Thursday, November 13, 2008
“…things to come have no being at all, the future being but a fiction of the mind, applying the sequels of actions past to the actions that are present…” — Thomas Hobbes, “Leviathan”
I have chosen a curious profession indeed. Sports writers incessantly attempt to tell readers what just happened, what will happen and why what he once told you would happen, didn’t happen. Follow me?
This holds true for all journalists. We just witnessed a year’s worth of political punditry during which nicely dressed men and women transformed into mad beasts in heat to try to be the first to tell you who would win and why. But throughout the year, every year, sports writers deliver exclusive, in-depth, genius analysis. And some publications are even free of charge.
Never mind if we are right or wrong. But for your sake I hope you don’t have a sports column in your hand as you wait in line in Vegas.
“The best prophet is naturally the best guesser; and the best guesser, he that is most versed and studied in the matters he guesses at…” (Hobbes again.)
But considering the past 10 games of Kansas football and my pursuit of a doctorate in sportswriting, I feel comfortable writing the book on the 2008 Kansas football season.
The underlying story of 2008 Kansas football will be its inability to rise above perennial Big 12 South powers, conquer its demons in Lincoln and secure a quality nonconference victory. Predictions by skeptical college football elitists rang true this year.
The Jayhawks’ Big 12 North title hopes may fade this weekend with a loss to Texas while Missouri easily handles Iowa State. However, it is equally likely that Kansas will revert to its 2006 record of 6-6 although this time the Jayhawks likely will not be shut out of the bowl picture.
Coachspeak aside, Saturday’s home finale against Texas, Nov. 29’s Border Showdown and whatever bowl the Jayhawks default into will be an extended preseason that bridges into 2009.
That’s not to suggest tearing up the depth chart and mailing in the rest of the year. No, quite the opposite. I’m not going out on a limb when I ask for Mark Mangino’s best judgment in the weeks ahead regarding who plays and where. If the past is any indication, that is what we will likely get.
The man who resurrected Kansas football took several steps to reform this team and try to repeat the successes of 2007. He toyed with his running backs until Jake Sharp finally came into form, he switched freshman receiver Daymond Patterson to defensive back before he went down to injury and he is still trying to find a solution to the team’s tackling troubles and poor special teams.
That is all that is left to do at this point. A second-straight bowl bid will be historic. But more consistency on the field and proof that Kansas can handle tough competition such as Oklahoma and Texas Tech will be crucial in returning to national prominence.
It is on the players to bring about real change in Kansas football. Poor tackling, shaky special teams and equally shakier play in the trenches require as much individual learning, practice and development of skill than coaching. Ten months of preparation and an additional month of squeaky clean non-conference play will have this team in much better position to silence doubts on the University’s football proficiency in 2009.
That is a prophecy I am willing to offer.
— - Edited by Becka Cremer
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Montemayor: Sportswriter offers predictions
To the guy who slowly inched toward me in his car while I was crossing the crosswalk on Thursday evening...You are HOT! Could we be soul-mates?
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