Did We Make it a Week?
There are certain annual traditions we observe here at the Big Red Network. Prior to the Super Bowl, we release a prediction in the form of Haiku. We release a blogpoll ballot throughout the season, we produce a pocket guide for games, and when Kansas week rolls around we make a statement or two about the overall conditioning of their coaching staff. Will this year be different?
This week hasn't been as KU-focused as you would have guessed this summer. The stakes don't seem nearly as high and beyond that the win against Oklahoma, the influx of verbal commitments (five since Saturday), and the apparent rebirth of Kansas State have people buzzing about many non-Jayhawk topics. But Kansas is not a team you can overlook in Lawrence. Beyond the big numbers piled up by their receiving tandem of Briscoe and Meier, quarterback Todd Reesing has played big in some big spots before. His recent troubles (which seem largely in his head, though assisted by a lack of protection and defensive help), don't make him incapable of playing well in his final home game. Then there's the way the Jayhawks have played against Nebraska in their last two home contests. Two blowouts, the second of which was particularly embarrassing as KU rolled up 76 points.
You don't worry about their run game, but you do have to get pressure on Reesing and keep him from buying time with his feet to find his outstanding receivers. Defensively, you wouldn't fear the Jayhawks, except that even Iowa State and Baylor held Nebraska to a single touchdown offensively. It's probably more about Nebraska's offense than the Kansas defense, but it's still a matchup you're concerned about. Particularly since KU does a decent job of stopping the run. Thankfully, Nebraska seems to be stronger on special teams, which could be important.
So with all of that to contend with, why take shots at Mark Mangino?
Because it's tradition, dadgummit. Fatty.
(We now invite the traditional comments pointing out that we're classless bums for mentioning Mangino's girth)
11/13/2009
I don’t know about poking fun due to his size, but I will say this. I watch a lot of football. My wife tends to watch some with me. She recognizes only a few college coaches on the sidelines.
- Bo
- Dan McCarney
- Maybe Frank Solich (because of his height)
- and Mark Mangino
She’s sincerely worried for his health and can’t help but comment every time we catch a KU game. He’s definitely the “face” of their program. I just say, “Yeah, but he’s a heck of a football coach.”
11/13/2009
If the guy is happy with his weight then let him be happy. I always tell my wife that you have to die of something. And if I like a good Little Debbie Fudge Round washed down with a Pepsi then that’s what I’m going to eat.
I second that he is a heck of a football coach.
11/13/2009
Mangino has done wonders for the Jayhawks, and by default, the Big XII. I hope that they are always in the hunt for second place in the North. Heck, they wear shirts in Lawrence that proclaim “Our coach beat anorexia.” Should we not join our neighbors in the celebration of this success?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2174039900_48283bd9d9.jpg
GBR!
Bob
Chicago, IL
11/13/2009
Since KU fans seem willing to poke fun at their coach’s girth, I don’t feel so bad laughing at this shirt I saw last week at the OU game.
http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/images/2009/11/IMG_1384.jpg
11/13/2009
Steve, I’m afraid I must refrain from discussing or mocking Mangino’s weight. Allow me to explain.
The year, 2006. A very cocky Darren Carlson had just written a pretty diatribe about Mangino’s weight (ahem - http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2006/09/mangino_is_fat_seriously_serio_1.html) on a little known site called Big Red Network.
Later that week, KU played NU to the wall. While the Huskers prevailed 39-32 in OT in a wildly entertaining game, I made a promise to God in a moment when things weren’t looking too good for Dear Old Nebraska U.
I said “Dear Lord, if the Huskers win this game, I promise I’ll never make fun of Mark Mangino’s weight again.”
So now, I not only have to keep my big mouth shut this week, but always.
11/13/2009
Mangino has done wonders for the Jayhawks, and by default, the Big XII. I hope that they are always in the hunt for second place in the North. Heck, they wear shirts in Lawrence that proclaim “Our coach beat anorexia.” Should we not join our neighbors in the celebration of this success?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2174039900_48283bd9d9.jpg
GBR!
Bob