SB Nation Kansas City: All Posts by Cody Ulmhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48935/kc-fave.png2013-01-03T07:00:45-06:00https://kansascity.sbnation.com/authors/cody-ulm/rss2013-01-03T07:00:45-06:002013-01-03T07:00:45-06:00Your comprehensive Fiesta Bowl preview
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Fiesta Bowl hardly let's fans down and this year, it's looking like the second best matchup behind the BCS National Championship. </p> <p>Not too long ago, it seemed like the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a> and Kansas State Wildcats were destined to meet in Miami for the BCS Championship game.</p>
<p>Instead, they'll have to settle for a rendezvous at the other end of the country.</p>
<p>No. 4 and 5 in the BCS standings will look to take their frustrations out on each other in the Fiesta Bowl and hopefully treat the crowd to competitive matchup in the process. But if you factor in recent history, it could be difficult for the Ducks and Wildcats to follow up the excitement of some of the past couple games.</p>
<p>If you're unfamiliar with frantic fun that is the Fiesta Bowl, four of the most recent six games have been determined by one touchdown or less. Even crazier, in three of those games, the victor has won by one field goal or less.</p>
<p>And with the Ducks and Wildcats averaging a combined 91.5 points per game, it seems like everyone watching will be treated to a doozy.</p>
<p><b>Game date and time: </b>Jan. 3, 2013 at 8:30 p.m. EST</p>
<p><b>Location: </b>University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ</p>
<p><b>TV Schedule: </b>ESPN</p>
<p><b>Watch Online:</b> WatchESPN</p>
<p><b>Radio Schedule</b>: ESPN Radio</p>
<p><b>Last Year's Game:</b> Oklahoma State 41 - Stanford 38 in OT</p>
<p><em>Look through SB Nation's many excellent <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs#college">college football blogs</a> to find your team's community.</em></p>
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https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-football/2013/1/3/3818058/fiesta-bowl-2013-kansas-state-oregon-game-time-tv-schedule-locationCody Ulm2012-10-28T19:56:11-05:002012-10-28T19:56:11-05:00Kansas State at No. 2 in latest BCS rankings
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<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
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<p>The BCS computers believe that the Kansas State Wildcats are the second best team in the country, ladies and gentlemen. </p> <p>For the first time in the history of the BCS standings, the Kansas State Wildcats are the No. 2 team in all the land, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/28/3568826/bcs-rankings-2012-top-25-kansas-state-oregon-notre-dame">according to the computer's most recent rankings. </a></p>
<p>KSU's jump comes on the heels of the former No. 2 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/florida-gators" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Gators</a> falling to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/georgia-bulldogs" class="sbn-auto-link">Georgia Bulldogs</a> on Saturday. The Wildcats were the choice for the new second best team in the nation over Notre Dame and Oregon after Kansas State hung 55 points against a ranked opponent for the second straight week (55-24 win over No. 14 Texas Tech Saturday).</p>
<p>As for the rest of the Big-12, Oklahoma fell four spots to No. 12 after losing 30-13 to Notre Dame. The Red Raiders fell four spots too to No. 18 after the Wildcats destroyed them and Texas remains at No. 23. Oklahoma State is also a new entry to the top-25 coming in at No. 24</p>
<p>The full BCS Top 25 heading into Week 10:</p>
<ol>
<li>Alabama</li>
<li>Kansas State</li>
<li>Notre Dame</li>
<li>Oregon</li>
<li>LSU</li>
<li>Georgia</li>
<li>Florida</li>
<li>South Carolina</li>
<li>Florida State</li>
<li>Louisville</li>
<li>Oregon State</li>
<li>Oklahoma</li>
<li>Clemson</li>
<li>Stanford</li>
<li>Mississippi State</li>
<li>Texas A&M</li>
<li>USC</li>
<li>Texas Tech</li>
<li>Boise State</li>
<li>Nebraska</li>
<li>West Virginia</li>
<li>Arizona</li>
<li>Texas</li>
<li>Oklahoma State</li>
<li>Louisiana Tech</li>
</ol>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/10/28/3568948/bcs-rankings-2012-week-10Cody Ulm2012-10-28T19:38:57-05:002012-10-28T19:38:57-05:00Moral victory for Jayhawks against Texas
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<figcaption>John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Kansas Jayhawks almost pulled off a quiet upset of the Texas Longhorns Sunday and Rock Chalk Talk has the fans' reactions.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a> nearly came away with a shocking upset at home Saturday afternoon, narrowly falling to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a>, 21-17.</p>
