Have a question about KU football? Then KU football beat writer Matt Tait is your guy. Matt will be answering reader questions starting at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

mikendal

With the hiring of the new defensive coordinator now, who will KU bring in on defense? What is their greatest need on defense? Thanks, Matt.

ku4ever2

Let’s talk Defense. What are your impressions of the Dave Campo hire and what scheme do you think he will run at KU – 3-4 or 4-3?

d_park

Have you ever bopped your bologna?

BigBlue4KU

Most new coaches seem to have a heck of a time implementing new offenses and defenses their first year. Can we really expect Coach Weis to be able to accomplish a significant change by next fall?

BigBlue4KU

Most new coaches seem to have a heck of a time implementing new offenses and defenses their first year. Can we really expect Coach Weis to be able to accomplish a significant change by next fall?

r2bacm

Matt, do you know who is coming in for a visit this weekend?

r2bacm

Matt, Do you know who the potential year end transfers are?

ravenjayhawk

Who are we counting on for a number 2 and 3 quarterback in case of injury to our starter?

liljayhawker15

With a group of talented running backs returning for this upcoming season, will Weis be looking to run the ball more than throw, or will he lean on more of a passing game with a group of unknown receivers?

d_prowess

Who do you think is leading candidate to be the back-up QB at KU next year?

osborn_2009

Which of the recruits so far do you think will make the biggest splash right away?

d_prowess

With so much emphasis on QB Dayne Crist and Weis running a more pocket-passing offense, do you have any fears about KU not having enough great offensive weapons for him to throw to?

AtlJaybird

Any insight on who the linebackers coach will be?

Masonhawk06

Coach Weis said he wanted to hire a DC that “spoke his language.” Should we interpret that as Weis wanting someone who will take full control of the defense, and allow Charlie to focus on nothing but the offense? If so, does Campo fill that model, and will he be able to secure some big victories on the recruiting trail.

Your work is outstanding Matt and keep it up!

Tomasu2012

Matt,

With Jordan Webb officially leaving the program, who do you think will serve as our backup QB next year? Do you think it will be someone currently in the program like Michael Cummings, Blake Jablonski, or even Seth Russell (if he maintains his commitment)? Or, will Weis bring in his own guy? Our current options are not exactly formidable. Have you heard anything about him bringing in another QB other than Crist?

bcave76

Stewart Mandel today wrote that the worst hire in college football this year was Charlie Weis. Where was the national media with their ire about the hiring of Turner Gill? Doesn’t the Weis hire make, at least, a little sense? Why the hate?

TheOtherMattT

Obviously due to the big name transfers KU has signed there has been a lot of talk about our offense next season but who do you envision to be the impact players next season on the defense?

TheOtherMattT

Obviously due to the big name transfers KU has signed there has been a lot of talk about our offense next season but who do you envision to be the impact players next season on the defense?

TheOtherMattT

Obviously due to the big name transfers KU has signed there has been a lot of talk about our offense next season but who do you envision to be the impact players next season on the defensive side of the ball?

Displayhawk

Will KU start recruiting different areas with the new coaching staff??? I realize they will keep recruiting Texas, but I was wondering about the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio (Notre Dame) region, and also California and Florida.

bville_hawk

With Charlie serving as OC this first season do you anticipate he will be on the sideline during games or up in the press box?

BadHaaseJayhawk

My wife said I can only follow KU Basketball or KU Football but not both.. How much does a divorce cost these days?

kusportsdotcom

Has Keegan been walking around the office which his chest puffed up after hearing that Berglund got released from the team?

MichAveJHawk

What spots are left to fill on the coaching staff and what names have you heard floating around for each?

kudzutexas

I heard Tedy Bruschi will be the next Linebackers coach. Just kidding. Any word on how that coaching search is going? And are you aware of any names for recruiting visits before signing day?
Thanks.

coolsportsdad

Now that things have started becoming official, what’s your thoughts on the backup QB situation? Is someone else coming on board or is it going to come from the existing roster? Cummings, etc?

