Wikipedia

2007 Kansas Jayhawks football team

The 2007 Kansas Jayhawks football team (variously "Kansas", "KU", or the "Jayhawks") represented the University of Kansas in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Jayhawks, coached by Mark Mangino in his sixth year with the program, finished the season 12–1 overall, a school record for wins, and 7–1 in Big 12 conference play. They defeated Virginia Tech in the 2008 Orange Bowl, the Jayhawks first and only BCS bowl victory. They finished the season ranked No. 7 in both major polls.

2007 Kansas Jayhawks football
Big 12 North co-champions
Orange Bowl champion
Orange Bowl, W 24–21 vs. Virginia Tech
ConferenceBig 12 Conference
DivisionNorth
Ranking
CoachesNo. 7
APNo. 7
Record12–1 (7–1 Big 12)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorEd Warinner (1st season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Co-defensive coordinators
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumMemorial Stadium
Seasons
← 2006
2008 →
2007 Big 12 Conference football standings
Conf.Overall
Team W L  W L 
North Division
No. 4 Missouri xy 7–1  12–2 
No. 7 Kansas x% 7–1  12–1 
Colorado 4–4  6–7 
Kansas State 3–5  5–7 
Nebraska 2–6  5–7 
Iowa State 2–6  3–9 
South Division
No. 8 Oklahoma xy$ 6–2  11–3 
No. 10 Texas 5–3  10–3 
No. 22 Texas Tech 4–4  9–4 
Oklahoma State 4–4  7–6 
Texas A&M 4–4  7–6 
Baylor 0–8  3–9 
Championship: Oklahoma 38, Missouri 17
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • % – BCS at-large representative
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

Season summary

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Looking to improve on the previous season's 6–6 overall record (3–5 in the Big 12 Conference), the team finished the 2007 season with a 12–1 overall record (7–1 in their conference). The twelve victories set a new school record. Additionally, the Jayhawks won their first eleven games before their first loss which was the most consecutive wins to start a season in school history. Additionally, the Jayhawks reached a ranking of 2 during their 11–0 start, the highest rank achieved by the team in school history. Their defeat of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Orange Bowl was the school's first and only Orange Bowl and BCS bowl game victory. Their only loss was versus a Northern Division rival, the Missouri Tigers, in their final regular season game which resulted in a co-champion status of the Northern Division,[1] but denied them a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. For their achievements the team was awarded the Stanley Tools Breakthrough of the Year Award.[2] The Jayhawks were ranked seventh in the final AP poll, the highest they had been ranked in the final poll since 1968, and they received a first place vote. This was also the first time that the Jayhawks had received a first place vote in any AP poll since November 4, 1968, and it was the first time they received a first place vote in the final AP poll of the season.

Mark Mangino, in his sixth season as the team's head coach, was named consensus coach of the year after winning every major coach of the year award. The team's new offensive coordinator was Ed Warinner (third year overall with Kansas), and their defensive coordinators were Bill Young (sixth year) and Clint Bowen (seventh year). The team captains were senior running back Brandon McAnderson, senior tight end Derek Fine, senior defensive lineman James McClinton, and junior cornerback Aqib Talib. The starting quarterback position was held by sophomore Todd Reesing with sophomore Kerry Meier as a backup and wide receiver.

They played their home games on Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas.

Three months after the Orange Bowl, the school's men's basketball team won the national championship, making Kansas only the second school in the country to win a BCS bowl game and basketball national championship in the same school year, along with Florida in 2006. The football and basketball teams' combined records were 49–4, which was the most combined victories in NCAA history.[3]

Coaching staff

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The team was led by Mark Mangino in his sixth season as head coach. The team's 12 wins raised his overall coaching record to 37–36 (.507) and gave him his second bowl game win. At the end of the season Mangino was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year by the Big 12 coaches and Big 12 Co-Coach of the Year by the Associated Press. Other awards received include The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Paul "Bear" Bryant Award, and the Woody Hayes National Coach of the Year.

