Notebook

Meier ailing

Kansas University freshman quarterback Kerry Meier did not suit up with the team because of an undisclosed medical issue. He won’t be a candidate to play next week, either.

“We were very fortunate we caught something that may have gone undetected if we didn’t have some advanced medical screening for new players,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “We’re very thankful for that.”

Mangino said Meier would be OK and requested privacy on the matter. Meier spent the game in an upstairs booth with the assistant coaches.

Freshmen dress

True freshmen who did suit up include Raimond Pendleton, James Holt, Kyle Davis, Brandon Duncan, Darrell Stuckey, Tang Bacheyie, Kayl Anderson, Justin Thornton, Alex Hanson, Russell Brorsen and Josh Bell.

Brorsen and Holt were the only two who played.

Oops

Thornton’s name was misspelled on the back of his No. 46 jersey, missing the first “n.”

Out of uniform

Notable players who didn’t suit up include Meier, Greg Heaggans, Bruce Ringwood, Marcus Anderson and Jonathan Lamb.

Surprise starter

The only surprise among the starting lineups was at defensive tackle, where junior-college transfer Rodney Allen started ahead of Tim Allen. Rodney Allen was playing defensive end for most of preseason, but couldn’t crack the starting lineup ahead of seniors Jermial Ashley and Charlton Keith.

OL rotation

The offensive guard position saw a steady rotation between Jake Cox, Bob Whitaker and Travis Dambach. Whitaker and Cox started the game, but Dambach had just as much playing time.

Gordon mark

Junior Charles Gordon became KU’s all-time leading punt returner in terms of yardage with his 47 return yards Saturday, giving him 648 for his career. He passed Donnie Shanklin, who had 606 yards playing from 1966 to 1968.

Lights out

A bank of lights in the northwest corner of Memorial Stadium went out in the third quarter, but the game wasn’t delayed. It came right back on after taking a little time to warm up.

Kick coverage

One of KU’s bright spots last season was kickoff coverage, and it was strong again Saturday. Two kicks that were returned by FAU didn’t make it past the 15-yard line.

OT ailing

Offensive tackle Cesar Rodriguez was injured in the third quarter, staying on the turf for several minutes. He walked off under his own power without a limp and returned in the fourth quarter.

Rushing numbers

Clark Green’s 20-carry, 107-yard performance propelled a 201-yard rushing attack by the Jayhawks. They didn’t come close to the 200-yard plateau in any games last season.

Reid a force

Nick Reid quietly put together a solid game, registering 11 tackles (four for a loss) and forcing a fumble. He was KU’s leading tackler.

Another opening win

KU now has won the last two season openers. In the Mark Mangino era, the Jayhawks have won three of four home openers, beating Southwest Missouri State (2002), Tulsa (2004) and FAU.