AllenTXJhawk

When does Campo arrive?

Seems like if Berglund wanted to be at KU he needed to meet him prior to the mandatory team meeting. Did Berglund ever meet Weis or try to meet with him?

shelleysue

I’m with bcave. Why does everyone think Weis is the worst thing we could have done?

jayhawk4alifetime

Hey Matt, given the late hire of DC Dave Campo, what do you feel KU’s chances are of signing immediate defensive help? Are there still a good supply of junior college defenders that are a) available and b) interested in becoming a part of the Kansas football team? Thanks

cusack118

Hey, Matt! There seems to be a lot of speculation among the fans about the dismissal of members if the football team. Some have suggested Coach Weis dismissed many of the players because he simply did not want them on the roster. Can you shed any light on this issue?

jayhawkintx1973

Matt,

Yesterday there was an announcement of 10 players being dismissed from the Kansas football team. Do you know of any defensive standouts that are being pursued heavily by KU recruiters?

mistroth

Could you do a quick overview of the recruits that Weiss and his staff are pursuing?

manginorh00lz

What is your reaction to this story? http://deadspin.com/5855433/am-i-sick-are-we-all-sick-overwrought-things-the-media-wrote-to-auburns-pr-guy-during-cam-newtons-wild-2010-season

BleedCandB

Who wins between the Baylor/Mizzou matchup?

BleedCandB

If KU wins at UT this weekend, where, in your opinion, should KU be ranked in the polls?

BleedCandB

What did you think of Withey rocking the sleeve against BU?

BleedCandB

Does KU still finish last in the BigXII next year?

BleedCandB

What are the players reactions who are still on the team to those who got dismissed?

namohcan_99

Really appreciated your articles during the hiring process of Weis and Campo. What kind of a defensive scheme can we expect to see under Campo/Weis? Do you think KU can make a bowl game the first season under Chalie Weis? Thanks Tait!

milehighhawk

What do you think KU fans should expect in terms of filling needed positions on signing day (Feb. 1)? Name names, Tait! And thanks.

jhawkrulz

There has been talk of a $2000 or $3000 stipend for scholarships. Will KU be in a position to pay these stipends, or will we be left behind? On this line will it be just for sports like football and basketball or will it fall under the Title IX requirements?

bossman1962

Matt, Do you think the hiring of Charlie Weis has made any of the other Big 12 schools stand up and take notice. And where do you think this program will be in 3 years.

teejhawk00

First off, thanks you all your hard work on all things KU Football. For us few crazy KU Football fanatics your coverage of the conference realignment, season and of course the coaching search was by far the best this paper/site has ever had. Second, for those of you that do not follow @mctait on twitter, your missing out on some great opinion and insight regarding KU. Now to the question: What are your realistic expectations regarding KU Football next season? 3-9 followed up by 2-10 doesn’t give Weis much to build on, and I believe that given past success in the NFL and college some fans will want to see instant results, but in this league the calliber of athlete and coach is top level. Do you believe that 4 wins is attainable? Thanks again.

Toto_the_great

What are your odds on the OU receiver can play this year?

kufan100

Hey Matt any idea who the fifth year guys that Charlie is talking about joining the program in the future might be?

KGphoto

Is Dave Campo going to run a 43 defense?

KGphoto

Names on the backs of the jerseys we know. Any word on what other uniform changes might happen?

KGphoto

The workers are finishing up my new roof. Now am I supposed to tip them with beer? What kind?

KGphoto

If you were on the 2012 roster under Weis, What position would you want to play, other than QB or WR?

Displayhawk

WTF???

KGphoto

What is the website, so far, have you missed most since the beginning of the protest against anti-piracy laws?

Any of them affecting your job?

kesmithstl1

What’s your view of Tosh.O? Clever, or regurgitated cleverness?

kesmithstl1

What is your opinion on how little coverage there was on the lack of student-athlete achievement in the classroom? Seems like this is even more unacceptable than 1 win in the Big XII.

jhawkjdub

With 2 very high quality QBs now, do you anticipate some 4&5 star WRs coming to KU soon?

baldwinjhawk

Will we host we host West Virginia in lawrence this fall?

millertime54

Have you heard anything about RB Rodney Coe out of Iowa Western Community College? I heard Weis is going after him.

