KU’s defense not up to snuff

As encouraging as the offense has looked at times in Kansas University’s first two football games, the defense – the heralded, highly regarded, vaunted defense – really hasn’t been lighting things up.

Even the defenders are quick to admit it.

“The offense is playing great,” linebacker Kevin Kane said. “Defensively, we need to be more assignment-sound. We can’t let teams run up and down the field on us.”

After watching film of KU’s 36-8 victory over Appalachian State on Saturday, coach Mark Mangino saw some deficiencies in the D, too – namely tackling and being cleaner with zone coverage.

“The style of offense Appy State played, we played a little bit more conservative than we usually do,” Mangino said. “We didn’t want the quarterback to create big plays.”

Not that the defense has been bad. It just hasn’t been the type of defense that completely overwhelms inferior opponents like ASU and Florida Atlantic – the type that looks to be among the best in the Big 12 Conference.

It’s not the type of defense it has the potential of being after last year’s seasonlong solid effort.

“Last year, we went in with a chip on our shoulder,” Kane said. “A lot of people didn’t believe we had a defense that was any good. This year, I think we’ve been pumped up a little too much. We know we have to go out and play a lot better.”

Kansas University's Charles Gordon, lower left, and Nick Reid tackle Appalachian State's Hans Batichon in the first half of the Jayhawks' 36-8 victory. KU improved to 2-0 with the win Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The one consistent force appears to be senior Nick Reid, KU’s leading tackler the last two years. He’s well on his way to claiming the title again, racking up 14 stops Saturday to go with his 11 in opening week. Now, it’s just a matter of the rest of the returning players finding the ’04 swagger – and the new guys finding a comfortable groove, as well.

“I’m pleased with everything,” Mangino said. “I expect them to step it up another notch. And they will.”

¢ Heaggans all right: Senior kick-return specialist Greg Heaggans didn’t dress for the second straight week, but he’s not on anyone’s bad side.

“Greg’s on the team,” Mangino said. “I gave him some time off to deal with some personal issues. I suspect this week, we’ll dress him for the game.”

¢ Haselhorst gone: Offensive lineman Todd Haselhorst might not see a down of playing time this season.

The sophomore from Olathe was seen at the Olathe East High football game Friday with a cast on his arm. Mangino confirmed Sunday that he had surgery to repair an undisclosed injury.

“It’s been a problem that’s bothered him for quite a while,” Mangino said, “and it’s gotten progressively worse and progressively worse.”

Haselhorst moved to offense in the offseason after playing defensive tackle as a true freshman. Mangino said the problem was bad even before the Florida Atlantic game. Haselhorst hasn’t used his redshirt yet.

“I would say it’s unlikely that he will return for the season,” Mangino said.