The outlook for Kansas

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jan 13, 2008

Key losses

n OT Anthony Collins. Although he wasn't assured a spot as a first-round pick in the NFL draft and could use another year of seasoning at KU, the loss of Collins could drastically affect the blind-side protection afforded to quarterback Todd Reesing. Collins' contribution to the Jayhawks' arcade-like numbers can't be overlooked.

n CB Aqib Talib. More opponents picked on Talib last season, and he wasn't as sticky in coverage (ask Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson for details), but he still finished with 13 career picks before opting to skip his senior season.

n DT James McClinton. The anchor of the Jayhawks' defensive interior, McClinton commanded attention that freed the KU linebackers to make plays.

Key returnees

n QB Todd Reesing, jr. The decision to promote Reesing as the Jayhawks' starter turned out to be the preseason move that kick- started KU's incredible season. The confidence Reesing exuded as a gutsy scrambler helped him overcome his lack of height. He set the KU single-season passing record with 3,486 yards.

n WR Dexton Fields, sr. Led the Jayhawks with 63 receptions, the second-best total in KU history.

n LB Joe Mortensen, sr. Moved to the middle of the KU defense and flourished as the Jayhawks' leading tackler with 106 stops, including 15 for loss.

Prize recruit

n OT Nathan D'Cunha, Santa Barbara, Calif. (Santa Barbara CC). A midterm signee who merits a four-star rating from Rivals.com after initially committing to Baylor. The 6-foot-7, 305-pounder is a native of Australia. He will be in the mix as the replacement for Anthony Collins.

This and that

n All-star participants: RB Brandon McAnderson (East-West Shrine Bowl), DT James McClinton (East-West Shrine Bowl), WR Marcus Henry (East-West Shrine Bowl)

n 2007 attendance average: 46,784

n 2006 attendance average: 44,137

n Key dates: Feb. 6, national signing day; March, spring practice begins; April, spring game; April 26-27, NFL draft. August, fall practice begins

2008 schedule

Aug. 30 __ Florida International

Sept. 6 __ Louisiana Tech

Sept. 13 __ at South Florida

Sept. 20 __ Sam Houston State

Oct. 4 __ at Iowa State

Oct. 11 __ Colorado

Oct. 18 __ at Oklahoma

Oct. 25 __ Texas Tech

Nov. 1 __ Kansas State

Nov. 8 __ at Nebraska

Nov. 15 __ Texas

Nov. 22 __ Missouri, at Kansas City, Mo.

2007 results (12-1, 7-1)

Sept. 1, Central Michigan __ W, 52-7

Sept. 8, S.E. Louisiana __ W, 62-0

Sept. 15, Toledo __ W, 45-13

Sept. 22, Fla. International __ W, 55-3

Oct. 6, at Kansas State __ W, 30-24

Oct. 13, Baylor __ W, 58-10

Oct. 20, at Colorado __ W, 19-14

Oct. 27, at Texas A&M __ W, 19-11

Nov. 3, Nebraska __ W, 76-39

Nov. 10, at Oklahoma State __ W, 43-28

Nov. 17, Iowa State __ W, 45-7

Nov. 24, Missouri __ L, 36-28

Jan. 3, Virginia Tech __ W, 24-21