JhawkalumJB

Any rumors about if/when the field will be lowered, the track removed and replaced by seating? I would imagine that the news of K-State updating their football facilities puts some pressure on KU. Your thoughts or inside info would be appreciated.

kudzutexas

Were any new recruits able to graduate early and begin school this spring?

kudzutexas

Will big Phil Ford be eligible to transfer in 2013? And will he then have 3 years of eligibility after red-shirting his freshman year at Iowa Western Community College?

STLJayhawk10

What are the feelings about Charlie Weis staying at KU for a while? If he finds success here, wouldn’t he just bolt back to the NFL or more of a high profile school?

Jayhawker111

Tell us what you found out about the results of the Brock Berglund trial.

Jayhawker111

SInce Berglund asked for a transfer form and then did not show up for mandatory meeting — don’t you think the press was unfair to KU when it reports that berglund learned of dismissal by Twitter….

Berglund knew by not showing up at mandatory meeting –he was done… Your comments?

fourbagger

So…did Turner Gill not take care of the academics or is he just the scape goat?

Jayhawker111

It is not fair to the players when a new coach comes in to a program and when his system does not compliment a player like Webb to just be able to cut him…Then Webb has to sit out a year if he chooses to transfer….

In this case Webb because he is a great student will graduate in three years and can transfer with no penalty because he will graduate.

But generally the transfer rule stinks and should be changed. Players should not be cut and then be penalized when they have to transfer.

Yes Webb was cut…. The transfer rules stink…Comments?

lighthawk

Freshmen rarely able to ball, usually need couple years in weight room.
How does HCCW evaluate the red.shirt tool and when and when not to use it?

KU_FAN

What’s been the biggest change you’ve seen from Turner Gill’s day-to-day operation versus Charlie Weis’s day-to-day operation?

always_a_jayhawk

Realistically, what do you project to be KU’s football record in 2012, and placing in the Big 12?

jaydee909

Do you have any concern over our returning OL providing adequate time for Crist to throw?

jayhwx3003

Out of any player the staff is actively recruiting, which one could make the biggest impact in 2012?

Bangkok_Jayhawk

Hey Matt… For our base defense, do you believe we will run a 4-3, 3-4 or another defense this year?

B68hawk

We have heard a lot about the quarterback situation, but what about the offensive line that needs to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running backs ? Then there is the defensive line and linebackers to ask about. Do they look good on paper ? Obviously there should be some more answers after spring practice.

Thank you for any insights.
Marvin Koelsch

jjjhwk

Matt,
Do you know any specifics on other 5th year guys who might transfer and play right away like Crist?

jjjhwk

Matt,
Do you have a sense on whether we will be a 4-3 or 3-4 and how much does it really matter?

pmyers85

Are there any players who are likely to change positions? With Cox coming in, I’m worried Bourbon may never get his shot at RB.

KU79

So, Matt, how did Heaps and KU/Weis get together? Did Heaps call Weis to tell him he was looking to transfer. And did he look at a lot of schools? Was he set on another school before Weis took the KU job? Thanks!

bb73

What do you know about the dismissals?

Where do you think the remaining QBs are mentally now that Webb has left and Heaps & Crist have arrived with so much press coverage?

Any numbers regarding season ticket sales since the arrival of the 3 transfers?

kupops

What is you take on the 10 players that were dismissed from the football team? What are the reasons? I did not find the reasons given on kusports.com to be sufficient. I played on the 1962, 63, 64 teams and lettered all three years. I have a vested interested in KU footbal.
kupops.

baldwinjhawk

Hey Matt, We need so much help on Defense. We seem to be going the Juco route. Do you think this staff would look at an All American D2 kid? He’s a stud. Nate Dreiling from Pitt State, a 6’4 245 linebacker from Hutch. He’s a coach’s son so his football IQ his huge. He’s always been a winner with state championships at hutch and of course the national d2 champs at pitt state. He’s a sophomore. I think he would be a great anchor and captain for our defense and he wouldn’t have to sit out. What do you think?
http://blogs.kansas.com/statecolleges/2011/12/17/the-legend-of-nate-dreilingthe-legend-of-the-gorillas/

1_Jaydoc_1

How does the new KU staff compare across the Big 12 and even across the nation in term of experience, talent and likelihood of success?