With the departure of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Nick Quartaro at the end of the prior season, Ed Warinner returned from a two-season stint as Illinois's run-game coordinator and offensive line coach. He brought in a new, more aggressive, faster-paced, no-huddle offense. This was Warriner's third season with the Jayhawks as he had previously coached the offensive line and served as run-game coordinator in 2003 and 2004.[4][5]

Bill Young (sixth year) and Clint Bowen (seventh year) were defensive coordinators. Tim Beck (third year) was the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. Louie Matsakis entered the season as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator.

Schedule

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DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 16:00 p.m.Central Michigan*
Local ChannelsW 52–746,815
September 86:00 p.m.Southeastern Louisiana*
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lawrence, Kansas
Local ChannelsW 62–043,914
September 156:00 p.m.Toledo*
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lawrence, Kansas
Local ChannelsW 45–1348,112
September 226:00 p.m.FIU*
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lawrence, Kansas
Local ChannelsW 55–342,134
October 611:00 a.m.at No. 24 Kansas State
FSNW 30–2450,924
October 131:00 p.m.BaylorNo. 20
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lawrence, Kansas
FCSW 58–1043,556
October 204:30 p.m.at ColoradoNo. 15
ESPNW 19–1451,940
October 276:00 p.m.at Texas A&MNo. 12
ESPN2W 19–1185,341
November 311:30 a.m.NebraskaNo. 8
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lawrence, Kansas (rivalry)
FSNW 76–3951,910
November 107:00 p.m.at Oklahoma StateNo. 5
ABCW 43–2839,848
November 172:30 p.m.Iowa StateNo. 4
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lawrence, Kansas
ABCW 45–751,050
November 247:00 p.m.vs. No. 3 MissouriNo. 2
ABCL 28–3680,537
January 3, 20087:00 p.m.vs. No. 5 Virginia Tech*No. 8
FOXW 24–2174,111
  • *Non-conference game
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

Game summaries

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Central Michigan

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Central Michigan at Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Chippewas 0 007 7
• Jayhawks 14 21107 52
  • Date: September 1
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 6:05 pm CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:11
  • Game attendance: 46,815
  • Game weather: Sunny skies; 89 °F (32 °C); Wind E at 6 mph
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
     
Scoring summary
Q107:21KUDerek Fine 3 yd pass from Todd Reesing (Scott Webb kick)KU 7–0
03:25KUDezmon Briscoe 16 yd pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 14–0
Q206:38KUMarcus Henry 46 yd pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 21–0
06:08KURaim Pendleton 77 yd punt return (Webb kick)KU 28–0
03:07KUAqib Talib 49 yd pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 35–0
Q309:48KUJake Sharp 3 yd run (Wolfert kick)KU 42–0
02:42KUWebb 34 yd field goalKU 45–0
Q414:55CMUBryan Anderson 16 yd pass from Dan LeFevour (Andrew Aguila kick)KU 45–7
10:10KUPendleton 21 yd pass from Kerry Meier (Webb kick)KU 52–7
StatisticsCMUKU
First downs1728
Total yards294538
Rushing yards114230
Passing yards196317
Passing: comp–att–int20–38–026–35–0
Turnovers10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Central MichiganPassingDan LeFevour19/37, 172 yards, TD
RushingJustin Hoskins4 rushes, 87 yards
ReceivingBryan Anderson7 receptions, 62 yards, TD
KansasPassingTodd Reesing20/29, 261 yards, 4 TD
RushingBrandon McAnderson16 rushes, 110 yards
ReceivingMarcus Henry7 receptions, 103 yards, TD

For their season-opening game on September 1, the Jayhawks hosted the defending Mid-American Conference champion Central Michigan Chippewas in the teams' first meeting. Central Michigan was led by Butch Jones in his first year as a head coach. Entering the game the Jayhawks had a 5–5 record against opponents from the MAC with the most recent result being the double-overtime loss to the Toledo Rockets in the third week of the 2006 season. The Jayhawks dominated the Chippewas in a 52–7 win to extend their streak of season-opening victories to four.

