Kansas City Star: Big 12 Conference

Second-season success is where coaches' paths breaks

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Not meeting annually makes it more difficult for the Big Reds of the plains, Nebraska and Oklahoma, to measure themselves against each other. Which probably isn’t a bad thing for the Cornhuskers, who play host to the Sooners on Saturday. The series looks better in retrospect.

Mendenhall: BYU hasn't reached potential yet

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:20 CST

Despite beating Oklahoma and being ranked in the Top 25 most of the season, Brigham Young coach Bronco Mendenhall believes his team has yet to reach its potential.

Temple win seventh straight, 34-32 over Miami

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:00 CST

Bernard Pierce ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns, and Brandon McManus kicked an 18-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to give Temple a 34-32 victory over Miami of Ohio on Thursday night.

No. 22 Hokies beat East Carolina 16-3

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:10 CST

Virginia Tech put the game in Ryan Williams' hands again. This time, he held on to it. The freshman ran for a season-high 179 yards and the 22nd-ranked Hokies avoided their first three-game losing streak in six years, holding off East Carolina 16-3 on Thursday night.

NCAA upholds Bryant's suspension

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:09 CST

The NCAA has upheld the suspension of Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant, who will sit out the remainder of the season for allegedly lying to NCAA investigators.

Rutgers-Army to square off in new Meadowlands Stadium in 2010

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:14 CST

Rutgers and Army have agreed to participate in the first Football Bowl Subdivision game at the new Meadowlands Stadium.

Recap: East Carolina vs. Virginia Tech

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:34 CST

Tyrod Taylor rushed for a touchdown and threw for 137 yards, as the 22nd-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies beat the East Carolina Pirates, 16-3, in a non-conference matchup at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

Florida's Meyer: SEC refs missed late hit on Tebow

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:40 CST

Florida coach Urban Meyer believes Southeastern Conference officials missed a late hit on Tim Tebow in Saturday's game against Georgia.

Florida increases Spikes suspension to full game

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:30 CST

With all the negative attention "weighing heavy on his heart," Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes asked to serve a full-game suspension for apparently trying to gouge the eyes of a Georgia running back.

Just go for it! A case against punting

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:05 CST

Virtually every time the Pulaski Academy Bruins face fourth down, the prep school team from Little Rock, Ark., goes for it. No matter the distance.

Memphis (2-6) at Tennessee (4-4)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:45 CST

FACTS & STATS: Site: Neyland Stadium (104,000) -- Knoxville, Tennessee. Television: ESPNU. Home Record: Memphis 2-3, Tennessee 4-2. Away Record: Memphis 0-3, Tennessee 0-2. Neutral Record: Memphis 0-0, Tennessee 0-0. Conference Record: Memphis 1-4, Tennessee 2-3. Series Record: Tennessee leads, 20-1.

Wounded USC looks to bounce back at Arizona State

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:20 CST

The Arizona State Sun Devils hoped Southern California might have a letdown after a big victory over Oregon.

(7) Oregon (7-1) at Stanford (5-3)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:45 CST

GAME NOTES: The Oregon Ducks have ascended all the way up to the seventh spot in the latest national poll, and they will put that lofty ranking on the line, when they take on the Stanford Cardinal this weekend in Pac-10 action.

Vanderbilt (2-7) at (1) Florida (8-0)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:50 CST

GAME NOTES: With the SEC Eastern Division title already securely in tow, the top-ranked Florida Gators welcome the Vanderbilt Commodores to Gainesville this week for a conference showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Baylor (3-5) at Missouri (5-3)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:50 CST

FACTS & STATS: Site: Faurot Field (68,349) -- Columbia, Missouri. Television:None. Home Record: Baylor 2-3, Missouri 2-2. Away Record: Baylor 1-2, Missouri 2-1. Neutral Record: Baylor 1-0, Missouri 0-0. Conference Record: Baylor 0-4, Missouri 1-3. Series Record: Missouri leads, 10-2.

(5) Boise State (8-0) at Louisiana Tech (3-5)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:35 CST

GAME NOTES: Tied for the fifth-longest win streak in the nation this week, the fifth-ranked Boise State Broncos take their act on the road to challenge the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in a special Friday night edition of Western Athletic Conference play in Ruston.

Washington State (1-7) at (21) Arizona (5-2)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:50 CST

GAME NOTES: The 21st-ranked Arizona Wildcats will cap off their three-game homestand this weekend, as they entertain the Washington State Cougars in Pac-10 play in Tucson.

Bearcats freshman Stephenson cleared to play by NCAA

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:29 CST

Cincinnati Bearcats freshman men's basketball player Lance Stephenson, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound forward who was named the 2009 Big East Conference Preseason Rookie of the Year, has been cleared to play by the NCAA.