KGphoto

With the hiring of DeMontie Cross, what St. Louis area recruits (Ahem, DGB) do you think might consider KU?

Note: It doesn’t have to be a LB, or even a defensive player. Annyyyone at all.

chalky

Matt, do you expect some suprises on signing day. Perhaps some higher profile players than we have generally attracted in the past? Do we know everyone KU is targeting?

ttoulouse

Haven’t heard much from current players on Weis’s hire yet. Were they put on a gag order? What do you think their impression of him is so far?

jtrav77

Do you think dismissing Berglund and Webb was a good idea? Doesn’t seem to leave us with a solid backup (assuming Crist ends up being the starter).

LogicMan

Matt:

If WVU is prevented from joining the Big 12 next season there will be a game to fill in each school’s schedule. What’s the backup plan?

Any talk of allowing these games to be against other Big 12 teams, and to not count them as part of the conference records? Or to use them as potential tie-breakers?

LogicMan

Matt:

Why is BYU’s stance on no Sunday games a significant problem? What did they do about it in the MWC?

shannyvan1

Last year, with the exception of the OSU game, KU was really competitive, at least in the first half. It seemed the other team adjusted at halftime and we did not. Our talent level should be better this year with HCCW’s recruiting and transfers plus the redshirts from Gill’s recruiting, are we capable of having a shockingly good year?

beenahawk

Matt,

As Offensive Coordinator will Weis spend game days in the press box or will he call the action from the sideline?

If he is on the sideline, who will he rely on in the press box? If He is in the press box, who runs the sideline?

beenahawk

Since Weis is Offensive Coordinaor and Head Coach, who will relay info from the press box to Weis on Game Day? If Weis is in the press box, who will run the sdieline?

gardenjay

What do ticket sales look like at this point versus last year at this point?

VaJay

How competitive do you think we will be next season in football – is hoping for a bowl game ridiculous?

april28

What happened to Webb?

jeffthejayhawk

Matt, I am hearing more and more of Weis’ arrogance and being tough to work with. Is that the NFL in him and will the fan base turn on him if he fails to get results quickly?

wiseapple

What’s the process for Coach Campo? Is he currently on-site going through recruiting materials on the guys already scouted by those that have been here longer? How does he get his feet wet in the search for the pieces needed for this defense next season?

Hornhawk

What is the back-up plan for next fall if West Virginia doesn’t excape the Big East?

Hornhawk

When is it likely Justin McCay’s eligibility issues will be resolved?

Sayers44

I think Jimmay Mundine is going to be great. What can you tell us about him?

pmyers85

Any ideas who else might be transferring in under the 5th year rule?

HotToddy69

What kind of base defense does Dave Campo like to run? 4-3, 3-4, or some kind of hybrid?

HotToddy69

Does KU make it to a bowl game in 2012?

HotToddy69

When can we expect a conference schedule to be out?

HotToddy69

What’s your percentage guess that Justin McCay will be eligible to play in 2012?

