2007 Kansas Jayhawks football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2007
Team=Kansas Jayhawks

---

Conference=Big 12 Conference
Division=North
ShortConference=Big 12
CoachRank=7
APRank=7
BCSRank=
Record=12-1
ConfRecord=7-1
HeadCoach=Mark Mangino
OffCoach=Ed Warinner
DefCoach=Bill Young, Clint Bowen
OScheme=Multiple
DScheme=4-3
StadiumArena=Memorial Stadium
Champion=Big 12 North Co-Champions [ [http://overthetop.kansascity.com/?q=node/275 MU won, but KU still shows off trophy] ]
BowlTourney= 2008 Orange Bowl vs. Virginia Tech
BowlTourneyResult= W 24-21

The 2007 Kansas Jayhawks football team (variously "Kansas", "KU", or the "Jayhawks") represented the University of Kansas for the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision intercollegiate football season of 2007-2008. 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) and one of the best seasons in the school's 118 years of intercollegiate football. The twelve victories set a new record, and the defeat of the Virginia Tech Hokies in the FedEx Orange Bowl was the school's first Orange Bowl victory. Their only loss was versus a North Division rival, the Missouri Tigers, in their final regular season game which denied them sole possession of the division title and a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game. For their achievements the team was awarded the Stanley Tools Breakthrough of the Year Award. [cite news | url=http://www.cjonline.com/stories/120707/haw_223529744.shtml| title=Mangino receives coach of the year honor| work=The Topeka Capital-Journal| publisher=CJOnline.com| date=2007-12-07| accessdate=2008-09-06|]

Mark Mangino, in his sixth season as the team's head coach, received several coaching awards. The team's new offensive coordinator was Ed Warinner (3rd year overall), and their defensive coordinators were Bill Young (6th year) and Clint Bowen (7th 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.

chedule

-!colspan=8| Regular season

CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/09/01
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
time = 6:00 p.m.
rank =
away =
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=Central Michigan University|team=Central Michigan Chippewas|title=CMU
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv =
score = 52-7
overtime =
attend = 46,815CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/09/08
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
time = 6:00 p.m.
rank =
away =
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=Southeastern Louisiana University|team=Southeastern Louisiana Lions|title=Southeastern Louisiana
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv =
score = 62-0
attend = 43,914CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/09/15
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
time = 6:00 p.m.
rank =
away =
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=University of Toledo|team=Toledo Rockets|title=Toledo
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv =
score = 45-13
attend = 48,112CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/09/22
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
time = 6:00 p.m.
rank =
away =
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=Florida International University|team=FIU Golden Panthers|title=Florida International
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv =
score = 55-3
attend = 42,134CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/10/06
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 11:00 a.m.
rank =
away = yes
neutral =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=Kansas State University|team=Kansas State Wildcats|title=Kansas State
opprank =
site_stadium = Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium
site_cityst = Manhattan, KS
gamename =
tv = FSN Midwest
score = 30-24
attend = 50,924CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/10/13
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 11:30 a.m.
rank = 20
away =
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=Baylor University|team=Baylor Bears|title=Baylor
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv = FCS Central
score = 58-10
attend = 43,556CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/10/20
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 4:30 p.m.
rank = 15
away = yes
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = Colorado
site_stadium = Folsom Field
site_cityst = Boulder, CO
gamename =
tv = ESPN
score = 19-14
attend = 51,940CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/10/27
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 6:00 p.m.
rank = 10
away = yes
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = Texas A&M
site_stadium = Kyle Field
site_cityst = College Station, TX
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 19-11
attend = 85,341CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/11/03
nonconf =
homecoming = yes
time = 11:30 a.m.
rank = 8
away =
neutral =
opponent = Nebraska
opprank =
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv = FSN
score = 76-39
attend = 51,910CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/11/10
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 7:00 p.m.
rank = 5
away = yes
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = cfb link|year=2007|school=Oklahoma State University|team=Oklahoma State Cowboys|title=Oklahoma State
site_stadium = Boone Pickens Stadium
site_cityst = Stillwater, OK
gamename =
tv = ABC
score = 43-28
attend = 39,848CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2007/11/17
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 2:30 p.m.
rank = 4
away =
neutral =
opprank =
opponent = Iowa State
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Lawrence, KS
gamename =
tv = ABC
score = 45-7
attend = 51,050CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = l
date = 2007/11/24
nonconf =
homecoming =
time = 7:00 p.m.
rank = 2
away =
neutral = yes
opprank = 4
opponent = Missouri
site_stadium = Arrowhead Stadium
site_cityst = Kansas City, MO
gamename = Border Showdown
tv = ABC
score = 36-28
attend = 80,537
-!colspan=8| Postseason