Southeastern Louisiana

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Southeastern Louisiana at Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Lions 0 000 0
• Jayhawks 9 201914 62
  • Date: September 8
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 6:05 pm CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:03
  • Game attendance: 43,914
  • Game weather: Mostly sunny skies; 84 °F (29 °C); Wind NE at 7 mph
  • Referee: Rick Loumiet
StatisticsSELAKU
First downs822
Total yards75501
Rushing yards-31221
Passing yards106289
Passing: comp–att–int22–34–014–24–0
Turnovers00
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Southeastern LouisianaPassingBrian Babin20/30, 89 yards
RushingJay Lucas9 rushes, 12 yards
ReceivingByron Ross2 receptions, 22 yards
KansasPassingTodd Reesing13/23, 257 yards, 2 TD
RushingBrandon McAnderson11 rushes, 60 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingMarcus Henry5 receptions, 119 yards

On September 8, the Jayhawks hosted the Southeastern Louisiana Lions from the Southland Conference. With the Lions led by first-year head coach Mike Lucas, it was the teams' first meeting and only the second for the Jayhawks versus a Southland opponent; the first was a win at home versus the Northwestern State Demons to begin the previous season. The Jayhawks also recorded their first shutout since 2000.

Toledo

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Toledo at Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Rockets 0 706 13
• Jayhawks 10 14210 45
  • Date: September 15
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 6:05 pm CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:21
  • Game attendance: 48,112
  • Game weather: Cloudy skies; 56 °F (13 °C); Wind SE at 9 mph
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
StatisticsTOLKU
First downs929
Total yards251557
Rushing yards174232
Passing yards94349
Passing: comp–att–int14–27–318–39–0
Turnovers53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
ToledoPassingAaron Opelt10/19, 38 yards, 3 INT
RushingDaJuane Collins14 rushes, 102 yards, TD
ReceivingAaron Opelt1 reception, 21 yards
KansasPassingTodd Reesing16/35, 313 yards, 3 TD
RushingBrandon McAnderson12 rushes, 52 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingMarcus Henry7 receptions, 133 yards, TD

On September 15, the Jayhawks hosted the Toledo Rockets for their third game in four seasons and fourth overall. Led by head coach Tom Amstutz in his seventh season, the Mid-American Conference team had defeated the Jayhawks the previous year in Toledo in a double-overtime loss. This 45–13 win gave the Jayhawks a 3–1 record versus the Rockets and a 7–5 record versus opponents from the MAC.

FIU

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FIU at Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Panthers 3 000 3
• Jayhawks 10 102114 55
  • Date: September 22
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 6:05 pm CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:19
  • Game attendance: 42,134
  • Game weather: Sunny skies; 83 °F (28 °C); Wind ESE at 7 mph
  • Referee: Cooper Castleberry
StatisticsFIUKU
First downs1526
Total yards255615
Rushing yards122224
Passing yards138391
Passing: comp–att–int16–36–225–39–1
Turnovers53
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
FIUPassingWayne Younger16/33, 133 yards, TD, INT
RushingWayne Younger10 rushes, 58 yards
ReceivingJason Frierson4 receptions, 42 yards
KansasPassingTodd Reesing23/37, 368 yards, TD, INT
RushingBrandon McAnderson13 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDexton Fields4 receptions, 77 yards

For their fourth and final non-conference game on September 22, the Jayhawks hosted the FIU Golden Panthers of the Sun Belt Conference in the teams' first meeting. FIU was led by first-year head coach Mario Cristobal.

At No. 24 Kansas State

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Kansas at No. 24 Kansas State
Team 1 234Total
• Jayhawks 0 1479 30
No. 24 Wildcats 7 737 24
StatisticsKUKSU
First downs2417
Total yards437363
Rushing yards17053
Passing yards267316
Passing: comp–att–int22–35–332–49–3
Turnovers33
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassingTodd Reesing22/35, 267 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
RushingJake Sharp16 rushes, 81 yards, TD
ReceivingDexton Fields6 receptions, 78 yards, TD
Kansas StatePassingJosh Freeman31/48, 305 yards, TD, 3 INT
RushingJames Johnson11 rushes, 30 yards
ReceivingJordy Nelson10 receptions, 137 yards, TD

Todd Reesing led the Jayhawks to victory in Manhattan for the first time in eighteen years. Aqib Talib sealed the game by picking off Josh Freeman's pass with less than two minutes left in the game.[6]

The Jayhawks got their first touchdown on Kansas State's home field since 1999 when Jake Sharp, apparently stopped for a short gain, burst out of a gang of tacklers and sped 20 yards to make it 7–7 with 9:11 left in the first half. Sharp had picked up 14 yards the previous play.

