‘Slash’ Gordon cramp victim

Kansas City, Mo. ? Charles Gordon claims it was only a lack of fluids – not a lack of energy – that slowed him down in the second half.

The junior retained his “Slash” status Saturday, playing extensively on offense, defense and special teams in a 19-3 loss to Oklahoma.

He did plenty all around, too – intercepting his first two passes of the season, catching four passes as a wide receiver and returning two punts, one for 34 yards.

He was a bit less involved in the second half, though, as trainers spent much of the time massaging the tightness out of his muscles.

“I could’ve probably hydrated a little more,” Gordon said. “It was just the cramping. I wasn’t exhausted. I was just cramping, and it wouldn’t allow me to continue playing.”

Gordon spent most of his time as wide receiver, starting on offense from the onset. He returned punts as normal and played defense only during third downs and critical situations – such as when OU was goal-to-go just before halftime.

Kansas State obviously avoided throwing Gordon’s way last week, when the Carson, Calif., native primarily was a defender. But Saturday, Rhett Bomar made no reservations about testing Gordon – and it cost him.

Gordon intercepted two passes, both on short routes, giving the KU offense a spark that it refused to use to light a fire. The interceptions looked identical, and Gordon said they pretty much were.

“Basically, just reading the hips of the receiver,” Gordon said. “I felt him stopping and just located the ball and took it away.”

In one game, Gordon moved up two lists. He’s eighth on KU’s career interception list with nine, and, with his four receptions, is 17th on the reception list with 79.

All but 22 of the catches took place his freshman year.

Gordon referred both to the offense and defense as “we” in postgame interviews, and it might not be the last time – especially considering the woes of the KU offense.

“We figured that they were going to play a lot of man coverage, and they just wanted to use me to create a spark,” Gordon said. “Make some plays.”