hawk football: keepers of the (sad losing) tradition

Entering a virtual must-win game at 5-4, losers of four straight, including last week's tough fourth quarter collapse against the in-state rival, could KU overcome its historic past and win a game it has to have?

Our would the "keepers of the tradition", our beloved Jayhawk players, somehow find a way to once again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as only Hawk Football can?

There's only one way to find out ...

* left for Lawrence a little after 11. The attendees for the final game of the season in Lawrence? Me, Gregg and Brent. Probably a fitting crew given what was to unfold. Because if anyone understands the frustration, the sheer and utter frustration, that being a Hawk Football fan means, its the three of us.

* first "tradition" mistake of the day: no Chicago on the drive up. Also, it didn't help that Gregg kept trying to tell a story he read, and every damned time he got to the setup line, either his phone or Brent's phone or my phone would ring and prevent the story from going forward.

* second "tradition" mistake of the day: from the "definite brain fart" department, Brent drives through "the tunnel", reaches Sixth Street ... and turns left. By the time we parked at about 8th and Mass, Gregg finally noted the obvious. "Why are we parking here"? Apparently we were all so focused on getting some food and libations at Quinton's, that we neglected to realize why we were really in Lawrence, for some football. Thankfully, plenty of good parking still on Ohio just north of 9th.

* after a walk back that, of course, paid homage to the "tradition" known as "the single most ridiculous thing we've ever witnessed on 8th Street" (the kid who came sprinting around the corner and just let it whiz in the alley before the OU game), it was off to Quinton's. Only ... Quinton's was jammed packed. I fear my favorite little bar is becoming better known. Fortunately, someone came up with the inspired thought that "hey, there's seating out back!" Our nice waitress turned on the heater, and it was party on.

* of course, no trip to Lawrence is complete without a visit from everyone's favorite parents, Mark and Rita! Rita had the line of the day, as she was telling a story, she dropped the "You might think I'm crazy" line, and Mark's expression was just priceless. Good times.

* after finishing up some good food, some good adult beverages, and some good conversations, it was off to Hawk Football. Although, as noted on the walk through the alley behind Quinton's, "This isn't the same without Mark". Agreed. Also, apparently the Abercrombie and Fitch on 7th and Mass is no more. When Abercrombie can't make it in a college town dominated by JoCo kids with daddy's credit card, sweet Jesus, what is this world coming to? I mean really. If an Abercrombie can't make it in JoCo East, what hope is there for any Abercrombie? And how will I ever fulfill my lifelong dream to be the Abercrombie catalog centerfold? The things that keep me up at night, I swear.

* hit up the car to grab some winter accessories, then it was off for the last stop of 2009 at Jensen Liquors. I was on the only one buying, ensuring that at least one "tradition" was met. Brent stopped in as well to "see what music they're playing today". Folks, you know a liquor store is a keeper when people are stopping in to hear the latest and the greatest in stoner music.

* the walk in on Mississippi was, uuh, interesting. OK, hear me out on this one. All of us have one buddy / friend / insert term-of-endearment here, who no matter where you go, they know at least one person. Doesn't matter how random the event is, they're guaranteed to know at least one person. I have two people like that. My brother. And Brent. Who ran into Danni on the walk in. Yes, that Danni, who not only enjoys a trip to everyone's favorite "steakhouse", she's willing to "pay" for her ride home.

* opted not to go for a fourth "tradition", the shot at the Don Fambrough Memorial Bench. (Again, I'm confused about this: is it a "memorial bench" if the man is still alive?) Anyways, it was nice to see the illegal tailgate has been dealt with. If us common folk can't set up shop on the Hill anymore, why should anyone get to.

* thankfully a fifth "tradition" emerged unchallenged for a second straight year. At 32 years old, I still get admitted as a "youth" for every home game. At least the KU ticket takers have a great sense of humor. The guy taking my ducket just looked up and laughed out loud. I smiled back, and he said "enjoy the game, kid". I love folks with a sense of humor. Who are also willing to stick it to the man every now and then.

* great seats this week. Section 20, row 38, on the aisle. Basically, halfway up, 40 yard line.

* the only drawback: the deuschebag who used to wear the 95 old school (aka "late 70s") Hawk Football jersey was in front of us. Shockingly, he's mellowed out in the last year. Even more amazingly, he's apparently figured out to step down rather than step up onto the bench. Not sure what prompted the sudden change from "biggest prick in the student section" to "bearable Hawk fan", but I'll take it.

* I have no idea how we managed to get this game tied at 10 before the half. I think I speak for every KU fan in that stadium when I say "we'll take it". KU played like horse manure for most of the first half. Then again, that was kind of the theme of the game -- KU outplayed, out-coached, out-executed ... yet somehow still in the game.

* One think the Hawks did do right: our offensive line turned in a A+ effort in shutting down the Nebraska front four. I don't recall every hearing Suh's name. Considering there's not a single senior on the front five, I'd say that's a good sign for 2010.

* Hawks battle back, take the lead at 17-16 with a little over 8 minutes to go. The stadium is going nuts. This is the moment some would argue killed us, the short kickoff and tremendous return. But the Hawk defense stood. First down, nothing, gain of one. Second down, no gain. Then a false start caused by crowd noise, setting up 3rd and 14.

I argued a few posts (and a few weeks ago) that the OU game was the defining moment of the Mangino era. That if we couldn't win that game, in that spot, given those circumstances, that it was never going to happen. I fear, a year from now, if this promising program again undergoes a Glen Mason type ending ... that Thornton's face mask on the 3rd and 14 stop will be the moment that we point to, that it all collapsed.

I have rarely felt as, uuh, heartbroken, over one play, as I did that one. The stadium was rocking. KU's much maligned defense had been dealt an impossible hand ... and somehow had held. And yet, that hand, just couldn't avoid the facemask on the tackle.

That's tough.

* KU never recovered. Nebraska scored on the next play to take the lead. Converted a controversial two point conversion (I thought Lee was behind the line of scrimmage, but it was close). KU went three and out, and then gave up two key third down conversions to Nebraska, followed by the clinching touchdown.

* Postgame, not much to report. They were handing out stress-ball KU helmets after the game. Which made no sense for two reasons: (1) we needed the stress-ball helmets about 4 hours ago, and (2) after a loss like that, you're handing out objects for folks to throw? Oy.

* Didn't go anywhere afterwards other than home. Places to go and people to see.

* One game left for Hawk Football 2009, against MU at Arrowhead. The odds are, even if KU wins to get bowl-eligible, they won't make a bowl. To say that is disappointing, is an understatement. To go from 5-0, ranked #15 in the nation ... to 5-5, staring a prime time beatdown at Texas in the face, and needing to beat your hated rival just to have a shot to spend New Year's Eve in Shreveport ... oy.

Probably not what the powers that be meant by "History Awaits" ...