KU Will Focus On Fundamentals

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Now, more than ever, Mark Mangino and Kansas are focused on the task at hand. Having finished up the non-confernece with a 4-0 record, Mangino and the Jayhawks have a bye week and will focus all of their attention on an October 6 showdown against the Kansas State Wildcats. Mangino touched on a number of topics during an session with the media on Wednesday.

Mark Mangino spoke to the media on Wednesday afternoon. He spoke highly of the offensive line. The group, which is breaking in three new starters, has improved every week.

"I think it has been a process." Mangino said. "Every week the communication gets better. They are getting more comfortable with each other. They have improved fundamentally each and every week. This week is important because we have focused on fundamentals. The offensive line requires a great deal of fundamentals and technique."

One new player that has emerged at offensive guard is Adrian Mayes. Mayes, who came to KU as a walk on, has impressed Mangino.

"He has power and strength," he said. "In the run game he is a relentless guy, he can get after you. He has a good punch to him."

Kansas Goes 4-0 For The First Time Since 1995:

After going 4-0 for the first time since 1995, Mangino will finally have a chance to relax this weekend as Kansas enjoys a bye week.

"I am probably going to spend most of the weekend with my family," said Mangino. "I might check into some games, but if the wife and the family want to do something, it's kind of their day and I will do whatever they like."

Like most people this weekend, Mangino will have the opportunity to check out the best college football games on TV, but Mangino can't help but watch the games from a coach's perspective.

"It is a bad habit, your looking at the schemes or the pass protection, and my wife is telling me 'the guy in the end zone has the ball'," he said. "If the K-State game is on and I am not doing anything I might watch it, but we will get the full tapes the next day."

Mangino's Squad Will Concentrate on Fundamentals This Week:

Without an opponent to prepare for, the Jayhawks are trying to improve on their fundamentals this week.

"The practices are still intense, but we are more technical about how we are doing things," he said. "We want to focus on that than how we game plan. We do a lot of drill work."

Kendrick Harper Still Working His Way Back:

Cornerback Kendrick Harper is still working his way back from a preseason injury. Harper started practicing last week.

"He has looked good, a little rusty, but a lot of enthusiasm and trying to get back in the grove," he said."