Chat transcript with Lawrence Journal-World football writer Ryan Wood

Posted Thursday, November 10, 2005

Chat with the Journal-World's KU football beat writer Ryan Wood

Welcome to our online chat with the Journal-World's KU football beat writer Ryan Wood.

The chat took place on Thursday, November 10, at 2:00 PM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: Hi and welcome to our chat today. I'm Andy Samuelson the online sports editor for KUsports.com and I will be today's chat moderator. Today we our joined by the Lawrence Journal-World's Ryan Wood, who covers the Kansas University football beat. Thanks Ryan for taking time out of your day to join with our KUsports.com readers this afternoon.

Ryan Wood: No problem. Fire away with the questions.

Moderator: Hold on Wood, first off why don't you tell the KU fans out there who are not in the glamorous newspaper business like yourself, what some of your day-to-day responsibilities of covering the Jayhawks.

Ryan Wood: Sure, well basically I follow around coach Mark Mangino whenever he allows me, and during the season I do up to 12 stories on the Jayhawks a week. I also keep my eye on recruiting and administration mumbo-jumbo, and I help out with basketball once hoops season rolls around.

Moderator: Sounds good, OK now Wood are you ready to reverse roles and answer some questions?

Ryan Wood: As Marvin Gaye would say: "Let's get it on."

Moderator: OK, ... whatever. Here we go.

Samuel, Topeka, Kan.: I believe the spread for the game this weekend is 34... doesn't that seem a little far fetched? I understand that Texas has been, at the least, dominant this year. However, I don't imagine their intensity level will be where it has been against other teams this year, and they haven't met a defense like the Jayhawks.

Ryan Wood: My first thought was that it was a little high. A 34-point spread against one of the top-five defenses in the nation seems a little off-base. Texas is an incredible team, one of the best the Big 12 has ever seen, but KU's defense is underrated because of the 5-4 record. I guessed the margin of victory would be around 23 or 24, and I'll stand by it.

Gavin, Lawrence, Kan.: When the 'Hawks defended Brad Smith they stood the offensive line up and forced him to throw out of the pocket, and dropped the linebackers into a spy coverage. Vince Young is probably a more prolific passer than Smith and the Texas receivers are more athletic. Do you see the defense doing the same thing, or do you think the defensive scheme will be a mix between that and some blitzing packages?

Ryan Wood: I think they have to approach Texas a lot differently, because Texas is a lot better. Vince Young is much harder to wrap up, and has a more accurate arm (especially compared to Brad Smith in the wind). Also, UT has a different scheme than Mizzou, so trapping Young in the pocket like Bad Brad wouldn't be so effective.

Greg, Shawnee, Kan.: How many players from this years defense will be playing on Sundays?

Ryan Wood: Well, I certainly think Charlton Keith will get a shot somewhere, probably as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Nick Reid probably will get a shot, too, though Banks Floodman and Kevin Kane might not translate to the NFL because of their speed. I could also see Jermial Ashley getting a serious look for his size and athleticism. As for non-seniors, Charles Gordon, Mike Rivera and Aqib Talib have good shots down the road.

James, San Diego, Calif.: Will John Randle be back next year? We have seen players suspended on other teams (i.e., Dusty D. at Oklahoma and Marcus Vick at V. Tech) only to rejoin the team after serving the one year suspension.

Ryan Wood: I wouldn't count out a Randle return, but coach Mangino is adamant that Randle is gone and there's nothing there to report. One thing I know: if Randle wants any chance at playing football at KU again (which I'm sure he wants), he better not so much as get a speeding ticket between now and next summer. Some would say he's used up all nine of his lives already.

Phil, Liberal, Kan.: Where does this year's Nebraska game rank in your mind on KU Football wins?

Ryan Wood: In the Mangino era, I would say it's number one or two right up there with the Kansas State victory last year. It's worth noting that Nebraska is no powerhouse any longer, but 36 years is 36 years, and a lot of longtime fans had reason to be happy after last week's game. An elderly fan got Jason Swanson's attention as he walked to the locker room and just said "Thank you." That sums up what it meant to so many KU fans, and that makes it a huge win in Mark Mangino's tenure.

Ray, Elkhart, Kan.: Is Charles Gordon utilized best? Is he the reason that other receivers are covered man on man? Will he return to defense this year?

Ryan Wood: Yes, Charles Gordon is utilized properly, in my opinion. Theo Baines is healthy, and Aqib Talib is quickly becoming a terrific cornerback, so the defense can live without Gordon. The offense needs him, though. Chaz had zero catches against Nebraska, but all the attention he draws helped Mark Simmons and the running backs have big days. Barring an injury, I don't see him playing much more defense this year.

Brett, Lawrence, Kan.: With the emergence of Jason Swanson at QB, what will happen to Marcus Herford? Will he see some time at WR?

Ryan Wood: The Marcus Herford quarterback package disappeared, and considering Swanson's effectiveness, there's no reason to take him out of his groove. Herford is back at receiver, but he's playing behind more experienced wideouts in Gordon, Mark Simmons and Brian Murph. I think Herford's future is bright, but he probably needs some more developing before he really shines.

Moderator: OK Wood, I don't know if this guy is the same guy from San Diego who asked you a question earlier. But apparently you have a fan who needs a grooming tip.

Jim, San Diego, Calif.: What kind of gel do you use for your hair?

Ryan Wood: Great question. For five years now, I've used the green-colored L.A. Looks gel, inspired by the Real World London guys who did crazy stuff with their wig. That allows my spikes to stand tall for up to 24 hours without a problem.

Moderator: I don't know if I can vouch for that response, but anyway Wood's got time for just a few more questions.

Moderator: Hold up. Back up the bus we just had another crazy inquiry come in. Wood: Here you go.

Patricia, Olathe, Kan.: Ryan, is it true you're now engaged and off the market? We must know.

Ryan Wood: I'm just amazed I found a blonde that said: "Yes!"

Moderator: Ok, ok. Let's get back to our position on the pigskin.

Jake, Topeka, Kan.: What is a legitimate goal for KU this weekend in Austin?

Ryan Wood: Considering 8 out of 9 teams on UT's schedule couldn't keep the Horns under 40, if KU can somehow keep Texas under 30 points, they should be very proud. Offensively, a couple of scores would be progress against UT's solid, speedy defense.

Moderator: Time for one more question.

Chris, Carbondale, Kan.: While the last two weeks have been the best consecutive home wins that I can ever recall in KU football, I am concerned about the conventional wisdom that seems to be developing that we are a lead-pipe cinch to beat Iowa State and go to a bowl. After all, they just beat A&M and K-State by 4 TDs apiece. Assuming we don't get any key players or our collective morale injured too much at Texas on Saturday, how do you see the Iowa State game playing out?

Ryan Wood: Hey, I got your back, Chris. The Iowa State game is no cinch by any stretch. I would give KU the edge -- the slight edge -- in that game purely based on it being at Memorial Stadium, where the Jays have played very, very well. Also, Kansas will have much more to play for, because ISU is already bowl-eligible and probably won't be playing for the Big 12 title game. I'd pick KU by 3-5 points as I see it now.

Moderator: Well that's going to do it for our chat today with Lawrence Journal-World football beat writer Ryan Wood. Thanks a lot Wood and I guess we'll see what happens this weekend. Also a big thanks to our KUsports.com readers for all their input into this chat and sorry if it got a little crazy there. Later.

Ryan Wood: Take it easy ya'll. And remember, everything looks better in slow motion. (Chappelle Show)