Thursday, October 21, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Missouri game may boost sales
By Mike Miller sports@kansan.com Kansan sportswriter
Now that most of the road schedule is complete, Kansas can focus on playing at home一 and the University can focus on completing the stadium and preparing for the Missouri game Saturday.
Almost 33,000 tickets have been sold for the game, but the Athletics Department is anticipating another 7,000 tickets in walkup sales. The total attendance would be the largest crowd since last year's Kansas State game.
"Hopefully, with good weather it can be up around that 40,000 mark," said Rick Mullen, director of promotions for the department.
Season-ticket sales are about the same as last year — about 20,000 — but single-game sales have been below average. The estimated average attendance for the three home games this year has been a little more than 30,000, but the Jayhawk opponents have been California State Northridge, San Diego State and Southern Methodist — not exactly the kinds of teams that pack the house.
"You have to take the schedule for what it is." Mullen said.
The Missouri game and next week's game against Nebraska should boost ticket sales to more encouraging numbers — somewhere in the 35,000 average attendance range — but sales could be even better if more of the games were earlier in the school year when the weather is not as cold, said Doug Vance, assistant athletics director.
"You can't gauge what attendance is going to be, but warm weather would help." Vance said.
The stadium also will be nearing completion of the $12 million press box and scholarship suites renovation. The press box and suites have been ready since early September, but touch-up items have been worked on for the last month. Things such as electrical wiring need to be finished, which should be done this week or next.
Once everything is complete, the University will discuss with Walton Construction Co. how much of the $300,000 bonus payment will be paid to Walton.
Plans for the stadium, such as lowering the field and switching from artificial turf to grass, are in conceptual stages now. They could be presented to the Board of Regents as early as this summer.
— Edited by Allan Davis
Sooners face'Cats confident defense
The Associated Press
MANHATTAN, Kan. — With No. 7 Kansas State's defensive ability to stop the run, it's no surprise opponents have attempted an average of 34.3 passes against them.
But as the Wildcats head into Saturday's contest in Stillwater against Oklahoma State leading the nation in pass defense, opponents might want to consider changing their game plans.
"It's funny," Wildcat linebacker Ben Leber said. "We lead the nation in that category and teams
still try and air it out against us." Des pite being criticized after giving up sev.
eral critical passing touchdowns a year ago, including the game-winning touchdown in the 36-33 overtime loss to Texas A&M in the Big 12 Conference Championship game. the Wildcats returned four starters in their defensive backfield. The secondary has been a big part of two shutouts this year.
By intercepting three times in a 40-0 victory against Utah State last week, K-State hiked its season total to 10 interceptions. Four have been returned for touchdowns.
The Wildcats have picked off a pass in 14 consecutive ball games. K-State, second only to Oklahoma State in total defense in the Big 12, has kept its opponents to a 38.3 completion percentage and 901 passing yards, giving up just two passing touchdowns.
With the arrival of defensive coordinator Phil Bennett, sophomore cornerback Milton Proctor said the Wildcats have had greater opportunity for interceptions.
"With Phil Bennett's defense it puts everyone into a position to
get a sack or make an interception," he said. "Our defensive backs have had interceptions for touchdowns. We're getting better at rushing with a great defensive line and we're getting more interceptions than last year."
K-State's best performance against the pass came against Texas, which boasts the second-best passing offense in the Big 12. The Wildcats intercepted Major Applewhite, who had thrown for 2,091 yards and 14 touchdowns, three times. They forced six turnovers altogether en route to a 35-17 comeback victory.
The Wildcat defensive backs are led by preseason Jim Thorpe candidates senior free safety Lamar Chapman and junior strong safety Jarrod Cooper. Chapman has three interceptions and one touchdown, and Cooper has 39 tackles and eight pass deflections.
And with the emergence of Proctor, who returned an interception for a touchdown against Utah State, the Wildcats have gained depth in the defensive backfield. Seven players have seen extensive playing time there.
"From the first game to this game, we have improved times 10," Cooper said. "It gets better and better every week. It doesn't just happen though. We make goals every week to achieve."
