8B SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY HALL KANSAN
VOLLEYBALL (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
THURSDAY,OCTOBER 30,2008
ning and the end and they controlled the middle." Bechard said. "I'm just glad we were part of the end."
Even sweeter than a set-five comeback is doing it against your archrival. Even though this match counts as one victory, Bechard knows it means more than that to Jayhawks fans.
"There's Jayhawk fans overseas or somewhere that are monitoring. The most important thing for them is 'What's the score between Missouri and Kansas in the Border Showdown?' Bechard said.
A look at the number; to see why Kansas won is staggering. Missouri leads the Big 12 in digs, yet Kansas out-dug them 92-68. The Tigers, however, accumulated 20 total blocks, but Kansas had 25 more kills than the Tigers. Five Jayhawks had double-digit kills, a season-high.
But senior middle blocker Savannah Noyes, who has played Missouri for the last time, said even though she didn't play her best match, only one stat mattered to her; victories.
"I'm just glad that we could win in our gym," she said, "And that's really all I wanted."
Edited by Becka Cremer
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COMMENTARY
(CONTINUED FROM 1B)
overtime, rife with penalties.
With so many games played during the course of their season, Mattie and Blackman have noticed a growth in the virtual soccer skills of themselves and fellow contestants, while also a greater knowledge of the technicalities of the game.
As a sport noticeably different than the mainstream diversions most Americans are accustomed to, soccer can easily be dismissed as a pathetic back and forth contest featuring attempts to score on an abnormally large goal. These thoughts were shared by Mattie, Blackman and no doubt a number of their peers, but that consensus has been replaced with a new-found knowledge of the game. The seeds of a bit of a passion have been planted and — with the FIFA tournaments — a new tradition amongst friends was created.
It's fantasy futbol to the extent where you control the outcome. Whether you leave smashed or with a surplus of cash, this interpretation on the video game series is one example of an unconventional, yet efficient, gateway to broadening one's sports repertoire.
Edited by Kelsey Hayes
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
REESING (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
Quarterback Todd Reesing's height kept him from getting offers at big-time schools. Before becoming a Jayhawk, Reesing turned down a scholarship to Kansas State.
Reesing called the KU coaching staff and said he was headed for Lawrence.
"It itt did take a lot of convincing for him to believe that I had
a chance to play. Reesing said, "He was the only person where it didn't take a lot of convincing. I didn't have to come throw the ball in front of him or anything. He saw the tape — he
they liked everything he did, it was a great concern for some people."
Reeing also was concerned about his height but hoped that
"You could see that he was not a really big guy on tape,but boy, he made plays. He made play after play after play."
MARK MANGINO Football coach
saw a guy who could make plays."
Reesing's height kept him from getting offers at other big-time schools. Several schools inquired about the 5-foot-11 gunslinger but soured on him when they saw him in person.
"As soon as they laid eyes on him in the hallway or at spring practice," Mangino said. "When they saw his size, even though
Mangino would see past his size on his videotape. He hoped that his talent would be the difference.
"I knew he wasn't going to like me for
my size," Reesing said. "That was really the only chance I had, for him to like the fact that I could make plays and throw the ball well."
Luckily for Jayhawk fans, Mangino got Reesing's tape and liked what he saw. Even his size.
Edited by Jennifer Torline
NFL
Cutler's finger swelled up after he snuck it on a helmet during the first play of a 41-7 loss to New England, but it wasn't broken — just bumped and bruised.
Lucky that he didn't suffer a similar fate as Tony Romo,whos been sidelined since breaking the pinkie finger on his throwing hand on Oct.12.
Broncos QB's finger feels fine'
The Denver Broncos' quarterback effortlessly validated the point, winging a pass nearly 60 yards downfield in practice Wednesday.
BY PAT GRAHAM ASSOCIATED PRESS
The concern proved pointless as Cutler's zip hasn't dipped due to the dinged digit.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Jay Cutler declared the dinged-up index finger on his throwing hand is feeling fine.
Just ask Michael Pittman.
"He's playing like the Jay I know," said Pittman, who plans on being available Sunday against Miami despite sore ribs. "He's got a real strong arm, one of the strongest quarterbacks I've been around. I plan on Jay having a big game this weekend."
He had a game hed rather forget at New England. Cutler threw for a season-low 168 yards and two interceptions. He also sat out a series late in the first half due to the finger, leading to an elbow injury to backup Patrick Ramsey that knocked him out for the year.
Cutler was also banged up trying to chase down Andre Hall's second fumble of the game, with Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork elbowing Cutler in the helmet.
"I think I got rolled up by (Rodney) Harrison and then on my way back up, I think (Wilford) gave me a forearm to the head," said Cutler, who felt "a little dizzy" following the hit. "I guess they called him in on it."
Willfork will be fined but not suspended by the NFL after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
With his finger no longer a concern, Cutler can turn his attention to another irksome issue — fixing a scuffling offense.
The Broncos may soon have some of their absent arsenal back as Brandon Stokley is nearing full strength after a concussion, while Selvin Young (groin) and Tony Scheffler (groin) both think they're close to returning.
All three practiced on a limited basis Wednesday along with Hall (ankle).
Cutler can't wait to have those playmakers back at his disposal.
"To not be a part of (the offense) in the past couple of weeks and having to sit back and watch has been tough," Scheffler said. "Hopefully, I'll get out here this week."
The return of Stokley could help alleviate the pressure on Brandon Marshall, who's drawing a steady dose of double coverage. Even with the added attention, Marshall is still tied for third in the league with 49 catches.
"It helps out our offense, what we're trying to do. It doesn't limit us," Cutler said.
"We've just got to find ways to get him the ball," Cutter said.
An effective ground game could open up things for Marshall and the rest of the receivers.
Enter Ryan Torain.
With Young hobbled, Hall having trouble holding onto the football and Pittman's ribs aching, the Broncos may trot out Torain, a rookie from Arizona State who's been missing since breaking a bone in his elbow in August.
"I'm excited to play." Torain said.
"It just feels good to be back."
His arrival couldn't come at a more opportune time.
"He just adds a little juice to the backfield," Cutler said. "To get fresh legs back there, it's definitely going to help. I think he's going to help us out a lot."
Before the injury, Torain was looking at carries in short-yardage situations, a role that Pittman thrived in before being promoted to lead tailback when Young went down.
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