Kansas - Toledo

[sterlingice]

Sure, I might as well have called this Ping: Meanstrosity, Dataking but whatever...

42-effing-0 with 11+ to go in the 2nd quarter! I've seen too many games where we've been on the other side of this to not enjoy it to the fullest. Go KU! Unfortunately no tv, so I have to just listen to KLWN.

SI

[Poli]

Heck, PING: DK!!

Kansas is in EVANSTON next week!

[sterlingice]

Yeah, that's going to be another tough game (well, every game is tough for us this one not withstanding).

SI

[Neuqua]

Yikes, was Toledo overrated this year or what. I think my high school has a better defense than what Toledo has shown the first two weeks.

[sterlingice]

63-14 final. This was about a perfect college football week for me. KU romped. Mizzou and K-State lost. And Dame beat Michigan. Woo!

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

sterling,

I just got back from the game. Kansas played well tonight. Toledo is certainly not a power team, but the fact Kansas was able to dominate an opponent like this speaks volumes from how far they've come under Coach Mark Mangino.

Kansas has a legit shot to surprise some of the Big 12 north teams since it is a bit down this season. The tough thing is Kansas has Oklahoma and Texas on the schedule this year...ouch. The thing I like about Kansas though is that they are very young with a lot of starters being sophomores. They could be a top 25 caliber team within the next year or two.

[mckerney]

Damn. I was hoping Toledo could get a win in week 2, but with them losing 63-14 again against Kansas it seems they're just a team that was overrated at the start of the year, not a good team Minnesota blew out.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

sterling,

I just got back from the game. Kansas played well tonight. Toledo is certainly not a power team, but the fact Kansas was able to dominate an opponent like this speaks volumes from how far they've come under Coach Mark Mangino.

Kansas has a legit shot to surprise some of the Big 12 north teams since it is a bit down this season. The tough thing is Kansas has Oklahoma and Texas on the schedule this year...ouch. The thing I like about Kansas though is that they are very young with a lot of starters being sophomores. They could be a top 25 caliber team within the next year or two.

Agree 100% especially with some of the 2-9, 3-8 type teams we've trotted out in the years I've been here. I'm not about to go off the deep end like some of the guys over at phog.net and predict we'll beat the Purple Power Pussies or anything, but maybe we do have those 6 wins for a bowl game in us after all. Unfortunately the schedule lines up really wicked as you mentioned. I remember similar wins against SIU, Cal State Northridge, and Illinois State that meant nothing the past few years.

But, man, we are set at the skill positions with Barmann and Randle (please, everyone, stop trying to create the Swanson QB controversy when we already have a good young QB) and WRs who look pretty good. I'm still reserving judgement on the O and D lines until we get them up on some good competition. Sacking the Toledo QB is a far cry from going after even someone like Colorado's or Texas Tech's.

So, anyways, here's how the schedule stacks up in my mind.
Winnable: @Northwestern, Texas Tech, @Iowa State, Colorado, @Mizzou
Unlikely: -none-
Nigh Impossible: @Nebraska, K-State, @Oklahoma, Texas

This would be a year I would love to have Nebraska here. They're going to be vulnerable and we always play them tough at Memorial. K-State, well, Snyder is in our head- I'm pretty sure they're going to roll us. At Norman is just too much to ask. Texas, well, they're prone to the letdown type game but they're also a team that likes to beat up on teams like us.

That means to be bowl eligible, we have to go 4-1 in those "winnable" games. If Mangino can keep the team focused and not taking anything for granted, the next two are emminently winnable. Then we have the brutal three game stretch with @Neb, K-State, @Oak which might just demoralize us completely. But if we can avoid that, @Iowa State is also winnable before regaining some confidence for Colorado at home. And if a trip to a bowl is on the line at Columbia, well, who knows- just look at Notre Dame/Michigan today.

That said, the fat man is starting to win me over for his ability to coach, and, in particular, recruit. We just didn't have this type of talent out there in the Terry Allen years. And we have a good shot of being where Mizzou was last year in a couple of years- kindof on the outside looking in at the best teams, but happy to be there and beating most everyone else.

EDIT: I was planning on watching part of the game from the hill tonight but my girlfriend had to work weekend overtime (a rarity for her) and basically came home and fell asleep which kindof sapped my motivation as I figured I should help her out so I listened on the radio instead.

SI

[Neuqua]

Ugh. The sheer thought of Kansas is making me literally throw up in my mouth.