This week, K-State will attempt to stop an Oklahoma State offense that is ranked 95th in the nation in pass offense. The Cowboys are led by quarterback B.J. Tiger, who has passed for five touchdowns and 565 yards.
Nevertheless, coach Bill Snyder said it will be a test for his defensive backfield.
"We would expect virtually anything from them," Snyder said. "They can get into every formation that there is to get in to. You'll line up a lot of different ways and you may not have the type of personnel that would be suited against their formation."
Quick improvement pleases Coach Allen
Smith settles into lead quarterback role
Bv Mike Miller
sports@kansan.com
Kansan sportswriter
It's supposed to be partly cloudy and cool for the Missouri game Saturday — which suits Kansas quarterback Dylan Smith just fine.
"If it gets any colder I don't know what I'm going to do," Smith said.
Smith, who was born and raised in southern California and played for two years at Santa Monica Junior College, complained about how cold it was at practice Tuesday — it was about 50 degrees during practice — and hopes that is won't get much colder.
But as anyone who has been in Kansas for more than a year knows, 50 degrees can be downright pleasant during football season.
"I know." Smith said when someone told him it's going to get a lot colder. "I just got to prepare myself for it."
The nice weather this weekend should give Smith an opportunity to ignore the temperature and become even more comfortable in his role as the Javahaws' offensive leader.
When Smith came to Kansas in early August, it was straight from summer school. He missed spring practice because he spent the spring and summer taking classes to become eligible.
It was one of the drawbacks about Smith — no spring ball meant less time to learn the offense.
He played catch-up during the first few weeks of fall practice, split time with incumbent quarterback Zac Wegner for the first two games, took most of the snaps during the Colorado and San Diego State games, then was given the starting nod for the Southern Methodist game.
Kansas quarterback Dylen Smith sprints across the line of scrimmage while trying to evade Texas A&M defenders. Smith's performance has improved each game, and Coach Terry Allen is pleased with Smith's progress and athletic ability. Photo by Matt J. Daugherty/KANSAN
Those five games were a rough learning experience for Smith, who still was familiarizing himself with the offense, the players and the coaches.
"I really wanted to learn the plays a lot faster," Smith said. "I think I did a pretty good job with the time I had."
But the Kansas State game was the toughest for him — and the turning point.
Smith completed only seven of 27 passes and threw one interception. He was harassed by Wildcat linebackers the entire game and was largely on his own. Five of Kansas' main skill position players were out that game, and Smith spent most of the time scrambling for his life.
Yet, in front of 52,254 rabid K-State fans, Smith found himself relaxed for the first time this year.
"I had fun," Smith said after the game. "It wasn't too bad playing there."
It prepared Smith for Texas A&M and one of the largest crowds he will play in front of all year. It was also probably his best game yet.
He was 17-29 for 141 yards, including one touchdown. But it was his overall improvement, especially his leadership, that pleased Smith and Allen.
"In the huddle I'm starting to be more vocal and comfortable with the players." Smith said.
Allen praises Smith's physical skis but said most of the development a quarterback had
been mental.
"His knowledge of the offense has gotten better, along with making his reads and developing his confidence," Allen said. "Physically he does some things very well, mentally he does some things, but he makes some new guy mistakes."
Smith's improvement has been nothing but a pleasant surprise for Allen, who has embraced his combination of athleticism and throwing ability by incorporating some changes in the offense.
"I don't know if we've ever had the combination of athleticism and arm strength before," Allen said.
Kansas can run the option, quarterback
draws and rollouts, all of which give Smith an opportunity to run the ball when he has the chance — something he was hesitant to do early in the season.
"I like running the ball. I'm just not used to getting hit as much as I have last week," Smith said.
He'll have to get used to being the guy on offense — someone who has to make plays for a team to win — but has no problem with that role.
"I just want the guys to say, 'we don't have to worry about anything because we have Dylen in there,'" Smith said.
- Edited by Ben Embry
Commentary
AP Football Writer
By Richard Rosenblatt AP Football Writer
Top college teams take perfect records on the road
Time for a road trip for college football top-ranked teams.
