas A&M is just a notch below the elite (OU and Texas) in the Big 12. With plenty of returning starters, the Aggies could piece it together and steal the South, but the blowout loss to Cal and the home loss to Nebraska raise questions. The defense finished fourth in the conference last year and has a standout in senior DE Chris Harrington (6-5, 267 #92).

Trends
The Aggies are 7-1 all-time against KU. The lone KU win occurred during the first meeting in 1974 (28-10) ... A&M faces five bowl teams on the road this year.

How KU Wins
By putting together a great game coupled with an early game lack of focus by A&M. KU has to be ready to play for this road match. Generally, the Aggies generally don't take KU too seriously. They got into a little bit of a battle in Lawrence with the 'Hawks back in 1998 (24-21 A&M win), but for the most part have had things under control in every match since until last year. It was a pretty good slugfest at Memorial and A&M will likely expect another battle. Still, this game is sandwiched between road games at Nebraska and OU for A&M, so the Aggies may be looking back or forward. In fact, the game is actually the only home game for the Aggies in the middle of a five-game stretch that has the Aggies on the road for four games. KU did hold the Aggies to their lowest rushing total last year (146 yards), so the Hawks might present problems for the Aggie offense as the KU pass defense should improve. With Adam Barrman at QB, the Hawks were pretty conservative in last year's contest, but Reesing or Meier will certainly present a new look for the Aggies defense.

2007 Texas A&M Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 Montana State
Sat, Sep 8 Fresno State
Sat, Sep 15 Louisiana-Monroe
Thu, Sep 20 at Miami (FL)
Sat, Sep 29 Baylor
Sat, Oct 6 Oklahoma State
Sat, Oct 13 at Texas Tech
Sat, Oct 20 at (20) Nebraska
Sat, Oct 27 Kansas
Sat, Nov 3 at (8) Oklahoma
Sat, Nov 10 at Missouri
Fri, Nov 23 (4) Texas

Jayhawk Football Round-Up

Favorite Quote From Media Day

Our recruiting class has improved each year, but this past year's recruiting class is leaps and bounds better than any recruiting class we've brought in here. That's why there is a possibility that five or six true freshmen will play. They are passing up veteran players. They are really talented. They have to prove themselves, but as far as raw talent, some of these kids are putting the heat on veteran players, and we like that."
--Mark Mangino

Link: http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082807aaa.html

On Tailgating

Sweet ... they are opening up many of the new lots for tailgating. Thank you for not leaving me completely dry after donating to the WEF. Perhaps the walk to the stadium will sober some people up.

Link: http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082807aac.html

Colorado Buffaloes 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Dan Hawkins (2-10) Second Year
Last Year: 2-10, 2-6 Big 12, Fifth in the North 
Returning Starters : Offense 9, Line 3 | Defense 7, Line 2

Three Things You Should Know
1) The Buffs actually had a pretty stout defense last year ranking fifth in the Big 12, and they could improve as they return seven on that unit. Juniors George Hypolite (6-1, 285, #86) and Brandon Nicolas (6-3, 280, #94) return at the tackle positions and will be joined by defensive end transfer Drew Hudgins (6-4, 235, #49) who racked up 19 sacks and 93 tackles last season in the JUCO ranks. Should make for a strong front.
2) Senior LB Jordon Dizon (6-0, 225, #44) ranked second in the Big 12 last year with 137 total tackles and should have a lot of fun playing behind that d-line
3) KU's receivers are 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0. Three of Colorado's top four corners are 5-11. All-Big 12 senior cornerback #26 Terrence Wheatley is 5-10, 170 lb.

Trends
KU's last win in Boulder came during the 10-2 season in 1995 ... the Buffs have seven bowl teams on the 2007 schedule.

How KU Wins
The best way might be to have a quarterback that puts in four effective quarters. Todd Reesing played two good quarters and outscored the Buffs 20-6 last year (technically, he assisted on the six CU points as well). The Buffs are supposed to be improved on offense, but after last year's game, the Jayhawk defense should feel pretty confident as they held the Buffs to three field goals in the first half. Colorado got nothing in the second half. Colorado's defense could present problems, but hopefully, KU's new-look offense will be clicking by then and catch CU off guard. KU's receivers are 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0. Three of Colorado's top four corners are 5-11. All-Big 12 cornerback Terrence Wheatley is 5-10, 170, #26. The game is the second best opportunity for a Big 12 road win, but the Buffs will be battle-tested by the time Kansas comes to town.
,
2007 Colorado Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 Colorado State
Sat, Sep 8 at Arizona State
Sat, Sep 15 (19) Florida State
Sat, Sep 22 Miami (OH)
Sat, Sep 29 (8) Oklahoma
Sat, Oct 6 at Baylor
Sat, Oct 13 at Kansas State
Sat, Oct 20 Kansas
Sat, Oct 27 at Texas Tech
Sat, Nov 3 Missouri
Sat, Nov 10 at Iowa State
Fri, Nov 23 (20) Nebraska

Another KU Football Blog

It used to be that Hawkdigest.com was the only football dedicated blog in the Big 12. Now KU has two blogs dedicated to football! Does it count if you're getting paid to do it?

