4B SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2007
COMMENTARY
Best of both sports
Last year, the University of Florida won both the men's NCAA championships in basketball and football. This was something that had never been done before in the history of college athletics. Many other Division I schools have had strong programs in both sports as well, including Big XII schools Oklahoma and Texas.
Nevertheless,why is it so hard for schools to have elite programs in the two major money making sports?
BY ERICA JOHNSON
KANSAN COLUMNIST
FJOHNSON@KANSAN.COM
This year, several schools have made a case as to why their football programs are some of the best in the nation, just as their basketball programs are year in and year out. Kansas has started the season off with a 5-0 record and its first Top-25 ranking in 11 years. Ever since head coach Mark Mangino arrived on campus, he has said that this school was going to be a football and basketball school. Looks like his words are finally coming true.
Several other supposed "basketball schools" have also fared well so far this season. Kentucky is 5-1 and ranked No. 17 in the country, while Boston College and Cincinnati have each started the year off undefeated at 6-0, ranked fourth and 15th respectively.
just because a school is well-known for basketball doesn't mean that it has (or ever will have) the reputation for football. Duke is a perfect example. Here is a school that prided itself on being one of the elite men's basketball programs each year, but its football program just recently broke a 22-game losing streak. I always wondered why some big-named, money-making
basketball schools?
Kansas (5-0, 1-0)
Cincinnati (6-0, 1-0)
Connecticut (5-0, 1-0)
Indiana (5-1, 2-1)
Illinois (5-1, 3-0)
Kentucky (5-1, 1-1)
Maryland (4-2, 1-1)
Boston College (6-0, 3-0)
schools just aren't competitive in both basketball and football, but I think it's simple — it is hard to build a strong reputation to include all the star athletes on one campus. In addition, if the sports complexes are not there either, then the top recruits are going to need a lot more convincing on why they should choose that school over some recognized powerhouse
Coach Mangino has done a good job of making the football program more respected and recognized throughout his tenure at Kansas. He started with the baby steps of winning as many games as he could while trying to figure out ways to bring in the personnel and coaches who would push his teams along and find even more victories. In his five years as being head coach, he has had three bowl-eligible teams, including both of the past two seasons. Maybe it will be three in a row?
But let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. There is still a lot of football to be played in the next few weekends, and a ton of things could happen. Everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed for many more victories to come. But if a meltdown suddenly occurs, there is always basketball season.
- Edited by Amelia Freidline
COMMENTARY
Let future's team play now Giving youngsters may lead to World Cup titles later
A week from today the U.S.Men's National Team will face Switzerland, a country more renowned for its chocolate than its soccer, in its second international friendly on European soil this year.
While the Swiss may not have the firepower Sweden troted out with Inter Milan's golden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they are no pushover. The team was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup without conceding a goal, losing on penalties. The U.S. team will find it difficult to break its streak of European disappointment.
Those bemoaning the roster selection despite the lack of European success are missing the big picture. U.S. coach Bob Bradley understands that developing players like Adu, Zizzo and Michael Bradley could be part of the foundation that competes for the 2010 World Cup in South
Much to the chagrin of those desperate for a win, the 21 players named to the initial roster have a distinctively young flavor as players like Sal Zizzo, Chris Seitz, Danny Szetela, Preston Zimmerman and Maurice Edu will get a chance to experience national team culture and competition. All but Zimmerman and Edu competed in the Under-20 World Cup during the summer.
Oct 17, 1:30 p.m.
Televised on Fox Soccer Channel, Sunflower Cable channel 149
Full roster at ussoccer.com
USA vs Switzerland
BY ANDREW WIEBE
KANSAN COLUMNIST
AWIEBE@KANSAN.COM
Africa. The only way to guarantee that they understand what is required to be successful is to include them in any successes or failures.
Although finally succeeding on foreign soil should be a priority, Bradley recognizes the need
to acclimate precocious U.S. talent to the rigors of international play. Even if the youngsters play second fiddle to the more established veterans called in, it's important to expose them
Messi or Wayne Rooney in the group. But it's impossible to know what to expect from the young charges without giving them the chance to play. Odds are some of these players will become crucial cogs of the national team setup in the future. There is no better time than now to gauge their abilities.
The players who competed at the under-20 World Cup represent the next generation of American soccer.
to the speed and quality of play necessary to succeed on the world stage as well as introduce them to the tendencies and habits of their more experienced teammates.