- Illinois basketball fan

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Neuqua

Ugh. The sheer thought of Kansas is making me literally throw up in my mouth.

- Illinois basketball fan

Jowls is three times the man Bill Self will ever be.





I mean, seriously, I can't see Bill Self ever tipping the scale anywhere near Mangino. I still can't understand how a guy who coaches football can be that huge.

SI

[panerd]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

So, anyways, here's how the schedule stacks up in my mind.
Winnable: @Northwestern, Texas Tech, @Iowa State, Colorado, @Mizzou
Unlikely: -none-
Nigh Impossible: @Nebraska, K-State, @Oklahoma, Texas



That means to be bowl eligible, we have to go 4-1 in those "winnable" games. If Mangino can keep the team focused and not taking anything for granted, the next two are emminently winnable. Then we have the brutal three game stretch with @Neb, K-State, @Oak which might just demoralize us completely. But if we can avoid that, @Iowa State is also winnable before regaining some confidence for Colorado at home. And if a trip to a bowl is on the line at Columbia, well, who knows- just look at Notre Dame/Michigan today.

SI

HAHAHAHAHA! So Mizzou gets upset by a decent team on national tv and all of a sudden KU has a winnable game in Columbia? If you don't think Pinkel's ass isn't on the line if KU even comes within 20 points of us you are out of your mind. They will get stomped by Mizzou, Iowa State on the road, and Colorado. I believe Tech wins at Kansas making possibly Northwestern your only winnable game (and I would put that in the unlikely column). Stop drinking all that nasty kool-aid after beating Toledo. KU: 1-10.

(I would hardly call KU coming to MU comparable to Notre Dame feeding off it's fans against Michigan either)

[panerd]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

sterling,

I just got back from the game. Kansas played well tonight. Toledo is certainly not a power team, but the fact Kansas was able to dominate an opponent like this speaks volumes from how far they've come under Coach Mark Mangino.

Kansas has a legit shot to surprise some of the Big 12 north teams since it is a bit down this season. The tough thing is Kansas has Oklahoma and Texas on the schedule this year...ouch. The thing I like about Kansas though is that they are very young with a lot of starters being sophomores. They could be a top 25 caliber team within the next year or two.

1-10 (2-9 maybe with a win at Northwestern) will change your top 25 caliber team prediction. But, thanks guys for making my morning after sulking about Troy State for the past 3 days. This is seriously the funniest set of posts I have read in a long time!

[panerd]

Triple dola:
And to give both of you some props so that this doesn't become a beat up on the two KU fans response, this is comparible to Mizzou fans every year talking about how our basketball team is on the rise. And how we will finally take out KU and Texas and OU. Think of how funny that is to you guys (and I agree, how wrong) and that is how these posts read to any rational football fan.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by panerd

HAHAHAHAHA! So Mizzou gets upset by a decent team on national tv and all of a sudden KU has a winnable game in Columbia? If you don't think Pinkel's ass isn't on the line if KU even comes within 20 points of us you are out of your mind. They will get stomped by Mizzou, Iowa State on the road, and Colorado. I believe Tech wins at Kansas making possibly Northwestern your only winnable game (and I would put that in the unlikely column). Stop drinking all that nasty kool-aid after beating Toledo. KU: 1-10.

(I would hardly call KU coming to MU comparable to Notre Dame feeding off it's fans against Michigan either)

I can see those St Louis math skills already kicking in. But even you must realize it's tough to go 1-10 when you're already 2-0. That said, I called those game "winnable", not banking on them. None are in the bank by any stretch of the imagination. I would be a bit surprised to go 0-9 the rest of the way, but it's not unbelievable. But, I could also see us go 4-5 the rest of the way, even tho that is also unlikely. I think we win 2 or 3 more games and end up 4-7 or 5-6 which is pretty good considering our schedule.

Originally Posted by panerd

1-10 (2-9 maybe with a win at Northwestern) will change your top 25 caliber team prediction. But, thanks guys for making my morning after sulking about Troy State for the past 3 days. This is seriously the funniest set of posts I have read in a long time!

The reading comprehension is just as good especially since meanstrosity said "in the next year or two". We have no illusions about Top 25 this year, but maybe when the team is more senior laden since a lot of our guys are coming up at the same time.