The victory was KU's third in the last four Governor's Cup games against KSU, and increased their all-time lead in the Sunflower Showdown to 64–36–5.

The Wildcats came into the game ranked 24th in the nation. It was the Jayhawks first win over a ranked team since 2003 when the Jayhawks defeated 23rd ranked Missouri 35–14.

Baylor

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Baylor at No. 20 Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Bears 3 070 10
• No. 20 Jayhawks 10 211017 58
  • Date: October 13
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 1:15 pm CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:48
  • Game attendance: 43,556
  • Game weather: Stormy skies; 62 °F (17 °C); Wind SE at 20 mph
  • Referee: Jon Bible
  • TV announcers (FCS): Dan McLaughlin & Rich Baldinger
StatisticsBAYKU
First downs1025
Total yards202447
Rushing yards48236
Passing yards161233
Passing: comp–att–int22–43–418–37–0
Turnovers50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
BaylorPassingBlake Szymanski18/33, 119 yards, 3 INT
RushingBrandon Whitaker12 rushes, 54 yards
ReceivingBrandon Whitaker7 receptions, 45 yards
KansasPassingTodd Reesing14/31, 186 yards, 2 TD
RushingJake Sharp18 rushes, 110 yards, TD
ReceivingMarcus Henry1 reception, 54 yards, TD

Lightning delayed the start of the game 2 hours. Reesing passed for 186 yards as the Jayhawks were 6–0 for the first time since 1995.[7] It was the Jayhawks first game as a ranked team since September 28, 1996.

At Colorado

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No. 15 Kansas at Colorado
Team 1 234Total
• No. 15 Jayhawks 0 3106 19
Buffaloes 0 077 14
StatisticsKUCOLO
First downs1719
Total yards333353
Rushing yards18066
Passing yards153311
Passing: comp–att–int20–29–027–45–2
Turnovers23
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassingTodd Reesing20/29, 153 yards, TD
RushingTodd Reesing7 rushes, 84 yards
ReceivingMarcus Henry5 receptions, 81 yards
ColoradoPassingCody Hawkins27/44, 287 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingHugh Charles11 rushes, 39 yards
ReceivingTyson DeVree7 receptions, 90 yards, TD

At Texas A&M

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No. 10 Kansas at Texas A&M
Team 1 234Total
• No. 10 Jayhawks 0 0136 19
Aggies 0 0011 11
StatisticsKUTAMU
First downs2416
Total yards407318
Rushing yards22774
Passing yards180244
Passing: comp–att–int21–33–024–45–0
Turnovers01
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassingTodd Reesing21/33, 180 yards
RushingBrandon McAnderson21 rushes, 183 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDezmon Briscoe6 receptions, 49 yards
Texas A&MPassingStephen McGee24/44, 244 yards, TD
RushingMike Goodson9 rushes, 33 yards
ReceivingMartellus Bennett8 receptions, 91 yards
Marcus Henry (#86) makes a reception against Texas A&M

This was the Jayhawks' 9th meeting with the Texas A&M Aggies. A&M entered the game leading the series 7–1, and had only lost the first meeting in Lawrence in 1974. Kansas was the only Big 12 team that A&M was undefeated against, ever since the Big 12 formed in 1996. Kansas was the first top 10 team, excluding Oklahoma and Texas, to play at Kyle Field since 2002. A&M had compiled a 6–3 record for games played against top 10 teams (other than OU and Texas) at Kyle Field.[8] In their previous meeting in 2006, A&M outscored Kansas 21–18.[9] One day prior to the game, Las Vegas casinos favored Kansas to win by three points.[10]

Kansas entered the game with a 16th-ranked rushing offense, 25th-ranked passing offense, and a 3rd-ranked scoring offense. Kansas' rushing defense ranked 4th, pass defense ranked 10th, and overall defense ranked 5th.[11] Kansas also had ranked 9th in the weekly BCS standings.[12] A&M came into the game with a 5th-ranked rushing offense, and a 111th ranked passing offense. The pass defense ranked 100th, scoring defense ranked 42nd, and overall defense ranked 73rd.[13]