Air Jordans cost UCF future deal with adidas

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00 CST

A fight over the shoes Michael Jordan's son will wear at the University of Central Florida has cost the school any future sponsorship with adidas.

Duke's Smith given two-game suspension

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:40 CST

Duke junior guard Nolan Smith was given a two- game suspension by the school because he played in a summer league that wasn't sanctioned by the NCAA.

Maryland beats Indiana (Pa.) 75-54 in exhibition

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:56 CST

Sean Mosley and Landon Milbourne each scored 14 points, Greivis Vasquez added 13, and Maryland breezed past Indiana of Pennsylvania 75-54 in an exhibition game Tuesday night.

Le Moyne stuns Syracuse 82-79

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:36 CST

Christopher Johnson scored 17 of his 22 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer with 8.3 seconds remaining, and Division II Le Moyne stunned Syracuse 82-79 in an exhibition game Tuesday night.

Duke's Smith given 2-game suspension

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:41 CST

Duke guard Nolan Smith will sit out two games because he played in an unsanctioned summer league.

Gophers suspend White, Bostick for breaking rules

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:11 CST

Another Minnesota basketball recruit is in trouble: Freshman forward Royce White faces misdemeanor charges of theft and fifth-degree assault for allegedly shoplifting and shoving a security guard at the Mall of America.

No. 1 Kansas cruises past Fort Hays St., 107-68

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:31 CST

Sherron Collins scored 19 points and Cole Aldrich had 13 points and 13 rebounds, leading No. 1 Kansas past Fort Hays State 107-68 in an exhibition game Tuesday night.

Harangody leads AP preseason All-America team

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:18 CST

Luke Harangody should get used to being on top of lists.

Gillispie pleads guilty to DUI charge in Ky.

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:38 CST

Former University of Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence of alcohol and apologized for what he called a mistake.

Former Kentucky coach Gillispie pleads guilty to DUI

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:01 CST

Former University of Kentucky head men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie has pleaded guilty to a DUI charge.

NCAA orders UK guard John Wall to sit 2 games

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:12 CDT

Kentucky point guard John Wall has been cleared to play by the NCAA.

NCAA clears Kentucky PG Wall, decides on two-game ban

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:40 CDT

The University of Kentucky announced Friday that highly touted freshman point guard John Wall has been cleared to play by the NCAA.

Penn State's Edwards out with MCL tear

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:30 CDT

Penn State freshman forward Bill Edwards is expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a partial MCL tear in his right knee.

Kansas overwhelming No. 1 in AP preseason poll

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:02 CDT

For the second time in its storied basketball history, Kansas is No. 1 in The Associated Press' preseason Top 25.

Judge: No mental eval in Pitino extortion plot

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:17 CDT

A federal judge has denied prosecutors' request for a psychiatric evaluation of the woman accused in a plot to extort $10 million from University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.

Big 12 insider: McCoy shooting to top charts

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

It takes early stardom, plenty of team achievement and a healthy body to present Colt McCoy his opportunity for history in a few weeks. If Texas beats Central Florida on Saturday, McCoy will rack up his 41st triumph as a starting quarterback. Baylor visits Austin the following weekend and the home finale against Kansas will be played on Nov. 21.

Snyder's system still works at Kansas State

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

MANHATTAN, Kan. | Bill Snyder can’t relate to his players through Twitter or rap music, and at 70 he isn’t likely to learn how anytime soon. But at this point, it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for him to adapt his old coaching ways to the present times. They seem to be holding up just fine.

The Star's college football predictions

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

2009

Missouri will put teamwork to the test this basketball season

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

COLUMBIA | Missouri coach Mike Anderson, when told that the notes for tonight’s exhibition basketball opener against Truman State listed seven Tigers as possible starters, sought out his publicist. “You’ve got seven?” Anderson said. “Good job.”

Missouri's Ebner toughened by brotherly love

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

COLUMBIA | For eight-year-old Will Ebner this was a rare moment. Seated in front of the family TV. Remote in his hand. No matter how much his brother, Clay, 10 at the time, wanted the channel changed, Will was in control. And he liked it.

KU's Mangino goes back to his coaching roots for O-line

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

LAWRENCE | Maybe the most alarming reason given for the benching of Todd Reesing last week was that Kansas coach Mark Mangino feared for his quarterback’s safety playing behind a struggling offensive line. In response, Mangino has gone back to his roots this week.

MU's Aldon Smith comes out of his shell

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

COLUMBIA | Sometimes, Brian Coulter doesn’t recognize his own roommate and Missouri teammate, Aldon Smith. “He doesn’t know just how good he can be,” Coulter said.

K-State wants to remain dominant at home

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

MANHATTAN | When playing away from home, the Kansas State football team is unpredictable. It has lost big, lost close and won by blocking a late extra-point attempt. But at home, the Wildcats are completely different.

KU's Reesing tries to bring the fun back after facing rough stretch

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

LAWRENCE | Todd Reesing has spent his whole life trying to stand out. Down in Texas at Lake Travis High, he wore a white tuxedo and carried a cane to his junior prom. That may have worked for a night, but he always knew that success would be the long-term vehicle. He was great in school, he was great in sports, and he was great in social settings. He only knew how to achieve.

Thomas' toughness impresses Cats

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

MANHATTAN, Kan. | With a loss to Oklahoma still fresh in his mind, K-State’s Daniel Thomas didn’t feel like standing. Thomas, a junior running back, had just gutted out 88 yards in 16 carries against one of the nation’s best defensive fronts and, as he does in most games, also took direct snaps out of the wildcat formation and threw for 41 yards.

Ramsey key part of Mizzou's swat team

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

COLUMBIA | Keith Ramsey contends that down South — he comes from Murfreesboro, Tenn. — every grandparent gives every grandchild a nickname. A grandfather christened Ramsey “June Bug.”

KU freshman Johnson puts on a show

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

LAWRENCE | Kansas coach Bill Self was strongly considering slapping a redshirt on freshman guard Elijah Johnson — until he actually saw the kid play. In the second half of his Allen Fieldhouse game debut, a 107-68 KU exhibition victory over Fort Hays State, Johnson showed 16,300 curious others why Self has changed his tune.

KU notebook

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Mangino and Reesing talk benching Kansas coach Mark Mangino stood firm Tuesday on his post-game statement that his benching of KU quarterback Todd Reesing during the fourth quarter of a 42-21 loss to Texas Tech was not “a big deal.”

KU's Mangino turns attention to struggling offense

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

LAWRENCE | As college football programs have evolved, becoming bigger and bigger, a new prevailing image has formed of the modern-day head coach: He is the multimillion-dollar CEO, the steward of the ship, a man with so many big-picture responsibilities that he hardly has time to coach his team. Kansas coach Mark Mangino does not see himself this way. He is the same coach who carried the whistle as an assistant at New Castle (Pa.) High and Youngstown State. If there is wood to be sawed, he still grabs the saw. So when asked on Tuesday about the KU defense’s sudden turnaround — the unit has played well enough to win three straight games but lost all of them because of a shockingly inept offense — Mangino indicated he felt his coaching was a major factor.

Big 12 adopts a more defensive personality

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The Big 12 is undergoing a personality makeover. No more point-a-minute offenses or 500-yard passing games, at least not on a regular basis. The conference is trending toward defense, especially up front as quarterbacks find themselves under constant pressure.

Washington remains Mizzou's running man

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

COLUMBIA | Derrick Washington remembers sitting on the bench, praying for a carry or two in a game. Oneseason passed as Tony Temple was Missouri’s star running back. Then, fans screamed for Washington to replace Temple as the starting running back. Midway through this season, fans are calling for someone to replace Washington.

KU's Little, Releford are redshirt candidates

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

LAWRENCE | How deep are the No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks? Well, KU coach Bill Self said Monday that Mario Little and Travis Releford have played very well during two-plus weeks of practice. But he also said they could redshirt this season. Little and Releford, wing players with enough talent to start for most programs, will not play during tonight’s exhibition game against Fort Hays State at Allen Fieldhouse because only first-year players are allowed to play in exhibition games and still redshirt. By sitting Little and Releford, Self will have another week to decide whether they are ready to break into KU’s playing rotation.

K-State's Banks named Big 12 special teams player of the week — again

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

MANHATTAN, Kan. | By now, Kansas State wide receiver Brandon Banks has to be a Monday person. That’s the day the Big 12 Conference announces its player of the week awards, and Banks has been honored as the special teams performer three times this season after picking up the third award Monday.

Big 12 football statistics

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

2009

MU notebook | Gabbert feels better

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

With quarterback Blaine Gabbert saying he is nearing full recovery from his high right ankle sprain, Missouri coach Gary Pinkel sees a payoff for Gabbert limping through much of the past four games.

