When Greg Heaggans bobbled the opening kickoff on his own goal line, it looked like an inauspicious beginning was about to befall Kansas’ home opener. 100 yards later, and Mark Mangino had his first lead as the Jayhawks’ head coach. Two quarters later, and KU also secured its first halftime lead.

Unfortunately for Mangino, he would enjoy his first lead for only four minutes as Southwest Missouri State intercepted an errant Bill Whittemore pass – four plays later and the game was tied at seven. That is how the first quarter would end, as both teams traded fruitless possessions.

Under an overcast but dry sky, the Jayhawks and Bears traded second-quarter touchdown drives. Kansas started with a quick 6-play drive marching 53 yards in just over a minute.

SMS answered with a clock-chewing 80-yarder to tie the score at 14. This drive lasted over 11 plays, taking more than five minute soff the clock.

KU struck right back with an 80-yard drive of their own to take back the lead for the rest of the half.

As a team, Kansas is still making simple mistakes, but fewer than they made in previous games. They are improving on every possession, it seems. Except for the opening kickoff, Kansas mounted no scoring drives until the last two of the half.

Before the game, a giant flag in the shape of the continental United States was unflurled on the field during the National Anthem. The ceremony was in rememberance of the events of September 11, 2001.

Watch the replay tonight on Sunflower Cable channel 6 at 11 p.m.

For full coverage of today’s game, read tomorrow’s Lawrence Journal-World, and see KUSports.com.