Kansas running back James Sims cuts through a hole as he heads up the field for a big gain against McNeese State during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011 at Kivisto Field.

Running success a group effort

While realignment talk dominated Monday’s call, there was some football tossed around. Asked who deserved the credit for KU’s solid showing on the ground during Saturday’s 42-24 victory against McNeese State, Kansas head football coach Gill handed out gold stars to several positions.

“Our offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage like we wanted them to,” Gill said. “So it was great to have that, but also our tight ends and our receivers, they were physical. We really believe we have very talented running backs. We have three or four guys who are going to help our football team be successful.”

Wanted: more turnovers

The KU defense created one turnover Saturday, but that came via a fumble on a fourth-down play late in the game in which the Jayhawks had stopped McNeese State short of the first down anyway. As the opponents get tougher, starting with Saturday’s 6 p.m. battle against Northern Illinois, Gill said he needed to see more.

“I think the biggest thing we have to improve on is, I would love to increase our take-aways on the defensive side of the ball,” Gill said. “That is something that we have not done. We really talked about it. We tried to emphasize it even more. We need to get more turnovers.”