A Little KU-MU and A Lot of Perspective

For me, this past holiday weekend was about KU sports and about giving thanks for all of the blessings in my life. As I headed into the long weekend, what I didn’t realize was that it was also going to be about strong feelings of love toward a family I have never met.

All week I anticipated the KU-MU game in Arrowhead Stadium. I had my tickets. I had my tailgating plan. I had the Saturday ESPN Sports Center and Gameday broadcasts set on my DVR. My wife had planned a special game-day breakfast. I had my hat, gloves, long underwear, coat and hot chocolate ready. I scoured the internet for any and every story I could find about the game and about the Jayhawks.

My heart rate increased every time I thought about the game and the environment that I would be a part of in and around Arrowhead Stadium. I thought time and again about everything riding on this game and how KU and Missouri may never play another rivalry game with so much significance during my lifetime.

I spent countless hours emailing with my friends about every aspect of the game. I let them know that my biggest fear was that KU’s football team would do what KU’s basketball team did last year in their Elite Eight game against UCLA, which was beat themselves by doing things they hadn’t done all season long. Against UCLA last year, the KU basketball team missed something like 20 layups. That hadn’t happened all season. They didn’t play their best game and they played out of character and beat themselves.

So here I was in Arrowhead Stadium watching the same thing happen to KU’s football team. My worst fears were realized as Todd Reesing, playing with a glove on his throwing hand for the first time ever, threw two interceptions after having thrown over 200 passes without one. Kicker Scott Webb, who had been solid this year, missed two field goals. KU’s defense, which had risen to the occasion so many times this year, gave up completion after completion on 3rd and long. Our normally steady wide receivers dropped passes and ran incorrect routes. Our coaching staff inexplicably gave Jake Sharp one rushing attempt. Our offensive line got pushed around. Our defensive line got very little penetration and were exhausted after being on the field for so long.

In the end, we all know what happened. The Kansas Jayhawk football team lost by 8 points to our hated rival, the Missouri Tigers. Everyone from players, coaches, family members, students and alumni had invested so much time and energy into this game only to come away with that numb feeling that accompanies virtually every loss.

I was going to feel sorry for myself and all of Jayhawk Nation, but that’s when, as so often happens when I get caught up in the fast pace of life, I was served a full dose of perspective.

Sunday morning my wife got a phone call. It was from a good friend of a woman
(we’ll call her Jane) that my wife had just hired on Wednesday from another department within the company. This was a great promotion for Jane, who was in her early 30's and I believe the mother of 2-3 children. My wife told me how happy Jane was about this new job opportunity, what a perfect fit she was for the role, and how Jane and her husband (we’ll call him John) were going to celebrate over the long holiday weekend. John was also going to the KU-MU game and I imagined that he must have had the same sense of anticipation leading up to the game that I did. I’m pretty sure John was an MU fan, but as you will come to see, that doesn’t matter.

After the game, John and four of his friends decided to do some off-roading in the Hummer they were driving. I imagined that this was something that they had done several times over the years. From what I’ve been told, they went up a steep hill figuring it was a downward hill on the other side. Unfortunately, it was a straight drop-off. The Hummer fell several feet and 4 guys walked away.

John didn’t.

So while normally I would be feeling down and frustrated by KU’s loss to MU, emailing friends about everything that KU could have done differently, analyzing how a play here or there could have changed the outcome, scouring the internet for all the articles I could find about the game, I’m not. The truth is that I just can’t stop thinking about John.

I didn’t know John. I didn’t know Jane. I just knew they were a young, happy couple celebrating a great moment in their lives and looking forward to a brighter, better future. And then it all came to a sudden, inexplicable stop. I can’t help but think about how unfair it is. No one deserves going through something like this.
More importantly, I can’t help but think how much time I spent reading, writing, texting, worrying, analyzing, cheering, and agonizing over a KU-MU football game hyped as “Armageddon at Arrowhead”. It’s all so painfully insignificant right now.

It’s a cliché, but it’s one of the statements I’ve come to appreciate as life slaps me time and again with these perspective-filled moments: LIFE IS TOO SHORT.

I’m sad today. I’m sad that KU lost in Arrowhead on Saturday night. I’m sad at how Jane, John, their children and their families’ lives changed forever in an instant.

At the same time, I’m happy. I’m happy for the incredible Jayhawk football season. I’m happy that basketball season is just getting underway. I’m happy that I have a loving wife, family and friends. And I’m happy that God gave me the ability to realize just how fortunate I am and to not take anything for granted. Some people live their entire lives and never realize that. I have lost so many people close to me in the short time I’ve been on this earth and I live my life as a tribute to them. And now John is going to be a part of that tribute.

