FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2004
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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SPORTS
9A
Toledo defense questioned after embarassing loss
State
wildcat
BY JONATHAN KEALING AND RYAN COLAINNANI sports@kansan.com KANGAN SPORTS WRITERS
Going into this season, Toledo and Top 25 were frequently spoken in the same breath. After the Rockets' 63-21 dismemberment at the hands of 22nd-ranked Minnesota last week, much of that talk is gone. However, that doesn't mean that the Jayhawks can take the Rockets lightly.
stop big-time quarterbacks and offenses against Tulsa. If it could post a repeat performance and the offense can find its rhythm, Kansas will manage the victory.
Edge: Kansas
Quarterback
For a second straight week, Kansas will face a quarterback who is a candidate for postseason honors.
Toledo junior Bruce Gradkowski is in his second year at the helm of the Rocket offense. Last year, he threw for 3,210 yards and 29 touch-
19-30 with a Touchdown before being pulled late in the game. He rushed for four yards.
Kansas sophomore quarterback Adam Barmann is in his first year as a starter. Last week, he was 14-31 for 99 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 21 yards and a touchdown.
Barmann has a lot of potential, but Gradkowski has proven he can perform.
Edge: Toledo
Rockets are led by senior Andrew Clarke, who had 35 receptions last season and was a first team all-MAC selection. Clarke has been nominated for the Mackey Award and the Lombardi Award. He did not have any catches against Minnesota, but look for him to rebound this week. Kansas' tight ends did not have any catches last week against Tulsa as they were primarily used as blockers.
Look for Clarke to be a safety valve for Gradkowski tomorrow.
Edge: Toledo
Running Backs
The Kansas duo of sophomore John Randle and junior Clark Green underperformed in last week's game against Tulsa. Fortunately for them, they're going up against a team that allowed 415 yards rushing last week.
After practice on Wednesday, Kansas coach Mark Mangino said he was considering starting Randle. But he would continue to play the two backs in tandem. Last week, Randle had greater success than Green, but both have the potential to break out. Two is better than one.
Toledo brings back junior Trinity Dawson who rushed for 999 yards last season. He also reached the endzone 10 times while averaging five yards per carry.
Edge: Kansas
Wide Receivers
Toledo has a truly dominant receiver in Lance Moore. Last season, Moore caught more than 100 balls for nearly 1,200 yards. Last weekend, he was a lonely bright spot against Minnesota, as he caught ten passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Kansas' wide receivers struggled against Tulsa, and there were frequent dropped passes. Gordon saw time in the third quarter and immediately made an impact when he caught a seven-yard touchdown pass. Kansas had just 99 combined yards receiving for the game, but look for an improved offense this week as the Jayhawks face a Toledo defense that gave up more than 700 yards in total offense last week. Senior Brandon Rideau and junior Mark Simmons should have a better day catching the ball this week, as well. But with Moore on Toledo's side, it is tough to pick against them.
Toledo, graduated all four of last season's defensive line starters. That showed last week,when secondary to struggle against it gave up rushing yards at a the Kansas wide receivers. ridiculous pace. Edge: Kansas
Edge: Toledo
Defensive Line
Kansas' defensive line proved it could pressure the quarterback, stop the run, go to the ball and make tackles. While the line was a liability last season, it was an anchor for the team last week.
Kansas' defensive line allowed a total of just 56 yards rushing. Unless Toledo's line makes a miraculous recovery from last week's bruising, this is a no brainer.
Edge: Kansas
Linebackers
Last week, Kansas junior Kevin Kane had the game of his college career. Five tackles, a sack and
an interception made him the highlight of an outstanding effort by Kansas' four starting linebackers.
While only three of the four juniors are on the field at any given time, Kane, Banks Floodman, Nick Reid and Gabe Toomey have proven that they can run to the ball and make big plays. Toledo graduated both of last season's top two linebackers and is looking to a third, junior Anthony Jordan, to take over.
His supporting cast consists of a senior, a sophomore and a freshman. None has recorded more than 40 tackles in his career. Last week's performance by the Toledo defense was abysmal, and the linebackers share some of that blame.
The Kansas secondary shut down the Tulsa offense last week, allowing fewer than 100 yards passing. Cornerback Theo Baines was a force, recording a sack and an interception. Safety Tony Stubbs led all defensive players with nine tackles. However, don't expect the Kansas secondary to be as successful this week; it's facing a much stronger offense in Toledo.
Edge: Kansas
Four starters from last season, and they are led by senior safety Partick Body, who had 77 tackles and three interceptions last year. Body led the team with eight tackles last week against Minnesota. Toledo gave up nearly 300 yards in passing last week. Look for the Toledo
Secondary
The Kansas special teams had a spectacular day last week as they blocked two punts. Toledo received a lot of kickoffs last week as it was pounded for nine touchdowns.The Rockets struggled on returns, averaging just above 12 yards. The Rockets are led in kick returns by senior wide receiver Torrance
Hudson, who returned three kicks for 44 yards.
Kansas averaged more than 31 yards per return last week, aided by a 55 yard return from junior wide receiver Greg Heagans. Sophomore cornerback Charles Gordon was unable to get much done as the punt returner because the blocking downfield was poor against Tulsa.
Jayhawk fans will see two place kickers in the game. Senior Johnny Beck will handle all field goals outside of 20 yards, while freshman Scott Webb will kick all extra points and field goals inside of 20 yards.
20 yrds.
Toledo kicker Jason Robbins was 3-3 on PATs last week. With their strength returning kicks and the dominance it showed last week in the return game, the Jayhawks should be successful.
Edge: Kansas
Coaches
Toledo head coach Tom Amstutz is in his fourth year as head coach of the Rockets. He is 27-12 in his career as head coach. Amstutz paid his dues before becoming head coach; he served as an assistant for 21 years.
Amstutz likes to spread the field on offense, which gives his quarterback to many options. Mangino has turned around the Jayhawks program and has done a good job in pointing the 'Hawks in the right direction this year with the win against Tula. These are two evenly-matched coaches.
Edge: Tie
Edited by Bill Cross
"The New Normal"
Featuring Viet Dinh, former assistant attorney general for legal policy and a primary drafter of the Patriot Act.
The Law and War on Terror Three Years After September 11
Friday, September 10
3:00-5:00 PM The University of Kansas School of Law Room 104
Both events are free of charge and open to the public.
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics
7:30 - 9:00 PM