<p>What makes it even more stunning is the fact that they lead with two minutes left despite the fact that the Jayhawks' quarterback, Michael Cummings, only had three completions for 39 yards throughout the entire 60 minutes football game. But with RB James Sims (28 carries, 176 yards) moving the offense just enough, a greatly improved Kansas defense was able to keep the team competitive throughout. </p>
<p>Like most, the fine gentlemen over at <a href="http://www.rockchalktalk.com/2012/10/28/3566278/kansas-upset-bid-comes-up-short-against-texas" target="_blank">Rock Chalk Talk</a> don't believe in moral victories but they couldn't help feeling a little bit encouraged by their team's play Sunday:</p>
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<p>"Moral victories are often shrugged off as something that shouldn't be celebrated and yes Texas isn't the same Texas that they were three years ago, but yesterday this Kansas Jayhawk football team was competitive for the sixth time in eight games and the way they played for four quarters really does provide a significant amount of hope as we continue to look toward the future."</p>
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<p>Rock Chalk Talk goes on to say that the players deserve "a tip of the hat" as well as the coaches for their "continued progress and improvement." </p>
<p>For more Jayhawks coverage, head on over to <a href="http://www.rockchalktalk.com/" target="_blank">Rock Chalk Talk. </a></p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-football/2012/10/28/3568852/kansas-texas-2012-reactionCody Ulm2012-10-03T15:33:02-05:002012-10-03T15:33:02-05:00Chiefs kick the tires on center Andre Gurode
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Kansas City Chiefs worked out free agent center Andre Gurode Wednesday.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> continued the search to solve their center issues Wednesday by working out free agent <span>Andre Gurode</span>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2012/10/3/3448912/Chiefs-Workout-Cowboys-Ravens-Center-Andre-Gurode">according to Aaron Wilson.</a></p>
<p>Gurode, a second round draft pick of the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a> back in 2002, played nine seasons for Dallas at center before signing with the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> to play guard in 2011. He's made five Pro Bowls in his career and has also been honored as an All-Pro selection twice (2007, 2009). Gurode has started 127 games in his 151 game career.</p>
<p>If signed, Gurode could possibly replace <span>Ryan Lilja</span> at center or <span>Jeff Allen</span> at guard. The Chiefs have already added two offensive lineman (<span>Russ Hochstein</span> and <span>Bryan Mattison</span>) since losing starting center <span>Rodney Hudson</span> to a broken leg last month.</p>
<p>Kansas City signed linebacker <span>Bryan Kehl</span> to take TE <span>Kevin Boss</span>' place on the roster earlier Wednesday so they'd have to cut another player to make room for 34-year-old guard if he is signed.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/10/3/3450666/andre-gurode-kansas-city-chiefsCody Ulm2012-10-03T14:46:49-05:002012-10-03T14:46:49-05:00Romeo Crennel "disappointed" to lose Kevin Boss
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<figcaption>Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Head coach Romeo Crennel spoke out about the team's reaction to TE Kevin Boss' season-ending concussion Wednesday.</p> <p><a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> head coach Romeo Crennel expressed his displeasure after Wednesday's practice regarding <a target="_blank" href="http://kansascity.sbnation.com/2012/10/3/3449606/chiefs-kevin-boss-injury-out-for-season">the news</a> that the team will be without tight end <span>Kevin Boss</span> (concussion) for the remainder of 2012.</p>
<p>Here is what Crennel specifically had to say on the matter:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Kevin was disappointed, we're disappointed because we thought he was a good addition to the team, we felt like he would be able to help us, and he enjoys playing football, wants to play football ... He'll take time to try to get back and get himself together and then in the mean time we'll keep treating and working with him and kind of go from there."</p>
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<p>The Chiefs brought Boss on board from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a> with a three-year, $9 million dollar contract this past offseason. He was expected to be paired with <span>Tony Moeaki</span> to form a formidable tight end duo and was performing relatively well with three receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown before injury.</p>
