We’re counting down the top five stories on various topics today as part of an annual recap of the top stories of the year we’ll do later this month. Join the conversation by letting us know what we missed or what stories you think are important by posting a comment, below.Though it didn’t finish at the top of the polls, the 2008 Kansas football team might have been among the nation’s leaders in highlight-reel plays. Oftentimes, KU players found themselves on ESPN’s Top 10 ranking, a segment that celebrates the best plays each day in the sports world.Looking back, here are my top five football plays from the 2008 season (note: this does not count the 2008 Orange Bowl). 5. Dezmon Briscoe breaks five (and perhaps even six) tackles on his way to a 48-yard touchdown reception against Louisiana Tech.
Briscoe displayed his NFL ability on this play, cutting across the middle and stepping through every Bulldog who attempted an arm tackle. It was also a memorable moment afterward at Memorial Stadium, as fans counted the missed tackles on the videoboard replay.4. Todd Reesing bounces off a big hit from Nebraska’s Eric Hagg before throwing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kerry Meier. Though he’s a cornerback, Hagg is listed at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. He put quite a lick on Reesing, but somehow Reesing kept his balance (and composure) before finding a wide-open Meier running free toward the end zone.3. Todd Reesing sidesteps two tacklers, launches 57-yard touchdown pass to Dezmon Briscoe against Sam Houston State.
When I first saw this play, I thought that for sure it would be the best play I would see from KU all season. Reesing made two defenders look silly by sidestepping them, then bought time by scrambling to his right before tossing the ball 60-plus yards in the air to a sprinting Briscoe. From the press box, the pass originally looked a few steps overthrown. Turned out Reesing had Briscoe’s speed measured perfectly, delivering a pass with impressive accuracy.2. Dezmon Briscoe tips the ball up to himself, then pins the ball to his helmet in a 26-yard reception against Texas.
On a play similar to David Tyree’s catch in the Super Bowl, Briscoe went up over a Texas defender, tipped the ball up to himself, then somehow managed to pin the ball against his head with one hand for the reception. It’s probably the best catch I’ve ever seen in person. Also remember it was on a fourth-and-11 and led to the Jayhawks’ only touchdown of the game.1. “The pass” from Todd Reesing to Kerry Meier, a 26-yard touchdown with 33 seconds left that helped KU defeat MU, 40-37.
This one takes the top spot based on significance alone. On fourth-and-7, Reesing managed to buy some time by moving up in the pocket before floating a touch pass to Meier for the game-winning score. Both Reesing and Meier simply made a play, as both were resourceful enough in a scramble situation to make something happen. Also helping the play was the setting (Arrowhead Stadium, a neutral site, with large snowflakes falling), which made for some great video. Later, Meier would admit that he didn’t even see Reesing throw the pass; instead, he just saw the ball in the air and ran under it. This play should be long remembered in Border War history.Honorable mention:
Jake Laptad gets 16-yard sack, safety against Colorado’s Cody Hawkins;
Daymond Patterson runs, hurdles his way to 75-yard punt return touchdown against FIU;
Jake Sharp helps change momentum with 67-yard touchdown reception against Iowa State;
Darrell Stuckey hustles to catch Louisiana Tech’s Patrick Livas from behind at the 2-yard-line to help preserve KU’s 29-0 shutout over the Bulldogs;
Stuckey chases down Missouri’s Chase Daniel on a 47-yard run, punching the ball loose from behind before recovering the fumble himself.