By Wendell Barnhouse
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent
A daily countdown previewing the upcoming college football season continues. Today: Kansas Jayhawks..
2007: 12-1 overall, 7-1 in North Division, tie 1st.
Bowl game: Defeated Virginia Tech, 24-21, in Orange Bowl.
Coach: Mark Mangino, 37-36 in seventh season.
Returning starters: 6 offense, 9 defense.
Staff changes: Mangino had to remake his staff. The most significant change involves defensive coordinator where Clint Bowen was promoted to replace Bill Young. Other newcomers include David Beaty (receivers), Brandon Blaney (tight ends), Jim Bob Clements (defensive line) and Lou Matsakis (running backs/special teams).
Offensive outlook: Junior quarterback Todd Reesing is a feisty leader who overcomes his lack of height with mobility and passing accuracy. His ability to change plays at the line and make the right throws makes the Jayhawks’ offense click. Kansas must replace Brandon McAnderson, last season’s top rusher. Junior-college transfer Jocques Crawford has been impressive in preseason workouts and might be more of a breakaway threat.
Defensive outlook: Kansas will have to adjust to the loss of defensive coordinator Bill Young plus replace play-making cornerback Aqib Talib.The linebacking unit, led by seniors Joe Mortensen and Mike Rivera, is the strength of a solid group. The pass rush needs to improve.
Player on the spot: Offensive tackle Jeff Spikes. The redshirt freshman has impressive skills. Considering he’s slated to start and anchor the left side of the line, he’ll need to showcase his talents. Spikes, 6-6 and 314 pounds, will be responsible for protecting quarterback Todd Reesing’s blind side.
Player on the rise: Sophomore wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe. With senior Dexton Fields the leading returning receiver, Briscoe needs to be productive in order to provide balance to the passing game.
Number of note: Kansas ranked 109th in net punting last season. The punt return unit didn’t fare much better, ranking 103rd. The Jayhawks need improvement in this area if they want to remain in the top 10.
Date book: Game Three at South Florida could be the key game. If the Jayhawks can win their toughest non-conference game, they could be undefeated going into consecutive Big 12 road games against Oklahoma and Texas Tech. The last three games also are challenging - at Nebraska, Texas and Missouri in Kansas City. If Kansas duplicates 2007’s 11-1 regular season, it could find itself in the national title picture.
2008 SCHEDULE
| Aug. 30 |
| Florida International
|
Sept. 6
|
| Louisiana Tech
|
Sept. 12
| at
| South Florida
|
Sept. 20
|
| Sam Houston State
|
Oct. 4
| at
| Iowa State*
|
Oct. 11
|
| Colorado*
|
Oct. 18
| at
| Oklahoma*
|
Oct. 25
| at
| Texas Tech*
|
Nov. 1
|
| Kansas State*
|
Nov. 8
| at
| Nebraska*
|
Nov. 15
|
| Texas*
|
Nov. 29
| vs.
| Missouri*
|
* - Big 12 Game
|
|
|
THE SCHEDULE - BIG 12 SKYWRITERS TOUR PRESENTED BY TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL