Early morning after Thanksgiving....doubt many posters are up, I decided to take the reigns for border patrol this week. We have some input from Stan and Kirby:
STAN
-Chiefs have 1/3 chance to beat Denver.
-OU game. How about Lockett? Said very early in year that he had chance to be greatest KSU receiver ever....and obviously still believes it. He did all this against OU.....not some gimmie. He's incredible, fast, cannot be guarded. OU has a pro at corner....couldn't contain him.
-How much Lockett tomorrow? Depends. K-State isn't one dimensional. If K-State can run it tomorrow, that'll be the emphasis. Will pound it and throw occasionally against KU. Really, K-State indifferent with what they want to do.
-Yards per play....K-State better than last year, and 2nd best in Big 12.
-Worried about let down? No, don't have to worry. K-State is focused. If you want to be nervous, you could say since it's Thanksgiving week, K-State is out of its normal routine........and K-State is built on be consistent. Also, Ty not playing. Also, OU is physical....so how dinged up are they? But, KSU will be focused.
-Only 22 Kansas kids on KU......60 some for KSU. So, it's Kansas kids against the university of kansas.
-Prediction? I start with nervousness and end with excitement. Look at last year, KU had 264 yards in FIRST half. Simms is a great running back. Hard to say it's going to be a blowout. But, you turn to excitement. K-State separated last year and became blowout. Tomorrow, thinks K-State will eventually separate. Will be hard for KU to get to 20. Prediction 40-17 K-State.
KIRBY
-News about Gunhart......opinion, is this Tim's or Charlie's choice? Definitely think it was Grunhart's decision. It's a grind. He has 4 kids in HS next year. Tim did it the right way......he did early to give Wies time to formulate a plan. In terms of recruiting, well liked in KC area......but can plug some other staff into KC area. Transition for recruiting will be smooth.
-Kid from Grandview (OL) very close to TG. Said he was still focused on KU.....but may keep his options open. The other OL (center) was looking forward to working with the former center TG. Tim told both kids that they need to honor their commitment to KU.
-Reports that Rice OC might be coming on board? That would be a great hire. Unbelievable job at Rice. I'm friends with ??? (sounded like John Riggs).......so I can't say a whole lot. But, would be a GREAT hire.....runs dual threat system that works in college.
-After shutout at ISU, what's focus of team? After loss, Charlie let them have it. From what I've heard, they responded a little sluggish. But, went supper hard Wednesday and has gotten better, but took a while to put the ISU loss behind them.
-Is running game enough to stay competitive with KSU? That will have to be the plan. Have to try and get Cozart and Simms going after watching KSU rush D against OU. But, KSU has good coaches and they'll make adjustments.
-Guarding Lockett? Probably give some safety help.....but KU does a lot of isolated man coverage.
-Score? KU will hang in there, but KSU will pull away and win 31-21.