In the game, KU running back Brandon McAnderson rushed for a career-high of 183 yards, and quarterback Todd Reesing completed 21 of 33 passes for 180 yards. Through the first three quarters, the Jayhawks shutout the Aggies' 5th-ranked rushing offense and held them to only 56 yards. A&M running back Jorvorskie Lane had only rushed for 24 yards the entire game. KU gained a 13–0 lead in the third quarter, after kicker Scott Webb kicked two field goals and Reesing led his team to a 54-yard touchdown drive on 6 plays. In the fourth quarter, Reesing led his team to a 43-yard touchdown drive on 4 plays.[14]

For the first time since 1909, the Jayhawks improved to an 8–0 season record. This was also the first time that KU won in Texas since 2001 (not including bowl games).[14]

Nebraska

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Nebraska at No. 8 Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Cornhuskers 14 1078 39
• No. 8 Jayhawks 21 27217 76
  • Date: November 3
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 11:38 am CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:43
  • Game attendance: 51,910
  • Game weather: Sunny skies; 47 °F (8 °C); Wind calm
  • Referee: Randy Christal
  • TV announcers (FSN): Bill Land, Dave Lapham, & Emily Jones
StatisticsNEBKU
First downs2234
Total yards484572
Rushing yards79218
Passing yards405354
Passing: comp–att–int25–50–430–41–0
Turnovers50
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NebraskaPassingJoe Ganz25/50, 405 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT
RushingRoy Helu9 rushes, 56 yards
ReceivingMaurice Purify7 receptions, 158 yards, 3 TD
KansasPassingTodd Reesing30/41, 354 yards, 6 TD
RushingBrandon McAnderson25 rushes, 119 yards, 4 TD
ReceivingMarcus Henry6 receptions, 101 yards, TD

The Nebraska-Kansas series is the longest uninterrupted series in college football at 102 years.[15][16] In the 2007 meeting, Kansas beat Nebraska 76–39.[15] Their 48 points in the first half was the most ever scored against Nebraska in the first half; and it came one point short of tying the record for most points scored on Nebraska in a half.[17][18] With the win, Kansas took their record to 9–0 for the first time since 1908.[19]

Fox Sports reported, "It was only the second victory for Kansas in the last 39 games against Nebraska, which appears to be coming to pieces in the fourth season of embattled coach Bill Callahan."[19]

At Oklahoma State

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No. 5 Kansas at Oklahoma State
Team 1 234Total
• No. 5 Jayhawks 10 101310 43
Cowboys 7 777 28
        
Scoring summary
Q106:35KUMarcus Henry 5 yd TD pass from Todd Reesing (Scott Webb kick)KU 7–0
03:29OSUDez Bryant 18 yd TD pass from Zac Robinson (Dan Bailey kick)Tie 7–7
00:37KUWebb 30 yd field goalKU 10–7
Q210:17OSUJulius Crosslin 1 yd TD run (Bailey kick)OSU 14–10
07:17KUBrandon McAnderson 5 yd TD run (Webb kick)KU 17–14
02:24KUWebb 42 yd field goalKU 20–14
Q312:33KUHenry 82 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 27–14
08:56KUMcAnderson 12 yd TD run (Reesing pass failed)KU 33–14
00:54OSUT. Devereaux 39 yd pass from Robinson (Bailey kick)KU 33–21
Q413:08OSURobinson 3 yd TD run (Bailey kick)KU 33–28
08:26KUHenry 4 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 40–28
05:31KUWebb 22 yd field goalKU 43–28
StatisticsKUOKST
First downs2418
Total yards529471
Rushing yards167195
Passing yards362276
Passing: comp–att–int28–41–022–37–1
Turnovers04
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassingTodd Reesing27/40, 318 yards, 3 TD
RushingBrandon McAnderson25 rushes, 132 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingMarcus Henry8 receptions, 199 yards, 3 TD
Oklahoma StatePassingZac Robinson22/37, 276 yards, 2 TD, INT
RushingDantrell Savage18 rushes, 106 yards
ReceivingDez Bryant8 receptions, 155 yards, TD

