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In talking about his quarterback, Todd Reesing, he said he believes the senior deserves to be in the Heisman Trophy discussion. It might be a little early for that.
But Mangino also made the point that anyone who has seen Reesing play over the past three seasons or in the first five games this year, walks away saying, "That kid`s a pretty dog-gone good football player."
I`ve had that very experience the last three years watching Reesing lead the Jayhawks to wins over Colorado and again watching on television as he beat Missouri last season.
He came off the bench at Kansas in 2006, burning his redshirt season at the midway point, to direct the Jayhawks to a come-from-behind win in the second half. He beat the Buffs again in 2007 and 2008 and in every instance his playmaking ability and his desire to be the difference-maker was a huge factor.
Those traits might well earn him serious consideration for the Heisman later this year, especially if he can take the Jayhawks to their first appearance in the Big 12 championship game in Dallas. But, at this point with wins over Northern Colorado, UTEP, Duke, Southern Miss and Iowa State, mentioning the Heisman is a bit too much.
"He certainly merits the right to be a part of the Heisman conversation," Mangino said. "When you look at him statistically, you`re impressed. But I think the true way you judge Todd Reesing is you have to see him play. If you watch him play, the way he just has great leadership, the way he is in control, how he can take what looks to be a minus-yardage play and turn it into a gain or a big gain. The real appreciation you have for Todd Reesing is after you watch him play."
Reesing has completed 133 of 192 pass attempts this season for 1,579 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has thrown only three interceptions. He is coming off a win over Iowa State in which he threw for 442 yards and four scores. He also ran for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Reesing owes some of his success to the great chemistry he has with stellar wide receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier, who combined for 28 catches and nearly 300 yards against Iowa State. It will be interesting to see how the Buffs defend that trio this week.
"There is no question I think when it comes to the pitching and catching business, we can compete with anybody in the country," Mangino said.
Make that two statements I`d call accurate from the big fella.
Mangino talks CU
Mangino decided not to comment on new CU starting quarterback Tyler Hansen`s abilities, but he did talk about the problems it poses having little film of Hansen in this year`s offense to study before Saturday`s game.
"You always like to prepare for a team that has had the same quarterback in there for awhile because you`re always going to play to the strengths of your quarterback," Mangino said. "I see it as a small challenge, but I think we`ll go back and look at last year. We know a little bit about Tyler Hansen and his background and (what) his really strong suits are. It`s a challenge but it`s not anything that is overwhelming."
Familiar problem
Mangino said he is somewhat concerned about the way his defense has been playing, particularly in nearly losing to Iowa State last week.
Like Colorado coaches earlier this year, Mangino is considering simplifying the defense this week in preparation for the Buffs. Kansas has allowed the bulk of its opponents` points for the season to be scored the past two weeks.
"I think we need to do the things in our package that have been really good for us and try not to get too fancy or too sophisticated," Mangino said. "Simple is better sometimes."
The Jayhawks appear to be a pretty solid defense overall. They are 108th in the country against the pass, but 14th against the run and 29th in points allowed.
On the tube
The Big 12 announced Colorado`s game at Kansas State on Oct. 24 will not be televised and a game time hasn`t been determined. Here are the Big 12 games on television this week: Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas, 10 a.m., ABC; Texas Tech at Nebraska, 1:30 p.m., ABC; Texas A&M at Kansas State, 5 p.m., Fox College Sports; Kansas at Colorado, 5 p.m., FSN; Missouri at Oklahoma State, 7:15 p.m., ESPN2.
Between the hashes
Texas Tech quarterback Steven Sheffield, Nebraska defensive tackle Hdamakong Suh and Texas wide receiver/ punt returner Jordan Shipley were named Big 12 players of the week. ... Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy hasn`t ruled out wide receiver Dez Bryant returning to the team at some point, after being ruled ineligible after lying to the NCAA about his interaction with a former professional player. Gundy said Bryant is in the reinstatement process. ... Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson has established a new conference record with 228 consecutive passes thrown without an interception. ... Nebraska`s defense has allowed a total of seven points in the first quarter of five games this fall. ... Baylor had gone eight straight games with at least 100 yards in rushing and 16 straight with a rushing touchdown. Both streaks ended against Oklahoma when the Bears rushed for six yards.
Who`s hot?
Missouri linebacker Andrew Gachkar has grabbed all three of his career fumble recoveries in the past three games. Last week against Nebraska he also had five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Who`s not?
The Kansas State defense surrendered 66 points and seven touchdown passes to Texas Tech, which was being led by backup quarterback Steven Sheffield. Imagine what might have happened had starter Taylor Potts played? Sheffield threw for 370 yards in the first half, a new Texas Tech record.
Big 12 Power Rankings
(Previous week`s ranking and team`s record in parentheses).
1. Texas (1st/5-0, 2-0) -- I came home from Texas believing there is no way Colt McCoy has a chance to win the Heisman unless he picks up his play considerably. The Longhorns looked average for much of the Colorado game and it won`t be a surprise if they get beat once or twice in the next seven weeks.
2. Oklahoma State (2nd/4-1, 1-0) -- The Cowboys are going to miss Dez Bryant in big games against other powers in the division, but they seem to be getting along without him and Kendall Hunter so far. That`s the sign of a good team.
3. Oklahoma (3rd/3-2, 1-0) -- Sam Bradford is back and we know he has a capable backup, but we think the defense will carry the Sooners and might make the difference between a fourth consecutive conference title or watching Texas or OSU go in their place.
4. Kansas (4th/5-0, 1-0) -- Mark Mangino might think Todd Reesing deserves Heisman consideration, but his defense has looked suspect several times already and might cost this team its first trip to the championship game.
5. Nebraska (6th/4-1, 1-0) -- The Cornhuskers stole a win at Missouri and deserve credit for it. It`s beginning to look like the Cornhuskers might be the best team in the North Division, but we`ll know more after this week against Texas Tech, which has given Big Red fits recently.
6. Missouri (5th/4-1, 0-1) -- The Tigers` inexperience caught up with them when adversity hit against a good team. We could see this team being on a three-game losing streak when they come to Boulder on Halloween, but it`s still one of the most talented in the conference.
7. Texas Tech (7/4-2, 1-1) -- It was a bit of a surprise to see the Red Raiders roll up 66 with a backup quarterback against Kansas State. The Red Raiders are at Nebraska this week and have lost their only other two road games this season.
8. Baylor (8th/3-2, 0-1) -- No one expected the Bears to beat Oklahoma, but this week does come with some expectations. If coach Art Briles is going to lead the Bears back to the postseason, this team has to win at Iowa State.
9. Texas A&M (11th/3-2, 0-1) -- Coach Mike Sherman`s team showed some grit putting up a tough fight at home against Oklahoma State. Now we`ll find out where the Aggies stand as they have consecutive road games in the next two weeks.
10. Iowa State (11th/3-3, 0-2) -- The Cyclones nearly beat Kansas last week and have developed one of the league`s best rushing attacks. Quarterback Austen Arnaud is playing well.
11. Kansas State (10th/3-3, 1-1) -- Allowing 66 points at Texas Tech has us believing this team could eventually land in the cellar. Then again, we wouldn`t be surprised to see a Bill Snyder coached team show some real improvement toward the end of the year. It`s a roller coaster ride for now.
12. Colorado (12th/1-4, 0-1) -- The Buffs started the season at No. 7 in this list and they played like they were worthy of that for 2½ quarters at Texas. They stay here until they put a complete game together against a team other than Wyoming.
-- Kyle Ringo
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