Kansas Football Notebook

During his Tuesday news conference, however, Mangino said Dyer would start if Whittemore wasnâÂÂt ready to play.

Dyer was replaced by Whittemore at halftime of the season opener at Iowa State and subsequently lost his starting job. He later emerged as one of KUâÂÂs top defensive players after moving to safety in the seventh game of the season against Colorado.

KUâÂÂs sixth-leading tackler might be forced into duty at quarterback because of knee injuries to Whittemore and backup Jonas Weatherbie.

âÂÂBillâÂÂs still day-to-day,â Mangino said. âÂÂOur trainer has briefed me twice a day on this issue. I would say that sheâÂÂs probably cautiously optimistic.âÂÂ

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Snap decision: Mangino took the red-shirt off junior-college transfer Andy Coffman during SaturdayâÂÂs 45-7 loss at Nebraska when senior Greg Nicks struggled with his long-snapping duties.

âÂÂWe just wanted to alleviate some of the anxiety that (Nicks) had because he just couldnâÂÂt get it where it needed to be in the game Saturday,â Mangino said.

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Players of the week: Coaches selected running back Clark Green, defensive lineman David McMillan and special teamer Darren Rus as players of the week.