With the Major League Soccer playoff chase winding down, clubs can't afford to have national team regulars like Landon Donovan, Jimmy Conrad, Eddie Johnson and Pablo Mastroenno missing games for a meaningless friendly. Furthermore, because the game will be played in Switzerland,
The players who competed at the under-20 World Cup represent the next generation of American soccer. The sooner they begin competing against the team's current stalwarts the more prepared they will be when their chance presents itself. It's a strategy that the world's most successful sides often employ to maintain a talent base that doesn't become over-reliant on established players.
That's not to say there are any players in the mold of a Lionel
ANDREW WIEBE Kansan columnist
Either way the inclusion of young talent bodes well for Bradley and U.S. fans
it makes more logistic sense to use European-based players rather than their MLS counterparts.
in both the short and long term. The inclusion of young players shows how deep the current talent pool is compared with years past. By including so many new faces, Bradley ensures his options in the future makeup of his squad as the World Cup approaches.
Fortunately for U.S. fans Bradley understands the difference between average international teams and ones challenging for trophies. By identifying and developing fresh talent he is taking steps to make certain the U.S. will one day belong with the latter
Edited by Luke Morris
Falcons get $20 million from Vick in arbitration
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons are entitled to recover nearly $20 million in bonus money paid to disgraced quarterback Michael Vick, an arbitrator ruled Tuesday. The players' union vowed to appeal.
NFL
Stephen B. Burbank, the University of Pennsylvania law professor and special master who led last week's arbitration hearing, sided with the team after hearing from Falcons president and general manager Rich McKay and attorneys from the NFL Players Association, which represented Vick.
Any money the Falcons recover from Vick would be credited to its future salary cap, a huge step in recovering from the loss of the team's franchise player. Atlanta (1-4) is off to a dismal start with Joey Harrington at quarterback.
charges for his role in a long-running dogfighting operation, knew he was in violation of the contract when he signed a $130 million deal in December 2004.
The Falcons argued that Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal
"We are certainly pleased with today's ruling," the Falcons said in a statement. "It is the first step in a process that our club has undertaken in an attempt to recoup significant salary cap space that will allow us to continue to build our football team today and in future years."
The team said he used proceeds from the contract to fund his illicit activities and sought the repayment of $19,970,000 in bonuses he was paid out of a total of $22.5 million in 2005 and '06.
Vick was suspended indefinitely without pay by the NFL after entering into his plea agreement. He also lost millions in lucrative endorsement deals.
"We have reviewed the decision handed down by Special Master Stephen Burbank and believe it is incorrect," the NFLPA said in a statement. "We will now appeal his rulings."
The case goes to U.S. District Court Judge David Doty in Minneapolis, who still has jurisdiction over the antitrust suit filed by players following the 1987 strike.
Associated Press
>> FANTASY FOOTBALL
Quarterbacks disappoint owners
BY KELY BRECKUNITCH
KANSAN COLUMNIST
KBRECKUNITCH@KANSAN.COM
Because of fall break, all of your fantasy football news has to be cramped into one day's dosage. This weekend had its share of surprises and sets up some interesting scenarios for next week's games.
Kansas City's Larry Johnson has been a bust for his fantasy football owners. On Sunday against Jacksonville, Johnson rushed for only 12 yards on nine carries.
WEEK 5 REVIEW
THE BEST
ASSOCIATED PRESS
I could not choose a quarterback for top performances this week because both quartersbirds who threw for more than 300 yards, The Packers' Brett Favre and the Cowboys' Tony Romo, had more interceptions than touchdowns. Favre's team lost and Romo's Cowboys barely scraped by with the victory. Here are the top players who did play well.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona — After wading through the quagmire that was the beginning of the season, the Arizona wide receiver has found his Pro Bowl form. Fitzgerald had nine catches for 136 yards and one touchdown. It will be interesting to see whether he can keep his production up.
Ben Watson, TE New England
— The Patriots' tight end was Tom Brady's main target on Sunday. Watson recorded six catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Watson has asserted himself as one of the top tight ends in the NFL this season.
Kenton Keith, RB Indianapolis — The Colts had to play without starting running back Joseph Addai on Sunday. You could hardly tell though, as Keith filled in superbly, Keith had 28 carries for 121 yards and two touchdowns. If Addai is out again, the Colts can rely on Keith for another big game.
Kris Brown, K Houston — Who? The kicker the Steelers gave up on and let slide to the Texans in their expansion year in 2002. On Sunday he had a huge game. He made all five — count 'em — five field goals he attempted including three of more than 50 yards. He hit the game-winning 57-yard field goal as time expired that gave the Texans their third victory of the season.
