THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2004
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 7A
Opponent's losses deceiving for Kansas
Northwestern football, ranked fifth in offense, could be tough task for Kansas' defense
BY RYAN COLAIANNI
rcolaianni@kansan.com
KANSAN SPORTSWITER
The Jayhawks travel to Northwestern Saturday for their first road test of the season, and though the Wildcats have lost their first two games, their poor record can hardly be attributed to an under-performing offense.
So far, Northwestern has averaged 550 yards of total offense per game and ranks fifth in the nation in that category.
nation in that "0-2 is very deceiving," said Kansas coach Mark Mangino. "We are not fooled by that. We think Northwestern is a good football team."
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football teams. The Wildcats should prove to be another tough task for the improved Kansas defense.
In fact, in both Northwestern's losses to Arizona State and Texas Christian University, it gained more offensive yards than its opponents.
"We have been playing a pretty solid game on the offensive side of the ball so far," said Northwestern coach Randy Walker.
Joachi Randy Van Dyke The Jayhawks will have to stop that offense if it hopes to avenge a 28-20 loss to the Wildcats last year in Lawrence.
The Wildcats are led on offense by wide receivers Mark Philmore and Jonathan Fields, both of whom have averaged more than 110 yards receiving per game this season.
per game this season. Talent-wise, the two together will be the greatest challenge the Kansas secondary has faced so far this season.
The Wildcats should prove to be another
The Wheels should prove to be another tough task for the improved Kansas defense. In fact, in both of Northwestern's losses, to Arizona State and Texas Christian University, it gained more offensive yards than its opponents.
"They run real good routes, and we just have to stay on top of them and make plays," said Kansas strong safety Tony Stubbs.
Philmore and Fields is quarterback Brett Basanez, who throw for a school record 513 yards against TCU in the first game of the season.
The man throwing to
"He understands their offensive scheme very well, seems to be a very intelligent guy and knows where he wants to get the ball." Mangino said.
Basanez threw for 219 yards against Kansas last season, but Mangino said Basanez looked improved from last year.
improved their quarterback has gained a great deal of experience," Mangino said. "He is playing with a high level of confidence right now."
Last year, Kansas struggled defending the run against Northwestern, and the Wildcats scored all of its touchdowns on
rushing plays and racked up 248 yards on the ground.
This season the Wildeats running attack is led by Noah Herron, who ran for 105 yards last week against Arizona State
last week against "Their running back Herron is just a powerful guy." Mangino said. "We have to do a good job of wrapping him up."
"They have really grown as a football team from last year," Walker said. "They are just that much farther along."
Northwestern's Walker said he was very impressed with the improvement of the Kansas defense from a year ago.
Kansas currently ranks 14th in the nation in rushing defense and 11th in total defense.
- Edited by Ashley Doyle
TWINS: Sisters love KU basketball, sorority living, The Wheel
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12A
When we're performing, we're not allowed to show on our face that we're working hard. I think that's a huge misconception — it looks like we're not working hard because that's the whole point. We're supposed to make it look easy, but it's not.
K: Nobody wants to see a dancer moaning and grunting on stage.
Q: How would you describe performing in front of everyone at Allen Fieldhouse?
K: Our freshman year, Late Night was the first time we went out there and it was amazing.
You just get chills, and I had goose bumps all over.
E: The whole atmosphere of the Allen Fieldhouse and knowing you're a part of that is just really, really exciting.
"We would just
go out to dinner and it would just be us and we'd laugh like we're one of those old couples that have been married for 55 years."
Kristen Maxwell St. Louis junior
Q: How is it living in a sorority house?
E: I think I would have to go with basketball — it's amazing.
sorry house.
K: I didn't know how much I would like it, but we get so much support. It's just a huge support system here at the house and we've made so many friends.
K: I would just have to say the basketball games, but I don't know — football is creepin' up there.
friends.
E A lot of people can't believe we have to live-in two years, but I just love it. I was so excited to come back. Like Kristen said, we have a huge support system here. They love coming to our games, they love trying on our uniforms, they love watching us dance. And I guess 'cause we don't have our family around, they're like our second family.
Q: Would you say you two are best friends?
are he.
E: Definitely. Definitely.
