No daydreaming

OK, so it had to be asked.

Though Kansas has thrived in part because of its ability to stay focused on the task at hand, fans everywhere can’t help but think of KU’s potential this season, especially being ranked No. 4 in the BCS standings.

So KU coach Mark Mangino was asked Tuesday if he ever started contemplating what could become of Kansas, like perhaps a shot at the national championship.

“You know better than that. C’mon,” joked Mangino, a firm believer in the one-game-at-a-time cliche. “Good try, though. Nice shot. At least your boss will know you gave an effort.”

Wanting 14

KU free safety Darrell Stuckey mentioned playing 14 games this season, which would mean a trip to the Big 12 championship on Dec. 1. He was asked, then, if anything short of 14 games on the schedule would be a disappointment.

“Of course it would,” Stuckey said. “We want to win all of our games, and if winning all of our games means there’s 14 games on our schedule, we’ll plan to play 14 games.”

Webb fine

KU kicker Scott Webb appears unfazed by a couple of missed kicks last week against Nebraska. The senior plunked an extra-point attempt off the right upright and was short on a 51-yard field-goal attempt in the 76-39 KU victory.

But amnesia apparently has set in.

“I shake it off,” Webb said. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

Defending Talib

KU cornerback Aqib Talib, an All-America candidate, was on the wrong end of two touchdown receptions by Nebraska’s Maurice Purify on Saturday. But Mangino insists that Talib didn’t play badly.

“Aqib had him covered doggone well,” Mangino said of Purify’s second touchdown. “(Purify) had to go up high to get it, and he made a good play on it.”

Players of the game

Surprising to nobody, KU quarterback Todd Reesing was named offensive player of the game for throwing a half-dozen touchdowns against Nebraska. Kick-returner Marcus Herford was cited for special teams. Nobody was selected for defense.