Here’s what I like about what KU and the Chiefs did this weekend – they won games they should have. Neither did it pretty, but it doesn’t matter because they still won. They went on the road and won games they should have. Now, granted, the Chiefs should have beaten Oakland by more, but we missed another chip shot field goal and our corners are old and our safeties are young. Old corners + young safeties = getting burned on play action.
Tim Grunhard had someone call in to his show this morning and say that the offense is struggling because we have played some of the best defenses. Chicago, Jacksonville, Minnesota – definitely good. Oakland, Houston, San Diego – maybe. Cincinnati – not so much. There’s something to that theory, but you can’t ignore the fact that our offensive line has more holes in it than…well…something with a lot of holes. Damon Huard is not going to survive the season.
Someone posed the question this morning wondering what it would take for the Jayhawks and Chiefs to get any respect. Moreso, they were wondering: if the amazingly unlikely scenario plays out that the Jayhawks finish the season undefeated and beat Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game, yet LSU manages to win the SEC with only one loss, will KU be in the BCS title game. I think that they would (and then they’d get destroyed by Ohio State), but others don’t think so. It brings up an interesting point – are our college and professional teams at a disadvantage because of their geographic location? Obviously our market size is a drawback for the Royals because their TV deals can’t even sniff the air of larger markets, but it causes problems for other sports too.
Respect is an interesting thing. There are those out there that believe that Larry Johnson might play better if he felt he was being respected more. I think it might just help if our offensive line didn’t fold at the drop of a hat (did anyone else see the play that Huard got sacked while both Brian “Overrated” Waters and John “Steroids Didn’t Help Me” Welbourne stood and watched it happen?).
Even so, you can’t help but believe that Peter King’s ranking of San Diego as THIRD in his Fine Fifteen list is a slap in the face to the Chiefs (who are ranked 14th on that same list). When will people start ranking performance instead of potential?
great post. You’re right in the opening paragraph. Sometimes winning is enough.
Ohio State is not going to make it through their remaining schedule undefeated. They could lose even this week against Penn State, and if Mike Hart is healthy, I think they will lose to Michigan (yes, THAT Michigan) later on. Of course, I also don’t think KU will go undefeated, but I also haven’t seen them play…
I don’t necessarily agree with Peter King on rating the Chargers #3, but there just aren’t a lot of good teams outside of Indy and NE this year. The Chiefs certainly have to be better than the freaking Bears at #12!
I agree with the above poster on thinking that neither Ohio State nor KU will go undefeated. That said, if KU went undefeated into the bowls, there is no way they would not be in the BCS Championship game. Unless something catastrophic happens, KU would have to beat two very highly ranked teams in MU and OU to close out the season…you couldn’t ask for better statement games.
But as you said, KU won a game last week that they should have won. Colorado has been a mediocre football team for all but one game this season. A&M should be a better test this week. I’m just hoping the Cats can rattle off three straight and lock up a bowl.
I’m not sure KU, even undefeated, will see the BCS game. The rankings and bowl system is so broken that teams continually fly under the radar, unless they have a consistent dominating presence like LSU. I just don’t get why NCAA allows this system to persist (well really I do, but the reason just grinds my gears).
As for King, I just do not get the media’s infatuation with San Diego. One great back, a completely mediocre QB, an overrated tight end, and a holey defense do not a great team make. If they were worthy of #3, they would not be 3-3. I would contest King and say Dallas is an easy #3 behind the Colts, followed by maybe Jacksonville, who, despite getting routed, are about as physical as a team can legally get outside a prison.
i like how kevin is talking in yoda tongue. “do not a great team make.” classic! hurry and post post something new!
The Chiefs are overrated. The sheets will be pulled soon. Sell your tickets, Shane.