<p>Boss suffered the concussion during a Week 2 matchup against the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> when S D'Norris Searcy speared Boss' helmet with his elbow following his 29-yard reception. The Chiefs are expected to continue using TE <span>Steve Maneri</span> in Boss' place.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/10/3/3450442/kevin-boss-injury-chiefs-disappointedCody Ulm2012-10-03T13:07:09-05:002012-10-03T13:07:09-05:00Chiefs lead NFL in turnover department
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<figcaption>Peter Aiken - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Head coach Romeo Crennel has been trying to cut down on the giveaways with his Chiefs team leading the NFL in turnovers allowed.</p> <p>With a quarter of the 2012 season in the books, the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas City Chiefs</a> are leading the NFL in turnovers (15) while also coming up last in turnover differential (-13).</p>
<p>Overall, the Chiefs have coughed up eight fumbles while quarterback <span>Matt Cassel</span> has tossed seven picks. These numbers are something that head coach Romeo Crennel finds absolutely unacceptable and he shared his plan to cut down on this issue in Tuesday's press conference:</p>
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<p>"One thing is we work on it more. All week we're going to put more emphasis on hanging on to the football. I don't believe Jamaal (Charles) had fumbled the ball at all in the first three games. Now, he has a bad game as far as the turnovers go, so we're going to work with the skill positions on hanging on to the football and try to get them to understand that the ball is the most important thing and that we have to have ball possession."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>But things won't be getting any easier this week with the 1-3 Chiefs set to face a <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a> team whose eight takeaways are second in the AFC.</p>
<p>If the Chiefs have another disastrous first half like they did against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Chargers</a> last week (five turnovers including four in the first sixteen plays), it won't be long before Cassel and possibly Crennel lose their jobs.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/10/3/3449832/kansas-city-chiefs-turnoversCody Ulm2012-09-26T16:29:30-05:002012-09-26T16:29:30-05:00Crennel confirms Hudson won't return in 2012
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<figcaption>Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel confirmed that there's no way C Rodney Hudson is coming back in 2012.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> head coach Romeo Crennel shared with the media that center <span>Rodney Hudson</span> (broken leg) will not be designated to return from the injured reserve, <a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2012/9/26/3412790/rodney-hudson-injury-romeo-crennel-transcript-chiefs" target="_blank">according to the transcript from his Wednesday press conference.</a></p>
<p>Here's precisely what Crennel had to say on the subject when asked if Hudson would be eligible to return down the road:</p>
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<p>"Hudson will remain on IR right now because the way it looks, it's going to be several weeks with him...There's a broken bone, but it doesn't require surgery and he's got to be off of it for several weeks and then several weeks on crutches, so it's going to be most of the season. It's going to be most of the season, so that's why he's not going to be able to come back."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Crennel also confirmed that Hudson's ACL was unaffected while adding that <span>Ryan Lilja</span> will be his replacement at center this week.</p>
<p>Hudson was a 2011 second round draft selection (55th overall) of the Chiefs after starting all four years at multiple positions across the line at Florida State.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/9/26/3413910/chiefs-rodney-hudson-injury-injured-reserveCody Ulm2012-09-26T14:49:22-05:002012-09-26T14:49:22-05:00Kansas State receives first place vote in BlogPoll
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<p>The Kansas State Wildcats jumped up eight spots in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/26/3411244/college-football-rankings-week-5-2012-alabama-florida-state-oregon" target="_blank">SB Nation's BlogPoll </a>following Saturday's 24-19 upset of the then No. 6 ranked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oklahoma-sooners">Oklahoma Sooners</a>.</p>
<p>Kansas State is now ranked sixth after the most current polling behind Alabama, Oregon, Florida State, LSU and Georgia in that order. The Wildcats were also one of seven teams to receive at least one first place vote with the fine gentlemen over at the Arizona State blog<a href="http://www.houseofsparky.com/" target="_blank"> House of Sparky</a> believing Kansas State is the best team in the land. </p>
