Takeaways are the ultimate pick-me-up for a college football team, and no squad in the Big 12 Conference knows it quite like Kansas University.

In 2004, the Jayhawks forced 27 turnovers — eight fumble recoveries and 19 interceptions. Nobody in the conference had more takeaways, and only Colorado had as many. But even the Buffalos can’t claim a share of the crown with a straight face — they needed 13 games to reach 27; KU played just 11.

The statistic flew under the radar in the weeks following the end of KU’s season, and it’s just another example of how good the Jayhawk defense was in 2004.

But can it be repeated in 2005?

“I think our takeaways basically were a total defensive-unit effort,” coach Mark Mangino said. “Some of those interceptions were because of great pass rush or perhaps a blitz. A few of them were tipped balls. Some of the fumbles were forced by any number of players. It was a total effort.”

And one that Kansas needs to match to enjoy similar success in 2005. Mangino has a goal for his squad this fall — rank in the top three in turnover margin in the conference. Despite being No. 1 in takeaways last year, the Jayhawks were sixth overall in turnover margin at plus-4, because the offense had 23 giveaways, seventh in the Big 12.

The conference’s top three teams in turnover margin — led by Oklahoma State’s flashy plus-17 — all went to bowl games last year.

“I always felt that if you could be top three in your conference in turnover margin,” Mangino said, “that means that you probably had a pretty good season.”

The takeaway leader for KU last year was Charles Gordon, the All-American cornerback who led the nation with seven interceptions, all in KU’s last seven games. He’ll be back at cornerback for his junior season, likely manning the opposition’s most dangerous wide-receiver threat.

Kansas University's Nick Reid pulls down Toledo's Bruce Gradkowski, left, forcing a turnover in the Jayhawks' 63-14 victory. Toledo had five fumbles and lost three on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.

But even if Gordon improves this offseason, anything less than seven picks in 2005 shouldn’t be seen as a disappointment. Often, interceptions come from the combination of talent, instinct, preparation, opportunity and maybe even a little luck. Gordon has the first three. The last two are out of his hands.

“He’s created opportunities for himself by being where he’s supposed to be on the field and doing what he’s assigned to do,” Mangino said. “It’d be great if Charles could get a bunch of picks. If he didn’t get any, that’d be a pretty good sign that teams are throwing away from him.”

Gordon can expect to be avoided to an extent in 2005, but KU returns many playmakers in the secondary, including Rodney Harris (four interceptions in 2004), Theo Baines (one interception, four break-ups), Rodney Fowler and Ronnie and Donnie Amadi. In addition, KU boasts an experienced linebacker corps to assist in pass coverage when the situation calls for it.

KU’s 19 interceptions last season topped the Big 12, and to reach Mangino’s turnover-margin goal, a similar effort in 2005 would boost the top-three possibility immensely.

Despite the lofty aspirations, and the fact that Gordon no longer is a secret, KU’s defense is ready to provide more pick-me-ups this fall.

“It’s a warning to all of our kids that play corner that you may be getting tested early on a lot more than Charles,” Mangino said. “We just need to play good, sound football at those corner positions. What has helped us it that we’ve escalated our level of play at corner. It’s helped our entire defense.”