From: maryb@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.college
Subject: Jayhawk Posting #20
Date: 10 Oct 92 01:09:25 CDT
Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services

This article is from the Friday, October 9, 1992 issue of the University
Daily Kansan.

KANSAS, K-STATE RENEW CROSS-STATE BATTLE
by David Bartkoski, Kansan sportswriter

   Kansas welcomes its undefeated cross-state rival Kansas State to Memorial
Stadium at 1 p.m. tomorrow for both schools' first Big Eight Conference game
of the year. The Jayhawks, 3-1, will try to rebound from a 27-23 loss to
California. And the Wildcats, 3-0, will try to remain unbeaten and extend
their winning streak to seven games. The KU Athletic Department anticipates
the first sellout in 10 years at the stadium.
   Kansas coach Glen Mason said that the game was important because both teams
had improved, and each wanted to show the other it had improved more. K-State
improved from an 0-11 record in 1988 to a 7-4 record last year, and Kansas
improved from a 1-10 record in 1988 to a 6-5 record last year.
   Representatives from the Orange, Independence and Freedom Bowls will be at
tomorrow's game. The Jayhawks last went to a bowl game in 1981, when they lost
10-0 to Mississippi State in the Hall of Fame Bowl. In its only bowl game
ever, K-State lost 14-3 to Wisconsin in the 1982 Independence Bowl.
   Mason said he was impressed with several of the Wildcats, including junior
Quarterback Jason Smargiasso, who had thrown for 190 yards a game and was the
third-rated passer in the Big Eight. K-State senior running back Eric Gallon
leads the conference in rushing with 105 yards a game but almost did not play
this season. He suffered a knee injury in spring drills that made some think
he might miss the entire season. Mason said Gallon's quick return to the
playing field was remarkable. "I'm glad to see the return," he said. "The
return of a guy after five months from that type of surgery is unheard of."
   K-State's defense is rated first against the rush and second against the
pass in the Big Eight. Senior linebackers Brent Venables, Brooks Barta and
Chris Patterson are the three top tacklers for the Wildcats this season. Barta
was on the Associated Press All-Big Eight first year last year. Mason said
Barta reminded him of former Kansas running back Tony Sands in the way that he
worked so hard for his success.
   K-State junior free safety Jaime Mendez tied the school record for
interceptions in one game with four against Temple in a 35-14 victory on
September 26. Mendez's fifth interception came against New Mexico State last
weekend. It was his 12th career interception, tying him with Clarence Scott as
K-State's all-time leader. "Jaime Mendez is an outstanding player," Mason
said. "You throw a ball in his area, the guy better be open or he's going to
come up with it."
   Last year, the Jayhawks lost to the Wildcats 16-12 in Manhattan. Kansas led
the game 12-3 before they gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Kansas
players have been wearing purple T-shirts with 16-12 on the front under their
practice jerseys for the last two weeks. Mason said the loss was hard on him
at first. "It's one of those things," he said. "But when it's all said and
done, a loss counts as a loss, and a win counts as a win. As time goes by, you
minimize that effect."
   Kansas players and coaches are anxious for tomorrow's game after the 16-day
layoff. Sophomore outside linebacker Don Davis said he was tired of hitting
his own teammates in practice. "We're tired of sitting around and watching
everybody else play on Saturday," he said.
   Mason said he wasn't concerned about the layoff but was ready to go.
"Enough's enough. Let's go," he said. "Let's get on with it."

Posted to r.s.f.c. by "Kansas Mary"