<p>By handing Oklahoma the loss, the Wildcats knocked the Sooners down eleven spots in the rankings and they now rest at 17th overall. </p>
<p>Along with Kansas State and Oklahoma, there are two other Big 12 schools in the top 25 (the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-longhorns">Texas Longhorns</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/tcu-horned-frogs">TCU Horned Frogs</a>).</p>
<p>Kansas State's position shouldn't fluctuate that much with the team not taking the field again till Oct. 6 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-jayhawks">Kansas Jayhawks</a>. After that, the Wildcats have another Big 12 foe in the form of Iowa State before their marquee matchup against West Virginia on the road (ranked tenth in the latest BlogPoll).</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/9/26/3413218/college-football-rankings-kansas-state-blogpollCody Ulm2012-09-26T14:31:09-05:002012-09-26T14:31:09-05:00Chiefs produce Emmy-winning product
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<figcaption>Kyle Rivas - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Kansas City Chiefs' production crew, 65 Toss Power Trap Productions, took home 11 regional Emmy Awards on Saturday.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> production crew, 65 Toss Power Trap Productions, might need some more shelf space after earning 11 regional Emmy Awards from the NATAs Mid-America Chapter this past Saturday.</p>
<p>"I can't express how pleased we are to be part of such a fantastic franchise that allows us the ability to create, inform and entertain," Chiefs vice president of media and marketing Robert Alberino said. "The freedom we have is so very appreciated."</p>
<p>The 65 Toss Power Trap Productions gang was honored with 27 nominations for the 2011 Emmy season. Their 11 Emmy statues will rest next to the seven the group won in 2010, all seven of which were the first in the history of the organization.</p>
<p>"The ability to put this team and its history on display for the fan base across the country is an honor and a responsibility we do not take lightly," Alberino added. "We will continue to remain on the cutting edge as we strive to be the single-most coveted production arm in all of major league sports."</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/9/26/3413104/chiefs-emmy-awards-productionCody Ulm2012-09-26T14:13:32-05:002012-09-26T14:13:32-05:00Bill Snyder doesn't mess around in bye weeks
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<p>Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder shared with the media in Tuesday's press conference that he plans on "utilizing the time wisely" during his team's bye week.</p>
<p>Fresh off a 24-19 victory over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oklahoma-sooners" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma Sooners</a> on the road at Norman, Snyder explained that it's important to give his players rest as much as possible without losing that motivation factor:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We do not have to do all of the physical work that the players do, and so players need a little bit of time ... We met yesterday, but we did not practice yesterday, which we normally practice Monday."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>But just because they may have gotten to take it easy doesn't mean that Snyder plans to continue to let it be that way:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We will practice throughout the next three days, and then we will have meetings on Friday and have an AM practice on Saturday. Our coaches looked at a lot of different things, the major thing that they are looking at right now is what we can do to assist the players in becoming better players, better units, and, consequently, a better team."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Snyder did add that these practices aren't about "the hustle-bustle of trying to get prepared for the next opponent right away" but rather trying to continue to improve and carry the momentum from last week's victory. When asked if the bye week was a positive thing though, Snyder quickly replied that only later results will be able to answer that question:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I think we will have to wait two weeks to see. Ask me two Tuesdays from now and I will have a better idea."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Wildcats (4-0) take the field again Oct. 6 against a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-jayhawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas Jayhawks</a> team that has lost three straight.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/9/26/3412982/kansas-state-vs-kansas-bye-weekCody Ulm