I don’t typically ask readers of my column for favors, but today is different. After you finish reading this, please say a prayer for John, a prayer for Jane, a prayer for their children, a prayer for their families, and a prayer for yourself and your families.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Jayhawk Fans: It’s Time to Give Thanks. And Lots of It.

As I woke this morning, I was overcome with feelings of anticipation as I thought about the week ahead and the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, introspection and taking time out to give thanks for the many people and blessings in our lives. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, to enjoy a long holiday weekend, to savor every bite of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pie.

This Thanksgiving, however, is going to be an extra special one for Jayhawk fans all across the country.

This Thanksgiving, Jayhawk hearts will be overflowing with more love and joy than ever. This Thanksgiving every Jayhawk fan is going to have an extra bounce in their step. This Thanksgiving every Jayhawk fan is going to be talking about the game in Arrowhead Stadium on November 24th against the Misery Tiggers. This Thanksgiving will be one that Jayhawk fans will talk about for years to come.

With that in mind, here is the Jayhawk version of “Things I am thankful for.”:

*11-0
*#2 BCS ranking and #2 ranking in the AP and Coach’s poll
*Mark Mangino and his entire coaching staff
*A legitimate shot at the National Championship in both football and basketball
*The sustained ability to take it “one game at a time”. Brandon McAnderson said it best: "This week our focus was Iowa State, and last week our focus was Oklahoma State. It sounds like a cliché, and it sounds like something that everybody says, but it's just the way we are."
*Todd Reesing. His 30 touchdown passes have him tied for second-place on KU's all-time TD pass list. And he’s only a sophomore. Oh, and he has yet to lose as a starting college quarterback.
*The least penalized team in college football
*Winning on the road
*The entire wide receiver corps with their ability to create separation, catch the ball, get yards after the catch, and sustain their downfield blocks.
*Turnover margin. KU has gone 18 quarters without a turnover and leads the nation plus-21 in turnovers.
*Jake Sharp and 1,000 yard rusher Brandon McAnderson
*KU students camping out for football tickets
*The fact that KU is, as ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit termed it, “THE story of the year in college football”
*76 points on Homecoming against Nebraska
*Ed Warriner. Someone should create an Offensive Coordinator of the Year Award with his image and likeness. They can call it The Warriner Award.
*KU football games on national television every week
*Lew Perkins
*The fact that, though few will admit it, KU and MU fans both respect what the other has accomplished this year.
*KU football games in HD
*KU cheerleaders and the Rock Chalk Dancers
*Marcus Hereford
*The infamous YouTube video of Mark Mangino ripping into Raimond Pendleton
*The infamous YouTube video of Misery Tigger QB Chase Daniel picking his nose and then enjoying
an “appetizer”
*Memorial Stadium and a single season attendance record, averaging 46,498 fans over 7 games
*That most KU fans that own a “MUCK FIZZOU” shirt have finally decided to quit wearing them and use them for what they were originally intended: Cleaning the toilet.
*Expansion of the football facilities
*Derek Fine
*That KU fans won’t rush the field at Arrowhead Stadium when we beat MU.
*Kerry Meier, EASILY college football’s M.U.P. (Most Unselfish Player)
*Beating K-State 3 out of the last 4
*The most underrated offensive line in college football
*Mike Riviera
*Easiest bet to win: The Jayhawks are 10-0 against the Las Vegas point spread this season.
*Scott Webb: KU’s new leading single season scoring leader with 110 points.
*Bill Young
*Former KU football coach Don Fambrough’s absolute disgust for Missouri.
*Punter Kyle Tucker has rarely been needed this season.
*Aqib Talib
*Winning with CLASS and knowing that MU never will.
*The 13 seniors on the Jayhawk football team that have been instrumental in laying a foundation for the future success of the program. Sometimes there aren’t enough words…
*The #2 ranked scoring defense in the country
*James McClinton
*My friend’s parents who are selling me their two extra tickets to the KU-Missouri game and not ripping me off like every ticket broker in the country.
*A chance to shut up the predominantly ignorant MU fan base for another year.
*A chance to hear the Rock Chalk Chant throughout the state of Kansas…AND Missouri…on Nov. 24th.
*Joe Mortensen
*Keeping the Jayhawk train rolling after football season. The Jayhawk basketball team is in the Top 5, Brandon Rush is back, and we’ve got a team that has a legitimate shot at the Final Four and National Championship. Oh, and we just signed another Top 10 recruiting class.

But the one thing that I am MOST THANKFUL for?

KU-Misery: November 24th: Sold out Arrowhead Stadium. 7 p.m. on ABC. 100% of ABC affiliates will air the game. Yes, that means the ENTIRE COUNTRY will be watching. ESPN College Gameday in Kansas City. The most anticipated college game in Kansas City history. The biggest game in the long history of the rivalry. The biggest game in college football to this point in the season. Coach of the Year on the line. Big 12 North title on the line (KU is already guaranteed a share of the Big 12 North title. But we don’t like to share. Especially not with Misery.) Entry into the Big 12 Championship Game on the line. National Championship aspirations.

