Monday, Sept. 16, 1963 University Daily Kansan
Page 7
Football Outlook Hazy as Opener With TCU Nears
It may come as a shock to some fans, and it's just one writer's opinion, but the KU football team may find it extremely difficult to win five of its ten games this season.
If the Jayhawkers fail to produce a wining season, it would be only the third time such a situation has happened since Jack Mitchell has been head coach here.
The Jayhawks, who finished with a 6-3-1 record last year, certainly must be considered an improved
through a highly controlled offensive and defensive scrimmage in the stadium Friday afternoon. Two cameras caught nearly 650 feet of the action.
Even though Mitchell thinks his defense is not capable of containing Texas Christian at this point, this writer has a feeling the KU offense could be a deciding factor.
THIS EVENING... By Roy Miller
Texas Christian no longer has Sonny Gibbs, an all-America quarterback, but it does have 28 returning lettermen and is highly rated in the Southwest. KU opens its 1963 season against the Horned Frogs Saturday night at Fort Worth.
team in several respects. But, that doesn't mean KU can sweep the Big Eight Conference or defeat its three non-conference opponents.
AT THE MOMENT, and the picture could change overnight, KU must be regarded as an underdog to Oklahoma, Nebraska and Missouri in conference action.
As for the non-conference competition, KU may be fortunate to win a game.
Syracuse, KU's opponent here Sept. 28 for Stadium Dedication Day, had a 5-5 record last season. The Orangemen won five of their last eight games and observers say the momentum is likely to continue.
WYOMING. scarcely thought of in these parts as a national power in the sport, was rated over KU by some pre-season magazines. The Cowboys have 26 returning lettermen.
In the Big Eight, Oklahoma may easily win its second championship. There's also a strong possibility either Nebraska or Missouri could place first and earn a trip to the Orange Bowl.
At this point, it would be considered an upset if KU defeated either of those three teams.
Oklahoma won't be nearly as strong on defense this season as last, it appears, but offense should take care of any defensive shortcomings.
THE SOONERS' offensive attack will be built around fullback Jim Grisham, who is on most pre-season all-America teams, and halfback Joe Don Loney, who led the nation in punting last year.
Back for Nebraska are quarterback Dennis Claridge, an all-Big Eight pick and United Press International's "Player of the Year." Brown, an all-Big Eight guard; Willie Ross, the team's leading rusher in 1962, and tackle Lloyd Voss, a 247-pounder who could gain all-conference honors.
Nebraska, who handed KU a humiliating 40-16 defeat last season, returns four of its top players who led the Cornhuskers to a 9-2 record and a Gotham Bowl victory.
MISSOURI DEFINITELY will miss Johnny Roland, an all-Big Eight halfback last year, who was suspended from athletic competition in 1963 for disciplinary reasons. Just how much Roland's absence will be felt is the question.
KU's biggest concern at the moment is defense. Last week, Mitchell canceled Saturday's scrimmage in Memorial Stadium with some reluctance. He wanted to see his defense on film once more before the TCU game.
A strong line may keep the Tigers near the top in the Big Eight standings.
Even without Armand Baughman, KU has one of the best backfields in the conference—and this nation. Baughman, who severely sprained an ankle last week, is a doubtful player for the season's opener.
Mitchell decided Friday morning to risk injuries and send the teams
It appears that the KU backfield's depth is endless. Halfback Gale Sayers, fullback Ken Coleman, slotback Tony Leiker and quarterback Steve Renko comprise the No. 1 unit, and the talent doesn't end there, by any means.
Sid Micek and Dave Crandall are capable quarterbacks; rookie Sims Stokes could relieve Leiker and give a fine performance; Mike Johnson shows fine promise as a reserve for Sayers, and Bill Gerhards could step in for Coleman and Baughman.
Welcome to Lawrence and to the
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