CFB Schedule Entry
w/l = w
date = 2008/01/03
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
time = 7:15 p.m.
rank = 8
away =
neutral = yes
opprank = 5
opponent = Virginia Tech
site_stadium = Dolphin Stadium
site_cityst = Miami Gardens, FL
gamename = FedEx Orange Bowl
tv = FOX
score = 24-21
attend = 74,111 [ [http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=280030259 ESPN - Kansas Jayhawks vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Box Score, January 3 2008 - NCAA College Football ] ]

Coaching staff

The team was led by Mark Mangino in his sixth season as head coach. The team's twelve 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 University of Illinois's run-game coordinator and offensive line coach. He brought in a new, more aggressive, faster-paced, no-huddle offense. This was Warinner's third season with the Jayhawks since he had previously coached the offensive line and served as run-game coordinator in 2003–2004. [http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/04/24/new-offensive-coordinator-hopes-to-play-to-ku-s-strengths/] [http://www2.kusports.com/news/2007/sep/03/keegan_kansas_offense_different/]

Bill Young (6th year) and Clint Bowen (7th year) were defensive coordinators.

Game notes

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Central Michigan vs. Kansas
Visitor = cfb link|year=2007|school=Central Michigan University|team=Central Michigan Chippewas|title=CMU
Host = Kansas
V1 = 0 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 7
H1 = 14 | H2 = 21 | H3 = 10 | H4 = 7
Date = 2007-09-01
StartTime = 6:05 PM | TimeZone = CST | ElapsedTime = 3:11
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Attendance = 46,815
Weather = Sunny skies; 89°F; Wind E at 6 mph
Referee = Clete BlakemanAFB Game Box Scoring Entry
FirstEntry = yes
Quarter = Q1 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 07:21 | Team = KU | Event = Derek Fine 3 yd pass from Todd Reesing (Scott Webb kick) | Score = KU 7-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 03:25 | Team = KU | Event = Dezmon Briscoe 16 yd pass from Reesing (Webb kick) | Score = KU 14-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q2 | QuarterEntries = 3
Time = 06:38 | Team = KU | Event = Marcus Henry 46 yd pass from Reesing (Webb kick) | Score = KU 21-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 06:08 | Team = KU | Event = Raim Pendleton 77 yd punt return (Webb kick) | Score = KU 28-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 03:07 | Team = KU | Event = Aqib Talib 49 yd pass from Reesing (Webb kick) | Score = KU 35-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q3 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 09:48 | Team = KU | Event = Jake Sharp 3 yd run (Wolfert kick) | Score = KU 42-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 02:42 | Team = KU | Event = Webb 34 yd field goal | Score = KU 45-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q4 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 14:55 | Team = CMU | Event = Bryan Anderson 16 yd pass from Dan LeFevour (Andrew Aguila kick) | Score = KU 45-7AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 10:10 | Team = KU | Event = Pendleton 21 yd pass from Kerry Meier (Webb kick) | Score = KU 52-7
LastEntry = yes

Central Michigan

For their season-opening game on September 1, the Jayhawks hosted the defending Mid-American Conference champion cfb link|year=2007|school=Central Michigan University|team=Central Michigan Chippewas|title=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.

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Southeastern Louisiana vs. Kansas
Visitor = cfb link|year=2007|school=Southeastern Louisiana University|team=Southeastern Louisiana Lions|title=SE La
Host = Kansas
V1 = 0 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 0
H1 = 9 | H2 = 20 | H3 = 19 | H4 = 14
Date = 2007-09-08
StartTime = 6:05 PM | TimeZone = CST | ElapsedTime = 3:03
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Attendance = 43,914
Weather = Mostly sunny skies; 84°F; Wind NE at 7 mph
Referee = Rick Loumiet

outheastern Louisiana

On September 8, the Jayhawks hosted the cfb link|year=2007|school=Southeastern Louisiana University|team=Southeastern Louisiana Lions|title=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 cfb link|school=Northwestern State University|team=Northwestern State Demons|title=Northwestern State Demons to begin the previous season.