Yes, Jayhawk fans, we have so much to be thankful for this season. Perhaps more than ever. Eat some turkey, then eat a little more, and then get your GAME FACES on.
Oh, who am I kidding? My game face is already on.
GO JAYHAWKS! POUND THE MISERY TIGGERS!

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’ and Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Mic Johnson
www.jaytalkers.com

KU-MU: I can't help but look ahead

During this most improbable and incredible of KU Football seasons, I have tried extremely hard to embrace the "one game at a time" mentality that Coach Mark Mangino, his coaching staff and his players have been preaching. So far, I've done a pretty good job of it.

But I have a confession to make.

I can't do it anymore.

I want to. I really do. But I just can’t.

While I know Iowa State has recent wins against Colorado and K-State, have an experienced quarterback in Bret Meyer, have up and coming coach Gene Chezik, and would love nothing more than to beat the only undefeated team left in the Top 10, I just can't focus on this game.

Why, you ask?

Ok, you probably don't have to ask because you know, in your heart of Jayhawk hearts: You're just as guilty as I am.

November 24th: KU-Missouri in SOLD OUT ARROWHEAD STADIUM.

Ok. There. I said it.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and visions of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, pie and more, Jayhawk Nation is going to be treated to a smorgasbord of football with a fervor and anticipation that most Jayhawk football fans have never experienced in their lifetimes.

Let’s assume that KU beats Iowa State this weekend. Let’s assume that Missouri beats KSU (though this is my upset special of the week because (A) It’s Senior Day in Manhattan (B) KSU’s pride is still aching after the 73 point massacre in Lincoln last week and they will want to prove it was a fluke, and (C) Missouri ALWAYS seems to find ways to screw up a good thing.)

There is so much riding on this game. Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:

*The MU game concerns me. Just like KU, MU has an explosive offense led by an excellent quarterback. If I’m honest with myself, I think MU’s offense is more polished at this point. *Both teams have solid defenses that have, at times, risen to the occasion, and at other times, given up big plays. KU’s defense has given up 39 and 28 points, respectively, in the last two weeks. Missouri’s defense has given up more than 20 points in 6 of their games this year.
*The winner wins the Big 12 North.
*The winner goes on to the Big 12 Championship Game in San Antonio.
*The winner keeps their dream of a National Championship alive.
*The winner, and it’s fan base, gets bragging rights for an entire year.
*The winning coach catapults to the top of the Coach of the Year rankings.
*I literally get sick to my stomach when I think of what it would be like to be in Arrowhead if MU won the game. Not only because of all of the previously mentioned benefits to the winner, not only because I would have to watch the MU fan base celebrate (I like to say: “Every fan base has ignorant fans. At MU, they just have more.”), but also because everyone and their dog in the national media will quickly hop off the Kansas bandwagon and say "See, their schedule was weak. When they played a quality opponent, they lost. And now they're going to the Holiday or Alamo Bowl". As quickly as KU rose to be “the story of the year in college football” (Thanks Kirk Herbsteit), that’s how quickly some people will pounce on them if they lose.
*If KU wins, it will INCREDIBLE. It will be a celebration not seen in Kansas City since the Jayhawk basketball team won the 1988 National Championship in Kemper Arena. We certainly know Kansas City has pretty much given up on the dream of any mass celebrations for the Chiefs and Royals anytime soon.

My prediction?

I can’t make a prediction. I don’t want to look ahead. I….must….focus….on….Iowa…State.

Oh, forget it. I can’t do it.

It's going to be a major battle that will come down to second half adjustments by the coaching staffs and a few big, key plays. I really think it’s too close to call but in the interest of getting off the fence and supporting my beloved alma mater, I’m going with….wait for it…wait for it….

KU: 42 MISERY: 35

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

Enough with the fat, er PHAT, jokes

Our coach can eat your coach.

Ha,ha. Good one.

Our coach is PHAT.

Chuckle, chuckle.

Our coach beat anorexia.

Hilarious. Now you are poking fun at two different groups of people and getting more bang for your insult buck.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

Will we, as KU fans, as human beings, ever move on from making fun of how much people weigh? I mean, seriously, is it really that funny that people die every year because of weight issues? What a great topic to make fun of.

Mark Mangino has done an incredible job with the KU football team this year and is on the verge of possibly doing the unbelievable.

And yet every day I see, hear and read about all of these t-shirts and sayings making fun of his weight.

Why is it ok in our society to make fun of someone that is overweight? It’s become acceptable as if those words don’t hurt the people they are targeted at.