Wildcats vs Jayhawks

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:08 CST

What happens when a Wildcat Marries a Jayhawk?Snyder: “Well, I’m quite certain that the vast majority of our players would like to bring the Governor’s Cup back to Manhattan. This game is very important to all of our team, especially our players from Kansas. I think that this is a very significant game for every one involved on both sides. The hardest part about it is the fact that he (Mangino) has a very fine football team. That’s what makes it more complex than anything else.” Mangino: “Kansas State is a team that has shown a lot of improvement since last season. They are improving in every area of their game. They play good fundamentals, just like you would like to have your team play all the time. They are aggressive on defense and they have enough playmakers on offense to hurt you. They have one of the best, if not the best, return man in the country in Brandon Banks. It is a Big 12 game on the road, so it is important and we are looking forward to it.”read more

Matt Cassel needs to throw MORE interceptions - by Jason Lisk

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:12 CST

Getting hurt isn't ALL that bad.This is the second reader entry on UFR. Jonathan Tucker did a nice story on Greinke vs Sabes a couple weeks ago. This time Jason Lisk presents a compelling argument that Cassel needs to increase his odds of being intercepted because the benefits of taking that risk outweigh the disadvantages. My only added thought on this is that QB’s rarely get hurt throwing interceptions, but they sure do suffer physically for taking sacks. Anyway, this is a very good piece. Thanks Jason!read more

Tigers vs Bears

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:18 CST

Missouri FootballPinkel: “Our focus is now on Baylor, understanding that they are a good football team. We've got to improve in all areas. I think our players are excited. Obviously, it was a tough three weeks around here, certainly a very difficult week last week. The win felt good, but I told my players it's going to get tougher and tougher. November is here and if you want to have great success as a football team you have to win in November.”read more

Should Johnny Damon be put in the Royals' Hall of Fame? Answer below (hint: it's "yes")

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:53 CST

We talked the other day about Johnny Damon's Hall of Fame case the other day, and that probably missed the more relevant question to Kansas City, which is whether he's a ROYALS Hall of Famer.The team Hall of Fame received a huge makeover in the stadium renovations, going from a glass case in the back of a concourse to an impressive 6,800-sq-foot building behind the left field wall. Despite all the struggles of the last 15 years, the Royals do have a proud history, and take their Hall of Fame more seriously than many teams.read more

KU: LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:15 CST

Of course, the Hawks took to the floor Tuesday night in an exhibition game against Fort Hays State. KU was looking to justify their #1 preseason ranking and, for the most part, did so. Naturally, you can’t make too much out of a 107-68 victory – especially since it is their 34th straight exhibition win. Nevertheless, KU looked pretty good and the team didn’t do anything to disappoint the fans.read more

Bars showing KU-Kansas State on Versus Network

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:38 CST

Since DirecTV does not offer Versus, the KU-Kansas State game can only be watched on DISH Network if you are using satellite. Here are some local places that use DISH: Famous Dave's, Kansas City Sister's Restaurant and Bar, Kansas City West Coast Saloon, Lawrence Paradise Saloon, Lawrence Varsity Blues, Topeka The 20s Bar, Topeka Spanky's Sport Bar and Grill, Topeka Seabrook Bar and Grill, Topeka

Big 12 Bowl Lineup Stinks

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:17 CST

First off, here is the new bowl lineup for the immediate future for the Big 12 Conference. Just so you know what I'm going to rip. Fiesta Bowl Cotton Bowl Alamo Bowl Insight Bowl Holiday Bowl Texas Bowl Yankee Bowl Dallas Football Classic Eagle Bank Bowl in 2013 First thing you notice is that four of those bowls are in the state of Texas - Cotton, Alamo, Dallas Football Classic and, duh!, the Texas Bowl. Next thing you notice is that the Fiesta, the Insight and the Holiday are out West. read more

Mizzou-Baylor on Big 12 No Huddle Next Week

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:29 CST

Saturday’s 1 p.m. Baylor at Missouri football game won't be on live TV. However, it will be shown as part of the Fox Sports Big 12 No Huddle series of one-hour replays. Showing times for Baylor-Mizzou on that show are Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Wednesday at 9 p.m. on FOX Sports Kansas City.

Mizzou's Gregory and Ressel Rewarded for Hitting the Books

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00 CST

MU offensive lineman Kurtis Gregory and place kicker Grant Ressel have been selected for ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District team. And, with his first-team selection, Gregory is now eligible to be an Academic All-America pick. Gregory is also a finalist for the football version of the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which honors the nation’s top student-athletes in the categories of classroom, character, community and competition. read more

This week's KSU player to watch: Jeffrey Fitzgerald

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:48 CST

Ever since Jeffrey Fitzgerald accepted coach Bill Snyder’s mid-season challenge and became one of Kansas State’s vocal leaders, the Wildcats have looked completely different on the defensive line. Up front, K-State is now able to rush the quarterback and force turnovers on a consistent basis. In its last two home games, K-State recorded 10 sacks and forced 10 turnovers. Fitzgerald alone has five sacks against conference opponents this season and one interception return for a touchdown. Continuing that type of play will be key against Kansas. read more