The Kansas Jayhawks game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys attracted a great deal of attention. This was due to the match up between both potent offenses. The crucial match up was that between cornerback Aqib Talib and star Cowboy wideout Adarius Bowman. In the 2006 matchup between the two, Bowman had 13 catches for 300 yards.[20] However Bowman left the game with an injury after the first half. In the first half, he was held to 22 yards on 4 catches with no touchdowns. The game was broadcast to 63 percent of the nation on ABC as the top primetime college football game of the week.[21]

The Jayhawks went to 10–0 for the first time since 1899.

Iowa State

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Iowa State at No. 4 Kansas
Team 1 234Total
Cyclones 0 700 7
• No. 4 Jayhawks 14 14314 45
  • Date: November 17
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Game start: 4:47 pm CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:23
  • Game attendance: 51,050
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy skies; 66 °F (19 °C); Wind SE at 5 mph
  • Referee: Tom Walker
  • TV announcers (ABC): Ron Franklin, Ed Cunningham, & Jack Arute
    
Scoring summary
Q105:27KUDexton Fields 17 yd TD pass from Todd Reesing (Scott Webb kick)KU 7–0
01:57KUFields 16 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 14–0
Q208:42KUMarcus Henry 51 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 21–0
03:54ISUAlexander Robinson 6 yd TD run (Bret Culbertson kick)KU 21–7
01:56KUKerry Meier 18 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)KU 28–7
Q307:53KUWebb 37 yd field goalKU 31–7
Q406:58KUDerek Fine 4 yd TD pass from Meier (Webb kick)KU 38–7
02:39KUAngus Quigley 13 yd TD run (Webb kick)KU 45–7
StatisticsISUKU
First downs1631
Total yards234566
Rushing yards52212
Passing yards182354
Passing: comp–att–int24–43–130–35–0
Turnovers10
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Iowa StatePassingBret Meyer16/28, 103 yards
RushingAlexander Robinson20 rushes, 54 yards, TD
ReceivingMarquis Hamilton5 receptions, 86 yards
KansasPassingTodd Reesing21/26, 253 yards, 4 TD
RushingJake Sharp15 rushes, 83 yards
ReceivingDexton Fields11 receptions, 109 yards, 2 TD

The victory over Iowa State brought KU's record to 11–0, the first time in school history that the football team won 11 games in a season. As a result, the Jayhawks were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated the following week.[22]

Vs. No. 3 Missouri

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No. 3 Missouri vs. No. 2 Kansas
Team 1 234Total
• No. 3 Tigers 7 7148 36
No. 2 Jayhawks 0 0721 28
       
Scoring summary
Q100:29MUMartin Rucker 1 yd TD pass from Chase Daniel (Jeff Wolfert kick)MU 7–0
Q209:21MUDana Alexander 11 yd TD pass from Daniel (Wolfert kick)MU 14–0
Q310:36MUJimmy Jackson 1 yd TD run (Wolfert kick)MU 21–0
07:21KUBrandon McAnderson 1 yd TD run (Scott Webb kick)MU 21–7
01:19MUDerek Washington 3 yd TD pass from Daniel (Wolfert kick)MU 28–7
Q413:02KUTodd Reesing 5 yd TD run (Webb kick)MU 28–14
09:55MUWolfert 43 yd field goalMU 31–14
08:28KUDexton Fields 10 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)MU 31–21
03:31MUWolfert 43 yd field goalMU 34–21
02:03KUMarcus Henry 5 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick)MU 34–28
00:12MULoren Williams safetyMU 36–28
StatisticsMIZKU
First downs2923
Total yards519391
Rushing yards15142
Passing yards368349
Passing: comp–att–int41–50–028–49–2
Turnovers02
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MissouriPassingChase Daniel40/49, 361 yards, 3 TD
RushingTony Temple22 rushes, 98 yards
ReceivingDanario Alexander8 receptions, 117 yards, TD
KansasPassingTodd Reesing28/49, 349 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingBrandon McAnderson14 rushes, 41 yards, TD
ReceivingDexton Fields8 receptions, 116 yards, TD