People are so insecure with their own bodies, jobs and lives that they have to spend time making fun of other people.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

If there is anyone out there that is perfect, please let me know.

If there is anyone out there that enjoys being made fun of, please let me know.

If there is anyone out there that loves it when people continually make fun of their physical appearance, please let me know.

ENOUGH ALREADY.

Let’s give Mark Mangino credit for what he’s accomplishing at KU right now. Let’s judge him on how well he does his job. But let’s knock off all of the fat jokes. Our own students are wearing shirts that poke fun at their head football coach. Are you kidding me?

ENOUGH ALREADY.

We have enough ignorant fans from other schools that routinely poke fun at Mark Mangino’s weight. We, as KU fans, must rise above this. We’re better than that.

At least I thought we were.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin,

Mic
www.jaytalkers.com

KU FB: OSU 4th quarter collapse: Good or bad for KU?

Do you think it was good for KU or bad for KU that OSU's defense completely imploded in the 4th quarter yesterday, at home, allowing Texas to score 24 points and over 300 yards of offense?

Personally, I can't stand UT (and their arrogant fan base) and never want to see them win, however with the way it played out, I think this bodes well for the KU-OSU game because it was a huge emotional blow to OSU's players, coaches and fans. Their confidence has to be shaky as a KU team that just threw up 76 points on NU comes to town.

KU has done a good job of taking it one game at a time and I don't expect a letdown next week. Our guys will be ready just like they have been every week.

That being said, I was frustrated at times with our first half defense yesterday and, in particular, the failure of the coaching staff and players to make in-half adjustments. They made adjustments at the half as the D played better in the second half, but next week we won't have the luxury to wait until halftime because I don't expect our offense to blow up again, particularly on the road.

So while I have great confidence in our coaching staff and this team, I'm nervous about the OSU matchup as they are a better passing offense than the NU backup QB that just put up 400 passing yards and 4 TD's against the KU defense.

So, back to my original question: OSU's collapse in the 4th quarter yesterday. Good or bad for KU?

Keep Rockin' and Chalkin',

Mic

In Sport, In Life, at KU: Unselfishness is cool

I was reading an article recently that talked about KU quarterback/wide receiver/running back/punter/Mr. Everything Kerry Meier and his unselfish approach during Todd Reesing’s rise as KU’s undisputed signal caller. And it got me thinking.

Being unselfish is cool. You hear that kids? Heck, you hear that adults? It’s cool to be unselfish. Darn cool.

Last year one of the things I liked the most about the KU basketball team was how unselfish they were. In today’s age of “ME FIRST” and “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS” athletes, it was refreshing to see a group of very talented athletes set their egos aside and work together, as a team, toward a common goal. We all know when a player says he’s about team, but then his actions on the court/field tell us differently. And last year’s KU basketball team, and presumably this year’s KU team, has that unselfish factor. And it’s cool. Darn cool.

As I’ve watched KU’s football team this year, one thing that stuck out to me immediately was how unselfish the players were. Watch for yourself. EVERY time a player makes a good play…and, more importantly, a not-so-good play…there are MULTIPLE teammates coming over to congratulate or pick that player up. It’s so refreshing. And it’s cool. Darn cool. Not only is this KU team playing like no other KU team of recent memory. Not only does this KU team have the ability to do something no other KU team has ever done. Not only is this KU team a joy to watch. Not only are Mark Mangino and his coaching staff doing an incredible job. But they are all doing it unselfishly. It’s all for one and one for all. And it’s genuine. And it’s cool. Darn cool.

What other teams can you think of off the top of your head that epitomize the “Unselfishness is cool” mantra? The first team that comes to my mind is the New England Patriots. Yeah, yeah, we know about the infamous sideline videotaping “scandal” that was way overblown, but watch those Patriots players on Sunday. It’s all about the team. It’s all about putting your individual ego and goals to the side and sacrificing for the greater good of the team. I mean, seriously, even Randy Freakin’ Moss has been converted under the all-consuming aura of unselfishness that infiltrates every individual in the Patriots organization. It’s cool. Darn cool.

Ditto for the San Antonio Spurs. They win championships. They do it unselfishly. Anyone surprised that Mr. Unselfish, Jacque Vaughn, is a part of that team? It’s so cool, isn’t it? Darn cool.

You hear people talk about how sports sometimes imitate life. It is my hope that, in this instance, life will start imitating the examples of unselfishness in sport. So do something for someone else today….and every day. Put your ego aside. You don’t need it. At the end of the day, it’s not about what you do for yourself or what you can get or buy for yourself. It’s what you do for others, what you do for the greater good, that will be remembered.

And the bonus?

It’s cool. Darn cool.

Keep Rockin’ and Chalkin’,

Mic
kumic94@gmail.com