And, I feel bad about this after striking an accord with MizzouRah and the Cards fans over in the St Louis baseball thread, but:

Until you beat us this year in Columbia, how about this for your crappy little top 25 team who came in here and got rocked:
Kansas 35 Mizzou 14

[panerd]

I modestly change my prediction for KU's record to 2-9.

[the_meanstrosity]

sterling,

You missed a fun game man. It was a good time on the Hill. Mangino has done an incredible job of getting this program back on track. It's still a very young team and isn't nearly as deep as I'd like to see it, but I'm definitely impressed with their play thus far. If they can stay healthy, Kansas could surprise some teams this year. As you stated though, Kansas is still on the outside looking in. But at least we're looking in now, lol.

panerd,

Missouri is a winnable game for Kansas because of the rivalry, not because of the result against Troy. Let's be honest here, Missouri didn't look very good against Arkansas State and they certainly didn't look very good against Troy. I like Pinkel and I think he's a great recruiter, but some of the playcalling just boggles my mind. I'll say this though, Missouri bounced back from that drubbing from Kansas last season and this loss to Troy may help them get re-focused.

And yes, I'm not saying Kansas is a top 25 team currently. Kansas has a lot of sophomores starting and hopefully in a year or two with the experience Kansas could be a top 25 team. That's dependant on the strength of the Big 12 north, but right now it's certainly plausible.

I'm not sure why you think Kansas will get blown out against Iowa State or Colorado. Neither team has looked that great thus far. Though I will give Iowa State credit for a tough game against Iowa yesterday.

Northwestern will be a tough game, but it's certainly winnable. It's a road game for Kansas and with it being a young and inexperienced squad you never know how they'll react in a tough environment. Should be a good game though.

Right now the Big 12 north is wide open with teams like Nebraska, Colorado, and KSU down. Kansas most likely doesn't have a shot with their south schedule of OU and Texas, but I'm very interested to see how the team does against the Big 12 north. If we can surprise a team or two and sneak out some wins I'd be very happy.

Nequa,

Sorry about Julian Wright, lol.

[Poli]

Ryan Field is not a tough enviroment.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

sterling,

You missed a fun game man. It was a good time on the Hill. Mangino has done an incredible job of getting this program back on track. It's still a very young team and isn't nearly as deep as I'd like to see it, but I'm definitely impressed with their play thus far. If they can stay healthy, Kansas could surprise some teams this year. As you stated though, Kansas is still on the outside looking in. But at least we're looking in now, lol.

Our schedule just lines up so tough to go too nuts. Still, I'll probably be up there on the hill for any other games I can get out there for. To be honest, I know this sounds dumb, but it never occurred to me that I could watch a game for free from the hill until this past offseason So I'll try to get a good couple of games up there depending on weather and school work.

SI

[panerd]

Bump.

Still going to win at Mizzou?

[sterlingice]

Aw. You Mizzou fans are so cute on bye weeks when you can't go off and lose. If you're going to come in and post every week after we lose or you win, that's just sad. And, I didn't say we were going to win as you have so grossly and repeatedly misconstrued it: I just said it was winnable. But I just don't see how you could be so insulted that you had to fly off the handle because your your precious overhyped team might play a competitive game with us. The odds are certainly against us winning since it's in Columbia. But stranger things have happened. It's not like you're Oklahoma or even Texas so get off that high horse- you're far from invincible and see you in November.

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

Panerd,

Having seen both Missouri and Kansas play, yes I think Kansas can win in Columbia. Missouri's offense is still solely based on Smith's mobility. Nash is a heck of a runner though, but they don't feed him the ball nearly enough. And Pinkel trying to force Smith to stay in the pocket more is a big mistake. And Missouri's defense is still pretty weak regardless of the hype. So yes, I think Kansas can beat Missouri in Columbia.

Will they? Who knows. It all depends on whether or not Pinkel and his OC can gameplan for that game. Missouri probably has the better talent on offense, but Pinkel's offensive playcalling leaves much to be desired. The sooner Pinkel realizes Smith isn't a pocket passer, the more successful Missouri will be.

[the_meanstrosity]

SI,

Did you see the game yesterday? Ugh. It was one of the ugliest games I've seen with regards to playcalling from the offense. Kansas had a 20 point lead and they were still trying to throw the ball. And running from the shotgun? Ugh. The coaching staff gave that game away. Tech is a good team, but the offensive playcalling from Kansas was as inept as I've seen it. Reminded me of the Tulsa game earlier this season where they tried to get too cute.

