Friday, October 1, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B· Page 13
Football players not bothered by homecoming, TV publicity
Coach Terry Allen demonstrates a tackle for a referee during the Notre Dame game. Terry Allen says his team doesn't prepare in any special way for homecoming. Photo by Matt Daugherty/KANSAN
By Luke Alberg
Kansan Correspondent
Many athletes tend to get a little nervous when it comes to special games — but those on the Kansas football team say they do not.
On homecoming weekend, the Jayhawks will face Southern Methodist in a game they say they will treat like any other.
"We obviously want to win," said Dylen Smith, junior quarterback, "but we don't really talk about it being a big game because of homecoming."
Coach Terry Allen spoke of the team's practice schedule and said they would not change their game plan just for homecoming.
"We don't really do anything special for homecoming, but we just try and be consistent and do the same things we do every week," Allen said.
With the arrival of homecoming, there will also be the arrival of thousands of spectators, alumni and parents.
"It is a big game," said Harrison Hill, sophomore wide receiver. "But right now every game is big. We're 1-2 right now and if we want to make it to a bowl game, we have to win regardless."
Others players, however, aren't so lucky to have their parents live nearby.
Smith, whose parents reside in Santa Monica, Calif., said they can't make it for homecoming, but were planning on coming to Lawrence when the Jayhawks play Nebraska on Oct. 30.
"Most of the players don't get nervous in front of their families because they've done it so many times before," said Allen. "Plus, having played on national television so often I think eliminates the nerves right away."
So it's not the family or the homecoming weekend, but the TV coverage that both creates and kills players' nerves.
"Many of the players usually get used to playing on television early in the season, and after the first televised game, are fairly immune to it." he said.
Televised games are also the times when seniority comes into play, with the older, more experienced players
"What it comes down to, is that everybody just tries to play hard," said Smith. "And if people do get a little nervous, they just try not to show it."
stepping up to provide leadership for the younger players.
they are used to special games,but do they really not get nervous?
"The guys who have been around longer know the situation and step up when it's needed," said Hill.
Texas quarterback Major Applewhite not only survived last year's 48-7 beating by Kansas State in his first start, he's developed into perhaps the best quarterback in the Big 12 Conference.
Edited by Ronnie Wachter
With the Jayhawks approaching the fourth game of the season, players say
12 Conference.
To beat No. 13 Kansas State (3-0 overall, 1-0 in the conference) tomorrow and average their worst loss of 1998 would be sweet payback for Applewhite and the No. 15 Longhorns (4-1, 1-0)
AUSTIN, Texas — A year later, and the freckle-faced kid is all grown up.
Applewrote to the lady, "They were teeing off on me because I was a freshman, just like everybody was," Applewhite said. "They came after me."
The Associated Press
Applewhite said. They are the last year, Kansas State's defense capitalized on a costly Applewhite mistake, a first-half interception returned for a touchdown. The swarming Wildcats also held Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ricky Williams to 43 yards on 25 carries.
Williams to 64 yards. Otherwise, Applewhite threw for 239 yards and Texas' only touchdown in the fourth quarter, which averted a shutout.
Texas quarterback longing for revenge against Cats
The performance earned Applewhite his teammates' respect.
"I don't think Major fears anything except God," said strong safety Lee Jackson.
Applewhite had been pressed into service the previous week in a 49-31 loss to UCLA when starter Richard Walton was injured. Then he endured a week-long buildup before the Kansas State game and the media attention given the starting quarterback.
"It was a very difficult week for Major," said Texas coach Mack Brown.
And a learning experience for the player nicknamed "Opie" by a high school friend after the child character on the
old Andy Griffith Show because of his freckles,
boyish looks and short red hair.
After passing for 2,453 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, Applewhite was chosen Big 12 freshman of the year.
This season, he has passed for a league-leading 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns with only one interception.
one interception.
With Applewhite as the offensive leader since Williams graduated, Texas has won four straight and earned its highest ranking since early 1997.
Cowboys ready for another shot at Nebraska's defense
The Associated Press
LINCOLN, Neb. — Last year Oklahoma State threw nearly every defense it had at Nebraska. It nearly worked.
Nebraska. It nearly worked.
The Cowboys shut down Nebraska, ranked No. 2 at the time, holding the Cornhuskers to 215 total yards, including just 43 on the ground. But the Huskers avoided the upset with a late punt return for a touchdown and a goal-line stand in the closing seconds.
Nebraska coach Frank Solich expects more of the same tomorrow, when the Cowboys (2-1) play their Big 12 Conference opener after a weekend off.
"Right now I wouldn't mind having two weeks to
get ready for Oklahoma State," Solich said. "But that's not going to happen, so we just do our best in the time slot we have to make sure we're organized going in."
No. 6 Nebraska (4-0 overall, 1-0 in the conference) is coming off a 40-10 rout at Missouri last weekend.
The Cowboys rank third on defense nationally, followed by the 'Huskers at No. 4. Nebraska linebacker Julius Jackson, who leads the defense with five turnover recoveries, said the Huskers belonged on top.
eries, said the Truskers before. "We just feel like we're not getting the respect we should be getting," Jackson said. "They're ranked above us defensively, so we've got to go out there, do everything right and play a very physical football game."
game. Despite last year's close call, the 'Huskers are favored by nearly four touchdowns at home. The Cowboys haven't played since a 29-11 loss at Mississippi State, where they turned the ball more than eight times and gave up eight sacks.
Still, Cowboys defensive end Zac Warner wants to know who came up with a 26-point spread.
"That's something our team should take on as pretty much a slap in the face, going out and saying they're that much of a better team than we are," he said. "Any time a team's a 26-point favorite, it's a total lack of respect."
Open House
Exhibitions
Homecoming, Oct. 2 10 a.m. until kickoff
10:30 a.m. program on the steps of Watson Library featuring Provost Shulenburger, Chancellor Hemenway and Dean of Libraries Keith Russell refreshments served
- refreshments served-
Carrie Watson: KU Library Pioneer Through late November The Kansas Collection Kenneth Spencer Research Library
Watson Library:A History of the Building Through November 12th University Archives Kenneth Spencer Research Library
Watson Library at 75:
Remembering the Past, Glimpsing the Future
Through November 14th
Jim Ranz Exhibit Area
Watson Library
The Libraries welcome all alums and parents for Homecoming!
Visit us at www.lib.ukans.edu
Thank you Lawrence for your help!
- Total Fatalities in Drunk-Driving Crashes are 41% Lower in 1998 than in 1982 and 31% Lower than in $ 1990^{1} $
- Percentage of College Freshmen who drink beer frequently or occasionally is 31% lower in 1998 than in 1982 and 11% lower than 1990
(Lowest level since tracking began in 1966) $ ^{2} $
Your friends at Classic Eagle Distributing and Budweiser wish you a safe Homecoming & remind you to continue to
Know When to Say When
1 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, US Department of Transportation, 1999
2 American Freshman Survey, Sponsored by UCLA & the American Council on Education, 1999