Ryan Wood's Sawin' Wood Blog

Baylor Bears 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Guy Morris (15-31) Fifth Year
Last Year: 4-8, 3-5 Big 12, Sixth in the South 
Returning Starters : Offense 4, Line 3 | Defense 7, Line 3

Three Things You Should Know
1) Sophomore linebacker Joe Pawelek (6-2, 231 #41) leads a Baylor defense that returns seven starters. Last year Pawelek finished among the top 10 tacklers in the Big 12 with 86 total tackles.
2) The Bears swept the north last year by pulling off a rare Big 12 road win at Boulder paired with a couple of home wins against the Hawks and Wildcats (nice work by the Sunflower tandem). It could go the opposite this year. KU and K-State certainly will want to erase the memory of last year and things will be a little different in Kansas. Colorado will want to avoid back-to-back losses to the Bears, but the Buffs do tangle with Oklahoma the week before travelling to Waco.
3) Baylor had two transfers come in to take over the quarterback position in the offseason, but both have fallen at least to third string. The battle appears to be between sophomore Blake Szymanski (6-4, 209, #6) and reshirt freshman Tyler Beatty (6-3, 202, #12). Beatty was fifth on the depth chart last spring. Szymanski has game experience after taking over for injured Shawn Bell toward the end of last season. He completed 52.9% of his passes and threw four TDs against seven touchdowns. He was also sacked 13 times in the final three games. It also appears that he is currently battling an ankle injury.

Trends
Baylor's last bowl game was the 1994 Alamo Bowl ... a 10-3 loss to Washington St.

How KU Wins
For starters, KU has not lost to Baylor in Lawrence since the inception of the Big 12. KU's defense will be better. Baylor's offense is suspect with the loss of QB Shawn Bell and six other starters. Plus, if KU finds a way to beat K-State in Manhattan, the stadium will be packed. Speaking of which, that is the best thing going for the Bears. The 'Hawks will put everything they have into the KSU game the week before ... a Wildcat hangover is an advantage for the Bears. Still, no matter how you slice it, Kansas plays tough at home, so this will be an uphill battle for the Bears.

2007 Baylor Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 at (22) TCU
Sat, Sep 8 Rice
Sat, Sep 15 Texas State
Sat, Sep 22 at Buffalo
Sat, Sep 29 at (25) Texas A&M
Sat, Oct 6 Colorado
Sat, Oct 13 at Kansas
Sat, Oct 20 (4) Texas
Sat, Oct 27 at Kansas State
Sat, Nov 3 Texas Tech
Sat, Nov 10 at (8) Oklahoma
Sat, Nov 17 Oklahoma State

Kansas State Wildcats 2007 Preview Capsule

Coach: Ron Prince (7-6) Second Year
Last Year: 7-6, 4-4, Big 12,  Third in the North
Returning Starters : Offense 7, Line 3 | Defense 6, Line 3

Three Things You Should Know
1) He doesn't get a lot of respect from KU fans or this blog, due to his smack talk prior to last year's Sunflower Showdown, but Ian Campbell (6-5, 232, #98) is respected as perhaps the best defensive end in the Big 12. Anthony Collins shut him down in Lawrence last year, but Campbell gets a break and will go up against Cesar Rodriguez on October 6. This will be one of the key matchups of the day. Of course, we'll see how that goes as it appears KSU is going to play a 3-4, using Campbell as an outside linebacker.
2) The front seven on defense projects to be pretty strong, but the secondary appears to be somewhat questionable. Senior free safety Marcus Watts (6-1, 191, #2) is the leader of the unit and a solid player. The corners are a little undersized at 5-9 and 5-10.
3) Sophomore QB Josh Freeman (6-6, 238, #1) racked up 15 interceptions last year versus six TD passes. The turnovers put the Cats out of a few games, but Freeman showed enough last year to believe that he will develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12.

Trends
We thought the Jayhawks had it bad opening conference play on the road three straight years ... KSU will open Big 12 play on the road for the eighth straight year. I'd recommend getting some purple protestors to march on the Big 12 office in Dallas.

How KU Wins
KSU travels to Texas and KU gets a bye week. If the 'Hawks come in 4-0, it would be their best start since 1995 and they should be full of confidence. Plus, getting to a bowl and winning the division are the goals you hear about, but the team is also eager to prove that they can win on the road. This is a huge opportunity as KSU could be 2-2 and KU will be focused on this one. Still, the KSU student section willed the Cats to victory in 2005 versus the quarterbackless Jayhawks. KU was better team that year and the Cats found a way to win. This year the teams are a little more even and KSU should be ready to go after taking on Auburn and Texas. The rivalry is back on and this should be a great game and atmosphere.

2007 Kansas State Schedule
Sat, Sep 1 at (18) Auburn
Sat, Sep 8 San Jose State
Sat, Sep 15 Missouri State
Sat, Sep 29 at (4) Texas
Sat, Oct 6 Kansas
Sat, Oct 13 Colorado
Sat, Oct 20 at Oklahoma State
Sat, Oct 27 Baylor
Sat, Nov 3 at Iowa State
Sat, Nov 10 at (20) Nebraska
Sat, Nov 17 Missouri
Sat, Nov 24 at Fresno State