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University Daily Kansan
Closer Look
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1985
With a 3-0 record, the Jayhawk offense is quickly gaining a reputation as the
BOMB SQUAD
By Frank Hansel Of the Kansan sports staff
Above, Indiana State defensive back Keith Mullen breaks up Mike Norseth's pass to receivers Willie Vaughn, left, and Sandy McGee. Vaughn and McGee have played key roles in the Jayhawk receivi ing corps so far this season. At top right, Norseth fires to the sidelines. In two games. Norseth has broken three Big Eight Conference records - two for passing and one for total offense.
The Kansas Bomb Squad, those wide receivers who have made it a Saturday afternoon of catching passes from their squadron leader, quarterback Mike Norseth, is quickly making a name for itself.
In three games, Norseth has thrown for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns. In 11 games last season, Norseth threw for 1,682 yards and nine touchdowns.
Norseth said, "Our job is to move the ball, and I think the receivers like (freshman Willie) Vaughn and (senior Richard) Estell can be as good as they want to be."
The majority of his passes are going to the self-proclaimed Bomb Squad, and opponents are starting to take notice.
"I love their offensive scheme," Indiana State wide receiver Joe Downing said last Saturday. "Their receivers seem to have a lot of freedom in their pass routes, and Norseth does a great job getting them the ball."
Estell has been the Bomb Squad leader this year. He has caught 20 passes for 415 yards and two touchdowns. Last year Estell caught 25 passes for 500 yards and three touchdowns.
His latest performance was a 187-yard effort against Indiana State. Estell's receptions included a 62-yard pass from Norseth that set up the first Kansas touchdown.
The Bomb Squad has been shorhanded since the Hawaii game because of injuries to Johnny Holloway and Skippe Beet. It should receive additional ammunition when Holloway returns for Saturday's game against Florida State.
Holloway did suit up against Indiana State. Head coach Mike Gottfried said that Holloway could have played in that game and probably would play against Florida State, No. 5 in the United Press International poll.
vaughn became an integral part of the Bomb Squad when Holloway and Peete were injured.
Other key members of the Bomb Squad are Sandy McGee and Ronnie Caldwell. McGee has caught seven passes for 93 yards, and Caldwell has added seven receptions for 100 yards.
Backup quarterback Tom Quick, who replaced Mike Norseth in the third quarter of Saturday's game.,eludes the grasp of Indiana State defensive tackle Rob Mcintyre.
Photos by Jacki Kelly, Alan Hagman and John Lechliter.
Quarterback Mike Noretthe's willingness to scramble rather than throw when his receivers are covered has helped him avoid interceptions this season.