KU-Texas game of ’04 not on Mangino’s mind

Kansas coach Mark Mangino was quick to dispel questions Monday about whether 2004’s near-miss against then-No. 6 Texas – a 27-23 loss that ended on a controversial call – would provide an added advantage or motivation heading into this year’s matchup.

The game, which helped Texas advance to the Rose Bowl later that season, left Kansas fans seething and sparked an animated post-game press conference from Mangino, who implied that the Longhorns’ reputation as a college football mega-power played a part in a fourth-quarter offensive pass interference penalty that sealed a Texas victory.

“That game was played in 2004,” Mangino said. “That was a while back. Most of the players are gone that played in that game on both teams. So, no, it’s history. We have to focus on preparing for an awfully good Texas team this Saturday that’s completely different from that one.”

Big 12 South picture murky

By this time next week, Mangino and his team will have faced each of the three Big 12 South teams – Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech – still vying for a spot in the Big 12 championship game on Dec. 6.

However, asked who he thought would be deserving of the South title if a three-way tie were to occur, a scenario many experts say is a distinct possibility, Mangino decided to plead the fifth.

“I think all three are excellent football teams,” Mangino said, chuckling. “And I think … we’ll let the computer figure it out. That’s too big for me to figure out.”