Jayhawks savor first two football victories

Tickets for Texas Tech game still available.

Brandon Rideau hauls in a pass from Adam Barmann

The KU football team will look for its third straight win of the season when it travels to Evanston, Ill., to face Northwestern this Saturday.

The Jayhawks opened the 2004 season with impressive victories over Tulsa and Toledo, marking the first time KU has started 2-0 since the 1997 season. The victory over Toledo saw KU rack up over 500 yards of offense and 63 points.

"I am really proud of how we played," head coach Mark Mangino said following the Toledo win, "I felt we built off last week's performance. Our defense gave another stellar effort and the offense was very opportunistic. This is a good win and we played well in all three phases of the game."

The Toledo game signified a career best performance for sophomore running back John Randle. The Wichita, Kan., native, scored a career-high three touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 104 yards, surpassing his 77 yards (nine carries) vs. UNLV last season. His 79 receiving yards also marked a career-high. The last time KU had a 100-yard rusher was when Clark Green rushed for 103 against Colorado on Oct. 11, 2003.

Sophomore quarterback Adam Barmann's four touchdown passes tied a career-high. Barmann threw four TDs against Texas A&M last season.

Jermial Ashley recovered a fumble that led to the Jayhawks first score against Tulsa.

"Adam is doing what he is capable of and John ran very well," said Mangino, "They both had good nights. Adam had some really good throws and did a good job of recognizing pressure. Randle worked hard, ran all over the field and even pass blocked well."

Following the game at Northwestern, the Jayhawks return home to kick off the Big 12 season in a Sept. 25 game against Texas Tech. KU last met Tech in 2001 and won the thriller, 34-31, in overtime. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 800-340-HAWKS or by visiting www.kuathletics.com.

KU Athletics also is offering a three-game mini-pack to Jayhawk fans. For just $105 fans can see the final three home games against Kansas State, Colorado and Texas.