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Toledo vs. Kansas
Visitor = cfb link|year=2007|school=University of Toledo|team=Toledo Rockets|title=Toledo
Host = Kansas
V1 = 0 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 6
H1 = 10 | H2 = 14 | H3 = 21 | H4 = 0
Date = 2007-09-15
StartTime = 6:05 PM | TimeZone = CST | ElapsedTime = 3:21
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Attendance = 48,112
Weather = Cloudy skies; 56°F; Wind SE at 9 mph
Referee = Clete Blakeman

Toledo

On September 15, the Jayhawks hosted the cfb link|year=2007|school=University of Toledo|team=Toledo Rockets|title=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.

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Florida International vs. Kansas
Visitor = cfb link|year=2007|school=Florida International University|team=FIU Golden Panthers|title=FIU
Host = Kansas
V1 = 3 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 0
H1 = 10 | H2 = 10 | H3 = 21 | H4 = 14
Date = 2007-09-22
StartTime = 6:05 PM | TimeZone = CST | ElapsedTime = 3:19
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Attendance = 42,134
Weather = Sunny skies; 83°F; Wind ESE at 7 mph
Referee = Cooper Castleberry

Florida International

For their fourth and final non-conference game on September 22, the Jayhawks hosted the cfb link|year=2007|school=Florida International University|team=FIU Golden Panthers|title=FIU Golden Panthers of the Sun Belt Conference in the teams' first meeting. FIU was led by first-year head coach Mario Cristobal.

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Kansas vs. Kansas State [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/ku-ksu.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Kansas
Host = cfb link|year=2007|school=Kansas State University|team=Kansas State Wildcats|title=Kansas St
V1 = 0 | V2 = 14 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 9
H1 = 7 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 3 | H4 = 7
Date = 2007-10-06
Location = Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, Manhattan, KS
StartTime = 11:08 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:26
Attendance = 50,924
Weather = Partly cloudy skies; 79°F; Wind SSW at 18 mph
Referee = Randy Christal

Kansas State

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. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272792306 ESPN KU@KSU] ]

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.

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Baylor vs. #20 Kansas [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/bu-ku.html [box score] ]
Visitor = cfb link|year=2007|school=Baylor University|team=Baylor Bears|title=Baylor
Host = Kansas
V1 = 3 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 0
H1 = 10 | H2 = 21 | H3 = 10 | H4 = 17
Date = 2007-10-13
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
StartTime = 1:15 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:48
Attendance = 43,556
Weather = Stormy skies; 62°F; Wind SE at 20 mph
Referee = Jon Bible

Baylor

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. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272862305 ESPN Baylor @ KU] ]

AFB Game Box Start
Title = #15 Kansas vs. Colorado [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/cu-ku.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Kansas
Host = Colorado
V1 = 0 | V2 = 3 | V3 = 10 | V4 = 6
H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 7
Date = 2007-10-20
Location = Folsom Field, Boulder, CO
StartTime = 3:32 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:19
Attendance = 51,940
Weather = Partly cloudy skies; 75°F; Wind W at 17 mph
Referee = Tom Walker

Colorado

AFB Game Box Start
Title = #10 Kansas vs. Texas A&M [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/tamu-ku.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Kansas
Host = Texas A&M
V1 = 0 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 13 | V4 = 6
H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 11
Date = 2007-10-27
Location = Kyle Field, College Station, TX
StartTime = 6:06 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:30
Attendance = 85,341
Weather = Clear skies; 74°F; Wind NE at 12 mph
Referee = Jon Bible

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. [cite news|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/pressRelease.php?SID=&PRID=13482|title=GAME 9: Kansas (7-0) at Texas A&M (6-2)|publisher=Texas A&M Athletics|accessdate=2007-10-23|date=2007-10-23] In their previous meeting in 2006, A&M outscored Kansas 21–18. [cite web|url=http://www.aggieathletics.com/sports/football/history/opp/kansas.html|title=All-Time Football Scores: Kansas|publisher=Texas A&M University Athletic Department|accessdate=2007-10-21] One day prior to the game, Las Vegas casinos favored Kansas to win by three points. [cite web|url=http://www.vegas.com/gaming/sportsline_ncaaf.html|title=Gaming: NCAA football sports betting line|publisher=Vegas.com|accessdate=2007-10-26|date=2007-10-26]

