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10 COLUMN
The Kansas defense takes one last shot at the Cornhusker offense before they head for the Big Ten
In sports, it has always been easier to talk successful teams as opposed to those destined for the bottom of the conference standings. In the wake of one of the worst football seasons statistically for the program, basketball is awfully tempting.
It would be a lot easier to take a jaunt down Naismith Dr. and find a seat in the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse to watch another talent-loaded Bill Self basketball team make a run at another Big 12 Championship than to give the football team another thought. It would not only help soothe the pain of this dismal and embarrassing football season, but it might also help retain the sanity of Jayhawk
A column about the potential of Self's team this year pretty much writes itself. There will be plenty of chances to praise his team in the next four months, so I'm returning to football.
fans.
Last Saturday marked the 106th and final meeting of the second longest, uninterrupted college football rivalry. Although calling this series a rivalry might not be the best word choice. At one point Nebraska did ring off 36 consecutive victories from 1969 to 2004.
Nevertheless, Kansas' 20-3 loss in Lincoln was more than
just another loss for a team trying to make its way through the final weeks of a seemingly never-ending season.
With Nebraska leaving for the Big Ten, this game had a different feel from past meetings. It felt like Kansas was trying to prove to the power hungry Nebraska squad that the Jayhawks could hold their own before the Cornhuskers walk out on the Big 12.
Losing seasons might be harder on the players than the fans. Film sessions seem pointless, practices seem longer and games almost never go the way you want them to, no matter what you try. That's the kind of year it has been for Kansas and coach Turner Gill.
THE WAVE NOVEMBER 19,2010
No realistic Kansas fan came into Saturday's game expecting a win against nationally-ranked Nebraska. Most fans would have been happy as long as Kansas covered the
Kansas defense tries to put a stop to the Nebraska offense.
Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Can
foul trouble?
With Jeff Withey healthy, this is less of a concern than it was in the preseason, but when Markieff Morris had to sit with two early fouls against Valparaiso, it made frontcourt depth an issue for the rest of the first half. There aren't enough bodies in the Jayhawk frontcourt to withstand serious foul trouble, and the Mean Green led the nation in free throws made per game last season. If two of the Jayhawks bigs get into foul trouble, Mario Little could be forced to spend some time in the frontcourt, which offers opponents a size mismatch in their favor.
Morris
HEARYE, HEARYE
"I never expect to lose here. This is the best home-court advantage in the country. Coming in here and getting those chills before the game, I definitely don't expect to lose here."
Robinson
Markieff Morris, junior center
Markieff has unquestionably established himself as the best rebounder on this Jayhawks team (with an honorable mention to Thomas Robinson off the bench). His 14 boards per game are just one shy of what Marcus and Robinson are averaging combined. Markieff played just five minutes and pulled down three boards in the first half against Valparaiso because of foul trouble, but had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the second half alone.
SIXTH MAN
Thomas Robinson, sophomore forward
Robinson is getting almost as many minutes as the starters (or more, in the case of Releford) with 20 per game. It's hard for Self to keep him off the floor, as he has the ability to be a double-double player, even off the bench.
Self has taken to playing both Morris twins and Robinson at the same time, creating size mismatches at the three and four against most teams. Robinson gets a fourth star for the first time.
— Marcus Morris
Thomas Robinson, sophomore forward
George Odufuwa, senior forward
George Odufuwa, senior forward
Odufuwa was named to the Sun Belt's preseason All First-Team. He is currently averaging 10.5 points and 13 rebounds per game. He is averaging 35 minutes per game as well. A season ago, Odufuwa averaged 11.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. He started 32 of North Texas' 33 games.
SIXTH MAN
Dominique Johnson, senior guard Johnson is averaging 16.5 points off the bench this season in 31 minutes. Johnson may crack the starting lineup if his play continues. However, having two 5-foot-10 guards in the lineup makes the Mean Green very small in the frontcourt. Johnson is North Texas' best three-point shooter. He is currently 8-13 on the season. He was one of four players to average double figures (11 ppg) last season.
Tim Dwyet
-Mike Lavieri
compared with north texas. The Mean Green caught the attention of the Jayhawks last season when both teams played in Oklahoma City for the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. North Texas lost to Kansas State 82-62. The Mean Green entered the tournament with an 11-game winning streak, but had it snapped by the Wildcats. North Texas hung with Kansas State for the first 10 minutes until Kansas State pulled away. The games against Texas Tech regained Kansas' attention if it was lost during the NCAA Tournament.
"He was truly a pioneer at North Texas because he showed that you could have success here. His willingness to share his experiences helped in my transition to North Texas. I have fond memories of him, and he will be sorely missed."
HEARYE, HEARYE
North Texas coach Johnny Jones on legendary Mean Green coach Bill Blakeley, who passed away on Oct. 26, according to a news release.
FRIDAY BIG 12 SCHEDULE
Time (CT)
Teams Time (
Texas vs. Pittsburgh 6 p.m.
Nebraska vs. Davidson 2:00 p.m.
Texas A&M-International at Texas A&M 7:00 p.r.n.
Stephen F. Austin at Texas Tech 7:00 p.m.
ALLEN FIELDHOUSE WILL ROCK IF...
The team ties the school record for consecutive wins in the building with 62. Marcus Morris said he "can't, can't, CAN'T" lose a game in his home building, so he may have a little extra fire with the streak on the line. If he does, look out North Texas. He could go for 30.
BABY JAY WILL BREAK DOWN AND CRY IF...
Kansas allows Josh White to do what her lid to Texas Tech light up the scoreboard in a stunning Mean Green upset. White is excellent against Big 12 competition, but there's a difference between a team picked to finish in the middle of the pack, and a team ranked No.6 in the country.
Prediction:
SCHEDULE
Kansas 98, North Texas 64
Date Opponent TV Channel Time
Nov. 23 Texas A&M-CC Jayhawk TV 7 p.m.
Nov. 26 Ohio Jayhawk TV 7 p.m.
Nov. 27 Arizona Jayhawk TV 7 p.m.
Dec. 2 UCLA ESPN2 9:30 p.m.
5