Jackster

Will KU recruit the Northwest Arkansas market? 2 high schools finished in the top 50 in the US. They have some great talent yet all we here about is to recruit TX, FL, etc…etc….

ictjhawks1990

With Jordan Webb no longer with the team, who will back up Christ next season? Shouldn’t have HCCW kept him as a backup?

ictjhawks1990

What are some hot news on recruiting for KU?

ictjhawks1990

What’s the scoop on why those guys were let go from the program? Give us the dirt!!!

ictjhawks1990

Isn’t it great talking about KU football in the middle of January?

ictjhawks1990

How many games will we win next year?

ictjhawks1990

Don’t you want to punch people who act like English teachers while posting about your articles?

ictjhawks1990

I think Keegan has a twin brother at the Wichita Eagle sports desk, Bob something.

ictjhawks1990

Is Keegan always grumpy?

chisox22

Hey Matt,

Earlier this morning I heard from a Notre Dame that we are getting a transfer from ND, Mike Ragone, a former 4 start TE. Have you heard any news on this?

bobdhwkr

Has a combination of coaches with NFL/college experience been tried at a school as far down as KU, or anywhere for that matter.

drnater

Do you think Berglund essentially jerking KU’s chain for a year was part of the reason he wasnt granted a release?

chisox22

Hey Matt,

I just heard from a Notre Dame grad that Mike Ragone, a former 4 star TE, will be transffering from ND to Kansas. He is a 6th year senior who has had a lot of injury issues. I have not seen an official annoucement yet, however. Have you heard any news on this?

friedy

What is there about the strength conditioning team that is making the current workouts so intense?

ajmag

With the qb transfers that are coming in, does that leave any space to develop a qb after the kid from BYU leaves?

Toto_the_great

Any indication about season ticket sales on whether they have increase since the dismissal of Gill?

dannyboy4hawks

Matt,
take off your objective hat and play fan. What do you really think of the coaching hire(s), transfer QB’s, and prognosis for the coming year? Can the coaching staff get us 8 wins next year?

jmmohr

I think that Nolan Cromwell, Kevin Kane and Harry Sydney would have been great hires by Weis. Is that still a possibility? It would be great to see those guys back on the KU sideline!

jeffthejayhawk

Over/under for wins next season? I am going with 4, but we will be much more competitive.

rohdek

Do you have a sense for how Weis is getting guys to leave jobs like the Dallas Cowboys and Wisconsin Badgers? Is he that good to work with or is KU overpaying or what?

ajmag

Is Dane the first 5 star qb to play for KU?

koldbeer

What do you think about this Berglund press release? Does he still need a release now that he’s been dismissed? Any idea why it wasn’t granted? He’s been a strange guy every since he’s been at KU (although he was never really at KU).

timdwyer

What’s the deal with not releasing Berglund? Any obvious reasons for that? Do we need to hear both sides of the story before we judge?

BigBaluga

Weis hinted at several more graduate transfers joining the program after the spring semester, any thoughts as to who or what positions?

BigMitchin_

Has there been any chatter on the 4 star DB Crawley?

texashawk10

What’s for dinner tonight Matt?

ksharddem

How is the team handling the transition from HCTG to HCCW? After the excitement wears off and the work begins can HCCW actually win with current talent level next year?

jmmohr

Do you think Weis considered bringing back Nolan cromwell, Harry Sydney or Kevin Kane? It would have been great to have one or more of those great jayhawks back on our sideline!

dgiles56

What feedback are you hearing about the strength and conditioning staff?

kudzutexas

Big Phil Ford is at Iowa Northwestern CC, would he be to transfer in 2013? He red-shirted, so I guess he would have 3 years of eligibility.

haps

What do you see will be the detriment to the team from the recent dismissals? Some of the players were looking to play big roles in the coming season. Do we have viable back-ups or, possibly, were they bad seeds and their departure will strengthen the attitude of this team?

dgiles56

What feedback are you hearing about the new Strength and conditioning team?

Jayjocker

Nice touch on the jacket Matt, your idea?

Jayjocker

What is HCCW ‘s favorite color?

Moderator

Hey, this is Jesse Newell, KUSports.com online editor. We’ve got KU football beat writer Matt Tait here to answer your questions. Matt, do you have your Mike and Ikes ready?

Matt Tait

Indeed. This box is kind of disappointing me, though. The last one belonged in the Mike & Ike’s Hall of Fame… Almost all reds. Wow!!! Let’s go!

HotToddy69

Who would you guess will be the back up QB for 2012?