THE WORST
Terrell Owens, WR Dallas — The Cowboys' wide receiver faced a passing defense that, after Monday night, was ranked last
1.
in the NFL. Owens had only two receptions for 25 yards and multiple dropped passes. Owens almost cost the Cowboys the game as well. He could not hold onto the pass for the two-point conversion that would have tied the game. The Cowboys did get the win though, and Owens will test his skills against New England next week.
Larry Johnson, RB Kansas City
— The Chiefs as a team had a terrible performance on Sunday. Johnson, the running back, added to the offense's decline. Johnson had nine carries for 12 yards and has not looked at all like the running back he was last year. If the Chiefs want to have any success this year, Johnson will have to be a big part of it.
WEEK 6 PREVIEW
Jon Kitna, QB Detroit — Before the season began, Kitna predicted a 10-win season. He had the offense playing like a team that could get 10 wins, but the Lions took a step back on Sunday. Kitna completed only 16 of his 29 passes for 106 yards, while throwing two interceptions, fumbling twice and being sacked five times. Kitna is the anchor of the Lions' passing game and will need to get the offense back in form for their next game.
This weekend will prove a lot. The undefeated Cowboys host the undefeated Patriots. Here's who will please and disappoint this weekend.
BIG GAMERS
Ronnie Brown, RB Miami
— Brown has jump-started the running game for the Dolphins, going for more than 100 yards rushing in the last two games. Brown and the Dolphins face a Cleveland team that is 30th in the NFL in rushing defense. All this adds up to a big day for Brown.
Matt Hasselbeck, QB Seattle The Seattle quarterback will be going against the 19th ranked passing defense of New Orleans on Sunday. Hasselbeck has had a steady season so far and playing a porous New Orleans secondary should open up big things for him, especially if Shaun Alexander and the running game are fine.
NO GAMERS
Matt Schaub, QB Houston — The Texans' quarterback will face a Jacksonville defense that is seventh in the NFL in passing defense. The Miami defense was able to bend but not break against the Houston passing game, but Jacksonville may break it completely, especially if Andre Johnson is not back on the field.
Donald Driver, WR Green Bay — The Packers have to play the Redskins on Sunday. The Redskins have the third best total defense in the NFL and Driver has been slumping lately. It could be a long day for Driver.
Edited by Luke Morris
KANSANCLASSIFIEDS AUTO JOBS LOST & FOUND FOR RENT ROOMMATR SUBLEASE
PHONE 785.864.4358
$500 reward if you can provide info leading to the arrest of any of those who assulted me Saturday night at 12:20 at 19terr. & Nasimith (913)568-5606.
hwckhalk.com/3332
All of them work and are in good condition. The speakers attach to the side of the monitor or they have a stand. The monitor is a "13" or "14"
hawkchalka.com/3297
HAWKCHALK.COM CLASSIFIEDS@KANSAN.COM
Great furniture! Retro, cottage-style and antique kitchen and dining room sets. Lots of tableable table & storage pieces. Side chairs, bed frames, mirrors, rugs, artwork & home decor. All very color. View Thurs 4 OCT 4 PM- 8PM & Fn Oct 5 QAM- 6 PM. Also Fn & Sat, Oct 12 & 13 9AM- 6 PM at BeBe's Cottage 835 Lousl or call 785-766-4736 for app.
JOBS
Looking for an upright piano, if anyone is willing to sell or give away. Call 913-620-2139. Go to hawkchalk.com/3304
$800 weekly guaranteed stuffing envelopes. Send a sell addressed stamped envelope to Scarab Marketing at 28 E. Jackson, 10th Floor, Suite 938, Chicago, Illinois, 60064.
ACCOUNT SERVICE REPS needed to start FT on Dec. 17, 2007 at Security Benefit corporate headquarters in Topeka KS. All degree majors welcome for this entry-level career opp. After comprehensive training, ASRs provide information and service (no selling or solicitation) relating to financial products. We offer professional development and advance opportunity as well as competitive salary & a generous benefits package. Students, new graduates, and alumni encouraged to apply via our online application at www.securitybenefit.com or phone 785.438.3644, EOE.
Advantage Medical Group needs PT morning and evening help for the position of internal marketing associate. Must have good communication skills. Apply at 1140 E. 23rd St, Call 766-1045 with questions.
Advantage Medical Group looking for person with good phone voice & can learn to draw blood. PT mornings & evenings available. 1104 E. 23rd ST to fill out application or questions at 785-766-1045.
Alvamar Country Club is seeking banquet & serving staff, days & weekends. Banquets average $10/hr. Apply with Michelle Forsen at 1809 Crossgare Drive. EOE.
hawkchalk
BARTENDING. UP TO $300/DAY NO
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING
PROVIDED. 800-965-6520 EXT 108
---