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. [cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Internet/ranking_summary/2007000000328.HTML|title=TEAM RANKINGS:Kansas|publisher=NCAA|accessdate=2007-10-21|date=2007-10-20] Kansas also had ranked 9th in the weekly BCS standings. [cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex?seasonYear=2007&weekNumber=9&seasonType=2|title=2007 NCAA Football Rankings - Week 8 (Oct. 21)|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=2007-10-26] 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. [cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Internet/ranking_summary/2007000000697.HTML|title=TEAM RANKINGS: TEXAS A&M|publisher=NCAA|accessdate=2007-10-21|date=2007-10-20]

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.cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273000245|title=McAnderson's 183 rushing yards lead Jayhawks to historic win|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=2007-10-28|date=2007-10-28|author=Associated Press]

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

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Nebraska vs. #8 Kansas [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/ku-nu.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Nebraska
Host = Kansas
V1 = 14 | V2 = 10 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 8
H1 = 21 | H2 = 27 | H3 = 21 | H4 = 7
Date = 2007-11-03
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
StartTime = 11:38 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:43
Attendance = 51,910
Weather = Sunny skies; 47°F; Wind calm
Referee = Randy Christal

Nebraska

The Nebraska-Kansas series is the longest uninterrupted series in college football at 102 years.cite news | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=273072305 | title=Nebraska 39, (8) Kansas 36 | work=ESPN.com | publisher=The Disney Company | date=November 32007|accessdate=2007-11-03] [cite news | url=http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=1291583 | title=Huskers Set for Road Trip to Face Undefeated Kansas | work=Huskers.com | publisher=University of Nebraska | date=2007 | accessdate=2007-11-03] In the 2007 meeting, Kansas beat Nebraska 76-39. The Jayhawks set an all-time record for most touchdowns and most points scored by a Nebraska opponent.cite news | url=http://www.huskers.com//pdf1/78902.pdf?SPSID=7&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100 | title=Opponent Records | work=Huskers.com | publisher=University of Nebraska | format=PDF | accessdate=2007-11-03] 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. [cite news | url=http://firebillcallahan.blogspot.com/ | title=Fire Bill Callahan | work=Blogspot.com | accessdate=2007-11-03] With the win, Kansas took their record to 9–0 for the first time since 1908.cite news | url=http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7405050 | title=Nebraska sets school record in loss | work=FoxSports.com | publisher=Fox Broadcasting Company | date=November 32007|accessdate=2007-11-03]

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."

AFB Game Box Start
Title = #5 Kansas vs. Oklahoma State [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/osu-ku.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Kansas
Host = cfb link|year=2007|school=Oklahoma State University|team=Oklahoma State Cowboys|title=Oklahoma St
V1 = 10 | V2 = 10 | V3 = 13 | V4 = 10
H1 = 7 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 7
Date = 2007-11-10
Location = Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
StartTime = 7:05 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:34
Attendance = 39,848
Weather = Cloudy skies; 68°F; Wind SSE at 9 mph
Referee = Cooper Castleberry

Oklahoma State

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 [cite news | url=http://newsok.com/article/3166031/ | title=Kansas keeping an eye on Adarius this time | author=Andrea Cohen | publisher=Daily Oklahoman | date=November 72007|accessdate=2007-11-09] . However Bowman left the game injured. The game was broadcast to 63 percent of the nation on ABC as the top primetime college football game of the week [ [http://assets.espn.go.com/espntv/topics/coveragemaps/111007abc8pm.jpgABC Coverage Map 11/10] ] .

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

AFB Game Box Start
Title = Iowa State vs. #4 Kansas [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/ku-isu.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Iowa St
Host = Kansas
V1 = 0 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 0
H1 = 14 | H2 = 14 | H3 = 3 | H4 = 14
Date = 2007-11-17
Location = Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
StartTime = 2:47 AM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:23
Attendance = 51,050
Weather = Partly cloudy skies; 66°F; Wind SE at 5 mph
Referee = Tom Walker

Iowa State

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. [ [http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/cover/featured/10874/index.htm Kerry Meier, Football, Jayhawks - 11.26.07 - SI Vault ] ]

