Sometimes Turnovers don't matter. Sometimes they do.Sometimes Turnovers don't matter. Sometimes they do.

I reject any loss of confidence argument regarding Todd Reesing. I’m of the opinion that it must be a physical problem that has led to one of the most amazing metamorphoses I have ever seen in an athlete – or at least a football player. It’s not unusual for baseball players to go in slumps – even basketball players. But, college QBs generally play reasonably consistently game in and game out – at least Senior QBs do – at least Senior QBs that have been extremely consistent the rest of their careers do – at least Senior QBs that have receivers like Briscoe and Meier … do. So what is going on with TR the past four games?

It’s obvious his groin injury suffered at Colorado (first of the four straight losses) has not allowed him to play at 100% - or even close. For KU fans, it is extremely disappointing considering what might have been. KU was 5-0, ranked, averaging over 40 ppg and in excellent position to win the North when Reesing stepped foot on Colorado soil. At the time, he already had almost 1,600 yards to go with his 13 TDs and only 3 interceptions. Even better, he was coming off two record seasons at Kansas.

Some will argue that his confidence is shot. Perhaps, but I doubt it. There is only so much you can do with an injury. Reesing was a very successful high school player. He has played in lots of big games in college. He’s 2-0 in bowls. He played Missouri for a late season (national #1 ranking). I don’t think playing Colorado or Texas Tech or Kansas State would have any bearing whatsoever on his confidence.

Naturally, you can argue that if he is physically unable to perform to his standards, then he may lack the necessary confidence the following week. But, the negative results are because of the injury – not the mind. Reesing is a 3.64 student with a double major in Economics and Finance. I seriously doubt mental issues are having much of an effect on him.

No matter what the reasons, it’s disappointing to see. However, it’s a common occurrence in college football. How is Heisman Trophy winner – Bradford’s - season going? How about Dez Bryant? What happened to Iowa’s BCS bowl chances Saturday when their QB got injured – a 10-0 lead deteriorated into a 10-17 loss to Northwestern. Things happen in sports and you just have to roll with the punches.

NOLAN CROMWELL

I’m kind of reminded of another KU FB success story – Nolan Cromwell. He converted from a defensive back to QB for his Junior and Senior seasons. As a Junior he led the team to a bowl game – including a 23-3 defeat of Oklahoma – ending the Sooner’s 28-game winning streak and 37-game unbeaten string. Earlier in that season (1975) he set an NCAA record for rushing yards by a QB (294 versus Oregon State).

His Senior season started off great. KU was 4-0 and ranked #8 nationally. Of course, KU fans recall him being injured (in a bit of irony) against Oklahoma. Kansas lost five of their last seven games in 1976. The following three seasons had a combined record of 7-25-1.

BACK TO REESING

The QB position is always critical. However, in the case of Kansas from 2007-2009, it has been more important than normal. Reesing has every KU passing record there is with several games to go. For the last three seasons, his arm has dictated KU’s success. Prevent him from being able to perform at his accustomed level and you can beat Kansas.

Reesing’s record as a Jayhawk starter was 25-6 before the last four losses. During that time, his TD to INT ratio was 3.39 (78 to 23). In the last four games, he has four TDs and five INTs. Of course, if that were all there were to it, you might argue that he’s just in a slump. Unfortunately, you have to add on the fact that he has also fumbled the ball five times in the four losses. That’s ten turnovers. No team can expect to win under those conditions.

Clearly, Reesing is not his old self. The turnovers weren’t the only things to undo Kansas Saturday. Twice when KU was in position to score a touchdown, Reesing was part of the problem. He was sacked for a huge loss the first time which led to a missed 30 yard FG. He had a deflected ball on third down the second time which also led to a missed 30 yard FG.

It’s frustrating to see him out there trying – and failing. I don’t know the extent of his physical problems and it is easy to look back and question whether he should have been benched in the Colorado game. Perhaps (as it turns out) unfortunately for Kansas, the (almost) miracle comeback by the Hawks vs the Buffs may have kept him playing each week when maybe he shouldn’t have.

No matter what, it is going to leave a stain on his career. Certainly his stats (and those of his receivers) will suffer. What could have (and perhaps should have) been a date with "History Awaiting" has turned into a blind date from hell.

I suppose it is possible that Kansas could still beat Nebraska and Missouri. Neither team is exactly blowing away the competition. Of course, I’m writing off Texas. KU could finish 7-5 and would likely be bowl-bound if they did. You can forget about bowling at 6-6 since it would mean the Hawks would have gone 1-6 in their last seven games.