Misunderstanding?

KU associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said before Tuesday’s news conference that a publicized non-interview between coach Mark Mangino and ESPN sideline reporter Jack Arute during KU’s 19-14 victory over Colorado was just a “miscommunication.”

Typically, a TV sideline reporter will talk to the coach of the winning team as he’s heading into the locker room on camera, and the coach of the losing team after halftime off camera. Arute, though, interviewed Colorado coach Dan Hawkins on camera despite KU being up 3-0 at halftime.

Arute then said on the air in the third quarter that Mangino wouldn’t talk to him after halftime.

“They changed what they said they were going to do,” Marchiony rebutted.

Marchiony said KU and ESPN have straightened it out, and it shouldn’t be an issue for Saturday’s game at Texas A&M, which will be shown on ESPN2.

Running the ball

Though quarterback Todd Reesing’s strength certainly is his passing ability, he’s just good enough to keep defenses thinking about his scrambling, too. Reesing has 215 rushing yards this season, including a 53-yard scamper against Colorado that marks KU’s longest run from scrimmage this season.

“He’s been ragging on me all week that he’s got the high-end gear I don’t have,” speedy running back Jake Sharp said with a laugh. “It’s good. I’m happy for Todd. He’s a playmaker, and having him on the field is definitely beneficial to us.”

No more delays

Despite using a new offense with a new way of signaling in plays from the sideline, KU has been whistled for a delay-of-game penalty only one time in the first seven games.

It happened during the first quarter of Saturday’s 19-14 victory over Colorado.

“That was my fault,” Reesing said, “but I think the ref set that 25-second clock pretty fast. Coaches agreed.

“Usually, with the ways we get the plays in and how fast we’re going, I get a feel for how much time we have,” Reesing said. “That came out of nowhere. That’s on my shoulders, but I don’t think it will happen again.”

Aggie injury update

The Aggies are getting their health back, it appears.

Cornerback Jordan Peterson, who also returns punts, is expected to play against Kansas after missing the Nebraska game because of injury.

Also, Aggies coach Dennis Franchione said he was hopeful, but not sure, that tight end Martellus Bennett would be available Saturday after also missing last week’s game with an undisclosed setback.

Players of the game

KU senior Kyle Tucker was named special teams player of the week, after displaying clutchness while punting at Colorado and also executing a difficult hold on Scott Webb’s 48-yard, first-half field goal.

James Holt (15 tackles) and Justin Thornton (interception) split defensive honors, while Reesing was cited for offense.