Kansas University's football team at least could rationalize its loss to Colorado.
The Buffs were motivated to avenge last year's loss. They really were a pretty good defensive team. They were even ranked at one time.
But KU's 41-13 loss to San Diego State on Saturday proved last week's loss to CU was no fluke.
"It really is rock bottom," KU senior wideout Michael Chandler said. "Last week, everybody thought the season was done, that all hope was lost. Then we had a good week of practice and we thought we could turn this season around."
So much for the old saying you play like you practice.
"That's what I don't understand," said KU sophomore wide receiver Harrison Hill, the lone offensive bright spot with 107 yards and a touchdown off five catches. "We felt confident. We had a good week of practice. We practiced as hard as we ever had since I've been here. That's why I can't understand how we got our butts kicked so bad."
Actually, it's quite simple. The Jayhawks couldn't stop SDSU, and they couldn't score against SDSU.
The Aztecs (2-2) gained 572 total yards and allowed just 181.
"You're seeing it how it is," Chandler said. "It's not that they weren't a good team. We just didn't have the execution, and that's top to bottom, every person and player in this program. I wish I could say I know what we need to do."
The Jayhawks (1-3) thought they knew what they needed to do to stop SDSU in general and SDSU quarterback Jack Hawley in particular. In the first half, they loaded up against the run and put their secondary in soft zone coverage.
Against that soft zone, Hawley completed 16 of 19 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns, giving the Aztecs an insurmountable 31-0 halftime lead.
"He played the game of his life," KU senior safety Greg Erb said. "He played the best we've seen him. Zones have holes. We knew that. But they obviously did film study, too, and they found the holes in our zone. We really couldn't stop it. It was a little frustrating."
So frustrating the Jayhawks might have packed it in?
"Right now, everything feels pretty low," Erb said. "Hopefully, we'll get our spirits back up. Time heals all wounds, and hopefully we can move on."
"I'll never give up on this team, this season," Chandler added. "Of course, it's my last one. But this season isn't over until we don't have a chance to go to a bowl game. It's over when we're out of games. After last week, people were getting down. We started separating. Sunday and Monday we started pulling people together. We'll just have to do it again. It's a pride thing."
-- Andrew Hartsock's phone number is 832-7216. His e-mail address is ahartsock@ljworld.com.
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