Trading crimson/blue for purple/gray (maybe)
No, I'm not switching schools.
But I did decide this. I am so sure the Jayhawks won't lose in the first round of this year's NCAA tournament, that if for some reason everyone gets the flu and they lose in the first round for the third year in a row, I'll wear a K-State shirt for a week straight.
I'm not going to buy seven shirts, so yes I'll get one and wash it each night. But I'm not worried about it, because a one seed has never lost to a 16 seed.
But it's still kind of sad I am even having to talk about it.
When did it turn into this? When did Jayhawk fans forget what it was like to win a first-round tournament game? Before their first round exit to Bucknell two years ago, the Jayhawks hadn't lost in the first round since 1979.
Back then shorts were shorter, mustaches were aplenty, and KU-great Danny Manning was in elementary school.
Now Manning sits on the bench as an assistant to a team that until the final buzzer sounds to signal a first-round victory, will be labeled as first-rate losers.
And really who can blame anyone who wants to give them a hard time? After being defeated by 13-seed Bucknell in 2005, and 14-seed Bradley last year, opposing fans wore shirts that read: Bradnell.
The two were also called the Killer B's, and some Jayhawks fans started to doubt coach Bill Self after a November home-loss to Oral Roberts this year.
I won't doubt Self unless they drop out in their first game this season, but even with a 30-4 record and a Big XII championship, all KU fans will be on edge until this group proves it can win in March.
Jayhawk fans can say what they want about K-State or Missouri, but the Crimson and Blue has won just as many NCAA tournament games as the their rivals the past two seasons: a big fat zero.
So Kansas, here is your chance. Pick on that little 16 seed in the first round, and do what you are supposed to do.
If not, I have to wear purple. And I don't like purple.
To contact Mike, call (620) 382-2165 or send an e-mail to mnorris817@yahoo.com.