Matt Tait

That’s the million-dollar question right now and I think the answer everyone’s hoping for is that it won’t matter. Can’t think like that, though. I’m getting the sense that Weis has some other QB up his sleeve that we might not know much about right now, but looking at the roster as it stands today, look for incoming freshman Seth Russell and returners Blake Jablonski and Michael Cummings to battle it out. I’ll give the nod to Russell among those three.

chuckberry32

There has been a bunch of excitement over the football team these past few weeks but most of that has focused on the offensive. Is there any real reason to be optimistic that our defense will be any better than last year? Based on graduations/departures and incoming recruits, do you feel we will have more or less talent on the defensive side of the ball next year?

Matt Tait

In short, yes. The biggest reason I believe that is preparation and coaching. The previous staff, though made up of great guys, was in over its head in terms of coaching ability and the ability to communicate what it wanted to the players. This staff won’t have that problem. This staff also will hold guys accountable more, which should make for better execution and fewer mistakes. Add to that the fact that there are some talented guys returning a year older and wiser (Opurum, McDougald, Willis, Patmon, Greg Brown, etc.) and I think the defense has a chance to be better. KU sure better hope so because if it’s not, the offense won’t matter.

swunruhawk

When will we get to read more about the Jayhawks new DC and his decision to work with HCCW ? When will he arrive for a visit in Lawrence.

Matt Tait

Dave Campo will be recruiting and working on the transition for the next couple of weeks and will first be available to the media on Feb. 2. We’ll get a substantial block of time with him and all of the assistant coaches on that day, which will be great in terms of finding out more about the chemistry of the coaching staff that Weis has made so much of already…

BleedCandB

What are the chances Weis lands multiple 5 star guys straight out of high school?

Matt Tait

The chances of that happening aren’t good, but they’re certainly better now than they have been in a long, long time. This much we’ve learned already, Weis is going to go after every player he wants. A lot of those will be four- and five-star guys. How many of those he can convince to come to Kansas will determine a lot about how successful he is here. I’m guessing we’ll see more than we have, but I still don’t think it will be a ton… maybe a few each year – and that’s if and only if Weis finds a way to win here.

gardenjay

Do you see a difference in the amount of information you get from the HCCW organization versus the previous HCTG organization?

Matt Tait

I do. And it goes both ways. With Weis, we get more of the straight truth and less coach speak.

Having said that, I think we probably will get fewer opportunities to speak with Weis than we did with Gill.

He spoke at his introductory press conference and again on Monday. That’ll be it until signing day (Feb. 1) and after that we probably won’t hear from him again until the start of spring ball (March 27). That’s just the way he seems to want to do things, and, unfortunately, there’s not much we can do about that.

I will say this, though, when we get him, we get a lot out of it. I honestly feel like I’ve learned more in the two or three times I’ve talked to Weis already than I did in two years from Gill.

e93bigd

Stewart Mandel of CNNSI gave the hiring of Charlie Weis a grade of “F” saying that if he achieves any level of success he’ll bolt to the NFL. Coach Weis clearly stated that he wants to coach 5 years at Kansas then retire. Who do you believe?

Matt Tait

I believe Weis. He seems happy here and I think he’s taking this opportunity as a great challenge to prove his coaching chops…

That said, things change and if someone comes along and offers him outrageous money to be their Offensive Coordinator, he could leave. But I think he’s planning on being here and really wants to be here.

As for the “F” grade, I know people got pretty worked up about it, but I wouldn’t read too much into the opinion of a national guy who never comes around. Even if he doesn’t win a game here, the interest and buzz Weis has brought to this program already has to be worth at least a D…

FSUJHAWK

Matt, can you and the LJW Staff put protocol aside and start referring to our beloved institution as either “KU,” “Jayhawks” or “Kansas” and never “Kansas University?” Thanks.

BTW, we all appreciate your hard work.

RCJHGKU!!!

Matt Tait

First off, thanks for the note. Second off, we can’t help you with that one. That comes from the top and, I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that it’s best to keep your bosses happy…

cbusy

Why is KU not granting Brock a release from the University? If he’s not on the team, and they aren’t keeping him on scholarship, why not release him?