Florida State, Penn State and Nebraska, 1-2-3 in The Associated Press' Top 25, hit the road Saturday, and all three can expect tough games as they try to remain undefeated.
The top-rated Seminoles (7-0, 3-0 ACC) are the feature attraction, with coach Bobby Bowden going for career win No. 300, and his son, Clemson coach Tommy, ready to stop him.
The playing status of Florida State's Peter Warrick, suspended the last two games because of legal problems, is expected to be resolved
"If they lose, they lose a national championship," Tommy said. "If we lose, we're 3-4."
today.
Second-ranked Penn State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) travels to West Lafayette, Ind., where Drew Brees and No. 16 Purdue (5-2, 2-2) await. Coming off a 52-28 upset of previously unbeaten Michigan State, the Boilermakers hope to pull another surprise.
Nebraska (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) visits Texas (5-2, 2-1) in Austin for the first time since 1960.
Last year, Texas ended Nebraska's 47-game home winning streak with a 20-16 shocker as Major Applewhite threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns and Ricky Williams ran for 150 yards. And in '96, the Longhorns upset the Huskers 37-27 in the first Big 12 Conference title game in St. Louis, denying Nebraska at chance for a third straight national title.
The Huskers have a few scores to settle with the Longhorns.
No. 2 Penn State (minus 31/2)
at No. 16 Purdue
Bolkermakers 15-1 at home under Joe Tiller. The loss? Penn State. ... PENN STATE. 34-28.
Huskers have a few scores — like 20-16 and 37-27 — to settle. ... NEB-RASKA, 31-21.
No. 7 Kansas State (minus 71/2)
of Oklahoma State
No. 3 Nebraska (minus 9) at No.
18 Tuxes
If Warrick returns, Bowden Bowl titls Bobby's way; if not, Tigers could pull upset. ... FLORIDA STATE, 35-27.
K-State has won last seven meet
ings . KANSAST STATE. 38-24.
Illinois (plus 241/2) at No.9 Michigan
The nicks:
No.1 Florida State (minus 14) at Clemson
LSU (plus 14) at No.1 Mississippi State
Wolverines should cruise as they wait for their chance at Penn State on Nov. 13. ... MICHIGAN, 41-10.
Rare Big 12 QB duel — Aggies Randy McCown vs. Sooners Josh Heupel ... TEXAS A&M, 35-28.
Schedule falling right for undefeated Bulldogs. ... MISSISSIPPI STATE, 27-17.
No. 11 Michigan State (plus 2)
at No. 17 Wisconsin
Can the Spartans rebound?
Badgers and Ron Dayne say, "No way. Nick." ... WISCINSIN 27-24.
No. 13 Texas A&M (minus 4) at Oklahoma
Kentucky (plus 4) at No.14
'Dawgs defense faces tough task in Cats QB Dust Bonner. ... KENTUCKY, 31-28.
*All Swimsuits $15.00 to $35.00
"over 50 years of kickin' Mass" 843.4191
Big Blue Weekend Sale
October 22-24 Friday thru Sunday Friday festivities:
- *Sidewalk sale*
- *Everything on the sidewalk will be 50% off*
- *Save on closeouts of footwear and apparel*
- *Attend the rally at 8th & Mass at 6:00*
- Sidewalk sale 12:00-8:00
*All apparel inside 25% off
*All ball gloves 25% off
Fri/Sat/Sun festivities:
- All shoes inside 20% off
- All apparel inside 25% off
Friday 12:00-8:00
Saturday 9:00-6:00
Sunday 12:00-5:00
731 Massachusetts
virgin atlantic
Register to win a free ticket on Virgin's New Service from Chicago to London!
---
Name
Phone Number
Email
Drawing to be held on Dec. 13. Winners will be notified by phone or email. One entry per person. Drop at Council Travel.
Call us at 749-3900
Council Travel
622 W.12th
Lawrence
Halloween Costumes, Masks
Wigs, Billy Bob Teeth, Paint,
Hair Color, & Much More!
813 Mass. 841-8289
SHARK'S SURF SHOP Screamin'
$200 OFF
Any Halloween Purchase (min. purchase $1000)
Exp. 10/31/99