[panerd]

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Aw. You Mizzou fans are so cute on bye weeks when you can't go off and lose. If you're going to come in and post every week after we lose or you win, that's just sad. And, I didn't say we were going to win as you have so grossly and repeatedly misconstrued it: I just said it was winnable. But I just don't see how you could be so insulted that you had to fly off the handle because your your precious overhyped team might play a competitive game with us. The odds are certainly against us winning since it's in Columbia. But stranger things have happened. It's not like you're Oklahoma or even Texas so get off that high horse- you're far from invincible and see you in November.

SI

Earlier in the thread you discussed how it was the perfect weekend for you with Mizzou and K-State loses. I feel about the same way when KU blows a 20 point lead on television. (I can't wait for the televised Nebraska game by the way) And I am not the least bit worried about KU beating us in Columbia. I won't go into the Texas threads and stir up shit about how great Mizzou is because I know we aren't at that level. But when a few KU fans get excited about beating Toledo and talk about how Texas Tech, Northwestern, and at Mizzou are winnable games I figure I will remind them about it every few weeks. (I wasn't really insulted by your post, just amused. If I start talking about how great MU basketball will be this season if we start out 4-0 after beating some saps I would hope you guys put me in my place) Still sticking with my 2-9 prediction from earlier in the thread.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

SI,

Did you see the game yesterday? Ugh. It was one of the ugliest games I've seen with regards to playcalling from the offense. Kansas had a 20 point lead and they were still trying to throw the ball. And running from the shotgun? Ugh. The coaching staff gave that game away. Tech is a good team, but the offensive playcalling from Kansas was as inept as I've seen it. Reminded me of the Tulsa game earlier this season where they tried to get too cute.

I agree somewhat. But I can't stand teams who sit on 20 point leads and then just run the ball. The other team puts 8 and 9 guys in the box, and you run a bunch of momentum killing 3-and-outs and we saw some of that. Being from Houston and being heartbroken by the 35 point blown lead against the Bills, I just never feel any lead is safe. So, they should have just stuck with what got them there: short passes and safe runs. Instead, they tried to go run, run, long pass and ended up with lots of run, run, long pass, punt series that let Tech back in the game.

Anyways, this was actually the first time I actually got to see the team this year since the previous games were only on radio. Thankfully Fox Sports carried the game: heck, a friend of mine who graduated and is now in California got to see it on their Fox Sports affiliate (the Channel 6 replays always seem to be at some horrible time like Sunday morning).

A couple of things: man, they are so much quicker on defense. I know everyone had said they were quick, but they just swarm around the ball. If they had any push up front, they'd be scary dangerous. Unfortunately, they don't have much push and the corners are average so having great linebackers just covers up some of the holes. Also, I'm starting to notice that Randle tends to disappear for large chunks of time. He'll break off a 20 yard run and then not do anything for more than 3 yards on his next 5.

If only our schedule was a bit kinder... I'm worried about how demoralized the team will be after these next three. I'm sure at least one of these will be one of those 35-10 or 50-20 ugly blowouts. But we'll see, maybe they can at least hang around in one or two. A friend of mine is coming up from Manhattan and we'll be on the hill for the Purple Power Pussy game but Bill Snyder won't miss an opportunity to run it up on us so that could get out of control if their team starts coming together.

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

Panerd,

So you're saying Northwestern and Tech weren't winnable games? Kansas led in the fourth quarter of both games. How is that not considered a winnable game? Did they win? No. Were they in position to win the games? Yes. Hence they were winnable games.

I don't think either of us said this Kansas team was "great". We stated that some games were winnable based on the improvements. And they certainly were. The offense isn't as good as last season, but Kansas' defense is much improved. Aside from some coaching errors they could easily be 4-0. That's the risk you take when you hire an assistant coach to run your program. You're going to get out-coached every so often until you learn the business.

SI,

The problem was that this Kansas team is struggling with throwing and catching the ball. If you stick to the short throws you're going to be stuck with 3 and outs. Tech is a team that gives up 150 yards per game on the ground. You've got to run against that...especially when you have the lead.

Don't blame Randle...blame the playcalling. They sat Randle for the entire 3rd quarter. And when they brought him in decided to run out of the shotgun. It amazed me to hear Mangino complain about the offensive line after the game and he has his FB sitting most of the running plays. Incredible.