AFB Game Box Start
Title = #4 Missouri vs. #2 Kansas
Visitor = Missouri
Host = Kansas
V1 = 7 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 14 | V4 = 8
H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 21
Date = 2007-11-24
StartTime = 7:13 PM | TimeZone = CST | ElapsedTime = 3:32
Location = Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Attendance = 80,537
Weather = Fair skies; 33°F; Wind S at 4 mph
Referee = Jon Bible
TVStation = ABC | TVAnnouncers = Brent Musburger & Kirk HerbstreitAFB Game Box Scoring Entry
FirstEntry = yes
Quarter = Q1
Time = 00:29 | Team = MU | Event = Martin Rucker 1 yd TD pass from Chase Daniel (Jeff Wolfert kick) | Score = MU 7-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q2
Time = 09:21 | Team = MU | Event = Dana Alexander 11 yd TD pass from Daniel (Wolfert kick) | Score = MU 14-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q3 | QuarterEntries = 3
Time = 10:36 | Team = MU | Event = Jimmy Jackson 1 yd TD run (Wolfert kick) | Score = MU 21-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 07:21 | Team = KU | Event = Brandon McAnderson 1 yd TD run (Scott Webb kick) | Score = MU 21-7AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 01:19 | Team = MU | Event = Derek Washington 3 yd TD pass from Daniel (Wolfert kick) | Score = MU 28-7AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q4 | QuarterEntries = 6
Time = 13:02 | Team = KU | Event = Todd Reesing 5 yd TD run (Webb kick) | Score = MU 28-14AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 09:55 | Team = MU | Event = Wolfert 43 yd field goal | Score = MU 31-14AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 08:28 | Team = KU | Event = Dexton Fields 10 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick) | Score = MU 31-21AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 03:31 | Team = MU | Event = Wolfert 43 yd field goal | Score = MU 34-21AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 02:03 | Team = KU | Event = Marcus Henry 5 yd TD pass from Reesing (Webb kick) | Score = MU 34-28AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 00:12 | Team = MU | Event = Loren Williams safety | Score = MU 36-28
LastEntry = yes

Missouri

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 claim the Big 12 North Division title, advance to the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship Game in San Antonio, Texas, and possibly claim the top spot in the BCS rankings and national polls. The game received considerable media attention, and the ESPN College Gameday crew were at the game. It drew 80,537, the second-highest attendance in the 35-year history of Arrowhead Stadium. [Cite news| title=Tigers Down Jayhawks 36-28 to Win Big 12 North| url=http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112507aaa.html| publisher=AP| date=2007-11-25| accessdate=2007-11-28|] 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.

AFB Game Box Start
Title = #8 Kansas vs. #5 Virginia Tech [http://www.big12sports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2007-2008/ku-vtu.html [box score] ]
Visitor = Kansas
Host = VT
V1 = 7 | V2 = 10 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 7
H1 = 0 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 7
Date = 2008-01-03
Location = Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
StartTime = 7:20 PM
TimeZone = CST
ElapsedTime = 3:34
Attendance = 74,111
Weather = Cloudy skies; 57°F; Wind N at 11 mph
Referee = B. LeMonnierAFB Game Box Scoring Entry
FirstEntry = yes
Quarter = Q1
Time = 05:15 | Team = KU | Event = Aqib Talib 60 yd interception return (Scott Webb kick) | Score = KU 7-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q2 | QuarterEntries = 3
Time = 12:00 | Team = KU | Event = Webb 32 yd field goal | Score = KU 10-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 07:03 | Team = KU | Event = Marcus Henry 13 yd TD pass from Todd Reesing (Webb kick) | Score = KU 17-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 01:24 | Team = VT | Event = Branden Ore 1 yd TD run (Jud Dunlevy kick) | Score = KU 17-7AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q3
Time = 11:35 | Team = VT | Event = Justin Harper 84 yd TD punt return (Dunlevy kick) | Score = KU 17-14AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q4 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 10:57 | Team = KU | Event = Reesing 2 yd TD run (Webb kick) | Score = KU 24-14AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 03:00 | Team = VT | Event = Harper 20 yd TD pass from Sean Glennon (Dunlevy kick) | Score = KU 24-21
LastEntry = yes

Virginia Tech

Rankings

According to the Big 12 Media Preseason Poll, the Jayhawks were projected to finish fourth in the Big 12 North Division. [Cite news| title=Kansas Football Picked To Finish Fourth In North By Big 12 Media| url=http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071907aaa.html| publisher=KUAthletics.com| date=2007-07-19| accessdate=2007-11-18|]

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. [Cite news| title=Kansas Football Moves To Second In Major Polls| url=http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111807aab.html| publisher=KUAthletics.com| date=2007-11-18| accessdate=2007-11-18|]

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.

References

*Mike Strauss (ed.), "2007 University of Kansas Football Media Guide", Kansas Athletics, Inc. [http://kuathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/2007-fb-media-guide.html]

;Notes