Anderson Family Football Complex Photos

KU had an open house tonight (Wednesday) of their $31 million dollar football complex, located just outside of Memorial Stadium. It is very impressive and Coach Mangino tells me his new plush office is much nicer than his old office, which was, in his words " a sweatbox". He also said that he doesn't get to enjoy his 60 inch plasma tv in his office that much because he's "got a lot of work to do". All in all, it was a great night and KU fans should be proud of this complex. It is DEFINITELY going to help in recruiting.

Keep Rockin and Chalkin!

-Mic

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=wb94q1i.70t6xinu&x=0&y=dzztzy&localeid=en_US

Want to Turn Around Your College Football Program? Get a Playmaker at QB.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: THE key to a college football team's success starts and ends with the quarterback. I'm not saying coaching, offensive line, defense, special teams, WR's, etc. aren't important, but if you want to get on the college football map, and stay on it, you better have a QB that can make plays. Think about it:

When did K-State really put their stamp on the college football landscape? When they got QBs (Ell Roberson, Michael Bishop, etc.) that could make plays.

When did MU put their stamp on the college football landscape? When they got QBs (Brad Smith, Chase Daniel, etc.) that could make plays.

When did KU finally take that next step and put their stamp on the college football landscape? When they got QBs (Bill Whittemore, Todd Reesing) that could make plays.

The interesting thing is, and this may end up playing out with K-State's Ron Prince too, all of the coaches are criticized by the media and their fan bases until they get that QB. Tons of MU fans wanted Pinkel gone until Chase Daniel started to make plays. Mangino was considered to be on the hot seat until Todd Ressing started making plays all over the place.

So those QB's start making plays and now both Pinkel and Mangino are seen as quality Big 12 coaches..as winners....as Coach of the Year....because they recruited QBs that panned out. So will Josh Freeman start making more plays and become the QB that Ron Prince and KSU Nation thought (are praying) he could be?

The perception of Prince, and perhaps his job, will ride on that answer. If Josh Freeman comes into his own and becomes a consistent playmaker, then suddenly people will talk about KSU's turnaround and how Prince is doing a great job. If Freeman throws a bunch of interceptions and is just an average college QB, then KSU fans and media will think Prince isn't the right guy for the job. (some clearly think that already)

You've heard the saying "It's all about the Benjamins". In college football "It's all about the quarterbacks". Especially for college coaches fighting to save their jobs. Finding the QB that can make plays can mean millions to college coaches and athletic departments. Just ask Mark Mangino. Just ask Lew Perkins. Just ask Gary Pinkel. Just ask Mike Alden. I'm not going to add Ron Prince to this list yet. We have to wait and see how Josh Freeman plays this year before we know whether Ron Prince is the next former KSU coach or the next coaching "genius" (aka the coach that hit the jackpot in recruiting and found a playmaking QB).

Keep Rockin and Chalkin,

Mic