The Nebraska game will be a big measuring stick. On the road in Lincoln will be a rude awakening for this team. I just have a feeling this Nebraska team under Callahan will come out ready and drop 40 points on Kansas. I hope not, but I just don't know how this team will react in that kind of environment.

The KSU game could be interesting. They've got some serious question marks this season. I still give the advantage to KSU because Snyder usually has his team ready for Kansas, but there is something about this game that is worrying a lot of my KSU friends.

[the_meanstrosity]

Panerd,

I think Kansas has a shot in Columbia. What do you think?

Originally Posted by panerd

Bump.

Still going to win at Mizzou?

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by the_meanstrosity

Panerd,

I think Kansas has a shot in Columbia. What do you think?

You think? Even with our 4th string QB against a tough Mizzou team?

Wow, and Iowa State shellacked KSU with a ton of 4th quarter points. I gotta say I'm happy with Jowls- lots of close games and hopefully next year we can get over the hump a little more. Not only that but wins against K-State and Mizzou. I badly wanted that Nebraska win to break the streak and we just flat out got hosed last week by the refs. Still, the only game we weren't in late in the 4th quarter was Oklahoma. Next year, if we can turn some of those into wins, we're back in a bowl game. Can't wait

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

sterling,

I'm just waiting for Panerd to come back and break down the game for us. Perhaps he'll explain how the game in Columbia isn't winnable for Kansas.

[sterlingice]

Yeah, that'll happen

Man, I can't wait until next year

This week, for once, we can actually have people talking about football *and* basketball on campus.

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

Sterling,

You think Panerd will hide out for a while? I'm hoping he shows up. A fourth string QB and Kansas still won this game. Great job coaching by Mangino and his staff. Pinkel on the other hand...not so good.

[the_meanstrosity]

Sterling,

I just went back and re-read some of Panerd's "football knowledge". Wow, was he really off the mark. Maybe Panerd is actually Pinkel.

[panerd]

Nothing to add. I couldn't even argue or get pissed at KU fans after the game, we suck. The players don't seem to give a shit and neither do the coaches. I would have to rank this weekend (loss to KU with an extreme outside shot at a BCS bid on the line and home basketball loss to Davidson) as the worst Mizzou sports weekend I have ever witnessed. Hopefully not only will this university have some major shake-ups in the football program, but maybe drop Mike Alden on his ass also. Realisticly Pinkel is owed too much money and is too loyal to fire any of his top guys, so next year looks to be more of the same. I am glad that your football program seems to be going in the right direction, ours is not. As far as being happy from our previous posts in September, I would have to say none of us can be very excited. Next weeks game was ISU will determine who is last in the big 12 North and who is 5th.

Not to take away from KU playing well, which they did. I can eat crow and admit I was wrong.

[sterlingice]

That's cool, panerd. I think we were just offended you didn't think it was even possible but you showed up and answered for it so that's cool of you.

I have a question: what has happened over there? A year ago at this time, everything was going your guys way, Pinkel looked like he was on his way to building up the program or worrying you guys by looking for other offers. How did thing turn around so quickly?

SI

[the_meanstrosity]

Panerd,

Actually Kansas will finish fourth in the north if Missouri loses to Iowa State. Kansas has the tie breaker over both Missouri and KSU. The important thing for Kansas is that they are taking steps forward while other Big 12 north teams are taking steps backward. You need both to happen when you want to turn a program around like Kansas.

You may not be happy about your Missouri team, but Kansas fans are feeling pretty good about their team. I doubt we'll be battling for a Big 12 title next season, but at least we have a legit shot in every game we play in. It's better than being the cupcake on the conference schedule as we were under Terry Allen.

As I told you earlier this season, every game on KU's schedule this season was winnable aside from OU and Texas. And I was actually off a bit in that the Texas game was winnable for Kansas. Mangino has done a tremendous job in creating a competitive environment so quickly at Kansas. With a couple of lucky breaks in recruiting, Kansas could battle for the Big 12 north next season.

As for the Big 12 north next year, I think it's going to be another battle. Nebraska will have another year under Callahan which could be very interesting. Every season Colorado seems to find themselves in the thick of things and I have no idea how. Barnett isn't a great coach, but he just finds a way to win the tough games. KSU will be down a bit unless they have some hidden talent. Missouri should be improved, but with Pinkel at the helm you just never know. I'm not a big fan of Iowa State, but they just play fundamentally sound football. They don't turn the ball over and they capitalize on your mistakes. It will be another crazy year in the Big 12 north next season.