Definitely. She can make me laugh harder than any person in the whole world because we just get each other. I mean, we
don't even have to say anything.
K: Erin and I were here over Labor Day weekend and it was just Erin and I and this house was practically empty. We would go out to dinner and it would just be us and we'd laugh like we're one of those old couples that have been married for 55 years.
Q: What is the best bar in Lawrence?
E: The Wheel.
K: Yeah, I think we'd go with The Wheel because it's very laid back and when you walk in you immediately spot all your friends and they're always yellin'. And you can go there in a T-shirt or go there dressed up. You can go there and get a piece of pizza and take it right up to the bar. But to dance, I'd say the Ranch. We like to hit the dance floor, believe it or not.
about a guy, and what turns you off?
K: I think it's important to be one-on-one with a guy and be able to have the best time. Guys who are cocky are a turnoff.
E: I'm not gonna lie, the first thing I notice about a guy is probably their height because we're tall — we're 5-foot-9. If you can make me laugh you've won me over.
A turnoff for me is a guy that carries baggage from other relationships.
Q: Is your squad better than last year?
K: I think a realistic goal for us is top five.
E: I think if there is a year to do it (win the national championship), this is the year. We had our first practice to learn our nationals dance routine and after the first eight-count I was just thinking "We're gonna win!"
Shane Kucera is an Omaha, Neb., junior in journalism.
"I always strive to get a 4.0, but math is a struggle," Colver said.
said.
Recently, Colver changed her major from atmospheric science to psychology. "I am very interested in attending law school," Colver said. "I have desire to work with people."
Colver said her father, a lawyer, was a motivation in her decision. She plans on attending law school in Colorado, but she said the University was always an option.
Colver is also a swimming and diving representative in the University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
The committee is made up of student athletes assembled to provide insight on the student athlete experience.
It meets weekly to discuss campus, departmental and national issues of concern to student athletes.
Swimmers Amy Gruber and Jackie Kruger, both seniors, are also members.
SWIMMER Strong leader
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12A
also members
This season the Jayhawks have a challenging schedule but are pumped to get things started. Last season, Colver set a personal record in the 200 meter freestyle and owned the second fastest season times on the team in the 100 and 200 meter freestyle. This season Colver hopes to expand on that success.
"We have a difficult dual meet schedule this year, but I have never been so excited to see how this team will come together," Colver said. "I hope I can help the younger teammates with my positive attitude. That is not always easy."
The team have its season debut on Oct. 8 in its annual intra-squad meet at 6:00 p.m. at home.
Edited by Marissa Stephenson
Read Jonathan Kealing's picks in Friday's Kansan. Winners will be published in Tuesday's Kansan.
If you pick the winning teams, and beat The Kansan sportswriters, you could win free textbooks from UBS, Wheat State Pizza gift certificates, and a T-Shirt!
Submit picks to UDK business office in 119 Stauffer-Flint hall by Thurs. @ 4 pm
Name: ___
--o Northern Illinois @ Iowa State o
Phone:
○ #6 LSU @ #18 Auburn ○
Kansas @ Northwestern
9 Ohio State @ N.C. State
Nebraska @ Pittsburgh
Notre Dame @ Michigan State
23 Maryland @ #10 W Virginia
16 Iowa @ Arizona State
Duke @ Virginia Tech
○ Marshall @ #3 Georgia ○
Marshall @ #3 Georgia
42 Oregon @ #2 Utah
Ball State @ #19 Missouri
○ #24 Oregon @ #2 Oklahoma
Ball State @ #19 Missouri Division III
Coast Guard @ Norwich
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944 Mass. 832-8228
a touch of Irish in downtown Lawrence
"GET CARDED" DAY A NATIONAL EVENT
to educate college students about sexual assault and sexual abuse. Get information and resources and speak with campus and community professionals.
GET INFORMED! GET INVOLVED!
When: Thursday, September 16th, 1-4 pm
Where: Kansas Union, Jayhawk Walk (4th floor)
SPONSORED BY: KU Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Program, Student Health Services, Men's Outreach Program, Counseling and Psychological Services, KU Public Safety Office, GaDuGi SafeCenter, Women's Transitional Care Services, and Working Against Violence Everywhere (WAVE) in collaboration with RAINN (a national, non profit agency).