On November 24 the Jayhawks met the Missouri Tigers at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City, Missouri, in the final regular season game of the year. Known as the Border Showdown, this year's annual contest was the most significant in recent years as the winner would advance to the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game in San Antonio, Texas, and likely claim the top spot in the BCS rankings and national polls with a win (No. 1 LSU lost 50-48 in triple overtime the previous day to Arkansas), which would be a first for both schools. The game received considerable media attention, and the ESPN College Gameday crew were at the game, the first time the Jayhawks had been featured as College GameDay's Game of the Week in football. It drew 80,537, the second-highest attendance in the 35-year history of Arrowhead Stadium.[23] The Jayhawks entered the contest with an eleven-game winning streak since losing the final game of the 2006 season against their cross-border rivals in Columbia, Missouri, by a score of 42–17. But they would leave with their second straight loss versus the Tigers and a 6–6 series record since the formation of the Big 12 Conference.

Vs. No. 5 Virginia Tech (Orange Bowl)

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2008 Orange Bowl
No. 8 Kansas vs. No. 5 Virginia Tech
Team 1 234Total
• No. 8 Jayhawks 7 1007 24
No. 5 Hokies 0 777 21
   
Scoring summary
Q105:15KUAqib Talib 60 yd interception return (Scott Webb kick)KU 7–0
Q212:00KUWebb 32 yd field goalKU 10–0
07:03KUMarcus Henry 13 yd TD pass from Todd Reesing (Webb kick)KU 17–0
01:24VTBranden Ore 1 yd TD run (Jud Dunlevy kick)KU 17–7
Q311:35VTJustin Harper 84 yd TD punt return (Dunlevy kick)KU 17–14
Q410:57KUReesing 2 yd TD run (Webb kick)KU 24–14
03:00VTHarper 20 yd TD pass from Sean Glennon (Dunlevy kick)KU 24–21
StatisticsKUVT
First downs1920
Total yards344306
Rushing yards95135
Passing yards249171
Passing: comp–att–int21–38–114–31–3
Turnovers13
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
KansasPassingTodd Reesing20/37, 227 yards, TD, INT
RushingBrandon McAnderson15 rushes, 75 yards
ReceivingDexton Fields7 receptions, 101 yards
Virginia TechPassingSean Glennon13/28, 160 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingBrandon Ore23 rushes, 116 yards, TD
ReceivingJustin Harper4 receptions, 64 yards, TD
The Jayhawks ready to score against the Hokies in the Orange Bowl.

Rankings

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According to the Big 12 Media Preseason Poll, the Jayhawks were projected to finish fourth in the Big 12 Northern Division.[24]

Following their victory over Iowa State, the Jayhawks reached their highest ranking in school history when they were ranked second in the nation in all four major polls (Bowl Championship Series, Associated Press, USA Today and Harris Interactive). Previously, the 1968 team was ranked third by the Associated Press for three weeks.[25]

Entering November, the University of Kansas was the only school with its football team and men's basketball team both ranked in the top ten.

Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes ( ) = First-place votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
AP—RVRVRVRVRV201512854 (1)2 (3)787 (1)
Coaches————RVRV201510854 (7)2 (8)587
HarrisNot releasedRVRV201511854 (8)2 (13)68Not released
BCSNot released139843258Not released

Statistics

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Team

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KUOpp
Scoring532192
  Points per game44.316.0
First downs307196
  Rushing12970
  Passing157114
  Penalty2112
Total offense58933819
  Avg per play6.44.5
  Avg per game491.1318.3
Fumbles-Lost−7−12
Penalties-Yards48–43877–726
  Avg per game4.0–36.56.4–60.5
KUOpp
Punts-Yards46-1,699
  Avg per punt36.9
Time of possession/Game30:0829:52
3rd down conversions74/170 (43.5%)61/194 (31.4%)
4th down conversions10/17 (58.8%)11/28 (39.3%)
Touchdowns scored6924
Field goals-Attempts17–24
PAT-Attempts63–64
Total attendance (Games)327,491 (7)
  Avg per game46,784
  Neutral Site80,537 (1)

Awards

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Due to the success of the season, multiple awards were given to the team during the season. Below is a list of awards given. The only awards not provided are Honorable Mention All-Big 12 and weekly awards.