Matt Tait

Tough to answer that question right now. I’m hoping we’ll get some kind of reaction from KU today and I’ve already put in a call.

I do know this… they wanted Berglund to come to KU and were looking forward to him competing for the back-up role and possibly more.

My guess is that there’s some sort of legal red tape tying things up right now and all will be taken care of in due time. That’s just my guess, though, and I can’t speak for them. I do know this, universities that don’t grant releases to guys quickly get a reputation that’s not favorable and that can hurt recruiting. I wouldn’t imagine KU wants that to happen right now, especially with all the momentum surrounding football and the rebuilding project that’s ahead.

Stay tuned…

Bangkok_Jayhawk

2 part question… Do you see a major stadium upgrade coming any time soon? Also, will the athletic department debt be a major factor in that? I know you have made comments about writing an article in the summer, but I am bad at waiting! 🙂

Matt Tait

1. I’ve heard very little talk about stadium renovations in the near future. I know there are long-term plans and goals, but nothing on the horizon any time soon. As you know, winning usually speeds those types of things up substantially…

2. The debt, though a factor, probably would not prevent KU from doing whatever it wants to do to Memorial Stadium, Allen Fieldhouse or any other facilities. Again, the debt does exist, but I’ve heard concrete numbers that say it’s simply not as bad as it’s been made out to be.

haasehawk

Even with the new recruits, what position do you think KU will struggle with the most next season?

Matt Tait

I think the smart money’s on the defensive line. There’s reason to believe that the defensive ends could be productive – guys like Opurum and Agostinho are talented and experienced players. But that interior is still a big question mark and even though they’ve addressed it by bringing in some junior college guys, I don’t think that’ll be an overnight fix. Probably two years away from being sound up front…

Moderator

Five-minute warning …

ictjhawks1990

What are some of the guys saying about the new conditioning program?

Matt Tait

So far, it sounds like a monster. Of course, compared with what they’ve been through the past couple of years, that’s to be expected. New S&C coach Scott Holsopple is known for making workouts miserable and Charlie Weis likes that, so I think they’re just starting to scratch the surface there. The goal, of course, is to change the culture there first and hope that leads to winning on the field. Can’t hurt…

ltownatrain

If for some reason West Virgina is not able to join the Big 12 in 2012 what are KU’s options for adding an additional game since playing Missouri is all but out of the question with the administration.

Matt Tait

First, I think West Virginia will be on the schedule next season. There’s still some stuff that needs to be worked out, but I think it’ll end fine.

That said, if it doesn’t, I’m guessing KU would simply find another non-conference game, perhaps from an FCS foe, that would be almost an automatic victory.

Stay tuned, though… I’m hearing some news about the 2012 schedule could be out by the end of the month… Could.

BleedCandB

Over/Under: 4.5 wins for next season?

Matt Tait

Too early to tell, but I like the question. I will say this, having a legit quarterback can change everything, so if Crist is all he’s cracked up to be, the answer could be over, even if it’s not quite six wins.

But I’ll lean on my right to at least watch these guys go through spring drills before I start predicting the future.

ictjhawks1990

Has anyone told you look like SVP with hair?

Matt Tait

I’ve never heard that… Most often I get: Matt Lauer from Good Morning America and Shaka Smart from VCU (sorry…) I’m not so sure about either…

Moderator

And finally …

LAJayhawk

How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?

Matt Tait

Good question. I’ve spent a lot of time researching this since taking over as the KU football beat writer and the answer is undeniably…

Matt Tait

Bummer… Looks like some kind of glitch cut off the answer. Sorry about that.

Moderator

Thanks to everyone for your questions, and be sure to check back next Thursday for another chat with Matt.

Matt Tait

If we didn’t get to your question today, but sure to submit it next week and we’ll try to get to them all. We’ll be here every Thursday talking KU football on “30 for Thursday” so tell your friends and come back and see us.

Thanks a bunch…