Mark Mangino, coach
  • Consensus National Coach of the Year
  • Big 12 Coach of the Year
Aqib Talib, CB
Anthony Collins, T
  • 1st team All-American
  • 1st team All-Big 12
James McClinton, DT
  • 1st team All-Big 12
Joe Mortenson, LB
  • 1st team All-Big 12
Todd Reesing, QB
  • 2nd team All-Big 12
Brandon McAnderson, FB
  • 2nd team All-Big 12
Marcus Henry, WR
  • 2nd team All-Big 12
Marcus Herford, WR/KR
  • Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year
  • 2nd team All-Big 12

References

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  1. ↑ "College football's greatest teams: The best season from every Big 12 program". July 7, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Mangino Receives Coach of the Year Honor". The Topeka Capital-Journal. December 7, 2007. Archived from the original on August 16, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Oranges in March: Reliving the Greatest Year in Kansas Athletics History". BleacherReport.com.
  4. ↑ Adams, Jeff (April 24, 2007). "New Offensive Coordinator Hopes to Play to KU's Strengths". FanHouse. Archived from the original on February 25, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2007.
  5. ↑ Keegan, Tom (September 3, 2007). "Kansas Offense Different". Lawrence Journal-World. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
  6. ↑ "Jayhawks Start 5-0 for Third Time in Last 39 Years". ESPN. October 6, 2007. Retrieved October 8, 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ "Jayhawks Move to 6-0 for First Time Since 1995". ESPN. October 13, 2007. Archived from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
  8. ↑ "GAME 9: Kansas (7–0) at Texas A&M (6–2)". Texas A&M University Department of Athletics. October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.[dead link]
  9. ↑ "All-Time Football Scores: Kansas". Texas A&M University Athletic Department. Archived from the original on November 29, 2007. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
  10. ↑ "Gaming: NCAA football sports betting line". Vegas.com. October 26, 2007. Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 26, 2007.
  11. ↑ "TEAM RANKINGS:Kansas". National Collegiate Athletic Association. October 20, 2007. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
  12. ↑ "2007 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 8 (Oct. 21)". ESPN. Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 26, 2007.
  13. ↑ "TEAM RANKINGS: TEXAS A&M". National Collegiate Athletic Association. October 20, 2007. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
  14. 1 2 "McAnderson's 183 Rushing Yards Lead Jayhawks to Historic Win". ESPN. Associated Press. October 28, 2007. Archived from the original on October 30, 2007. Retrieved October 28, 2007.
  15. 1 2 "Reesing's School-Record Six TDs Lead Jayhawks' Rout of Huskers". ESPN. November 3, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ↑ "Huskers Set for Road Trip to Face Undefeated Kansas". University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2007.
  17. ↑ "Opponent Records" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 12, 2009. Retrieved November 3, 2007.
  18. ↑ "Fire Bill Callahan". Blogspot. Archived from the original on May 8, 2014. Retrieved November 3, 2007.
  19. 1 2 "Nebraska sets school record in loss". Fox Sports. November 3, 2007. Archived from the original on November 4, 2007. Retrieved November 3, 2007.
  20. ↑ Cohen, Andrea (November 7, 2007). "Kansas Keeping an Eye on Adarius This Time". The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City. Retrieved November 9, 2007.
  21. ↑ "ABC Coverage Map 11/10". ESPN. November 10, 2007. Retrieved November 11, 2007.
  22. ↑ "Kerry Meier". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on May 31, 2009. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Tigers Down Jayhawks 36–28 to Win Big 12 North". Big 12 Conference. Associated Press. November 25, 2007. Retrieved November 28, 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  24. ↑ "Kansas Football Picked To Finish Fourth In North By Big 12 Media". University of Kansas Department of Athletics. July 19, 2007. Archived from the original on November 2, 2007. Retrieved November 18, 2007.
  25. ↑ "Kansas Football Moves To Second In Major Polls". University of Kansas Department of Athletics. November 18, 2007. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved November 18, 2007.
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