GAME NOTES: The 14th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks open their 119th season of college football this weekend, as they entertain the Florida International Panthers in a non-conference showdown in Lawrence.

The 2007 season was a historic one for the Jayhawks, as they won a school- record 12 games and earned a share of the Big 12 North title. The program also landed its first January Bowl game since 1968, beating Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl, and earned a Top 10 ranking in the final poll. If not for a loss to Missouri in its regular season finale, Kansas could have even played for a national title, something nobody thought possible entering the 2007 season. With all the unexpected success, Mark Mangino was voted National Coach of the Year, as he finally put Kansas football on the map in his sixth season running the showing. Duplicating last season's success may be a lot to ask, but the Jayhawks have plenty of firepower back to post at least a second straight double-figure win campaign.

As for FIU, it was at the completely opposite end of the college football spectrum last season, winning just one of its 12 games under new head coach Mario Cristobal. The one victory however, was actually an improvement, as the Panthers endured a winless campaign in 2006. While it may not have showed in their record last season, the Panthers were much more competitive and organized under Cristobal, who should have this year's team competing for a few more triumphs.

FIU and Kansas met for the first-ever time on the gridiron last season, with the Jayhawks posting a convincing 55-3 win in Lawrence.

FIU was inept on offense last season, but new coordinator Bill Legg and his spread attack should help this unit move the ball a little better in 2008. Junior Paul McCall and sophomore Wayne Younger are expected to pilot the offense, but neither has emerged as the clear-cut choice. McCall isn't the playmaker that Younger is, but he is more accurate and a better decision maker. Younger though, can do more with his legs, rushing for 536 yards last season, and that could help him land the starting gig.

The ground attack is a little more set and will feature both Julian Reams and A'mod Ned, who combined for 855 yards and four scores on the ground last season.

At the wideout position, Jeremy Dickens and Greg Ellingson should benefit greatly from the new passing scheme. Dickens registered 16 catches and three scores despite missing half of last season with an injury, while the 6-3, 200- pound Ellingson is a big target who hauled in 19 balls for 304 yards and two scores in 2007.

Defensively, the Panthers were abysmal last season, surrendering a whopping 39.1 ppg behind 446.8 total ypg. A lot of starting jobs were up for grabs this spring, so this unit should have a fresh start in 2008. Along the line, end Quentin Newman (2.5 sacks) will be counted on to provide some sort of pass rush, while tackle Jarvis Penerton (21 tackles) will be expected to anchor the middle and stop the run. The leader of the unit though, is linebacker Scott Bryant, who paced the club with 91 stops last year. Bryant was a standout on a poor defense and Cristobal certainly took notice of his talent.

"You won't find a better all-around kid than Scott Bryant. He gives everything he has on every play. He possesses leadership, relentlessness and true passion for the game. He's really become a leader for this team and we expect great things from him this fall for our defense."

In the secondary, only one starter is back in Anthony Gaitor. As a freshman last season, Gaitor started 11 times and recorded 56 stops and he should only be better with a year of experience now behind him. The secondary should also receive a boost from the return of Jeremiah Weatherspoon, who missed all of last season due to academic issues, but posted 50 stops in 2006.

The Jayhawks were simply electric on the offensive side of the ball last season, ranking second in the nation in scoring (42.8 ppg) and setting a school-record with 479.8 total ypg. With the return of junior quarterback Todd Reesing, this unit has the potential to match last year's success. Reesing threw for nearly 3,500 yards with 33 touchdowns and only seven interceptions last season and coach Mangino is confident he can produce at a high level once again in 2008.

"He certainly had a big 2007 and we would anticipate that he will compete and perform at the same level. For Todd, the challenge is to be able to manage all the attention that he's received. And I think he's doing a good job of that."

Two of the team's top three targets in Dexton Fields and Dezmon Briscoe are welcomed back and that is all the more reason to believe Reesing can duplicate his successful 2007 campaign. The duo combined for more than 100 catches and 13 touchdowns last season and should have no trouble improving on those numbers.

In the backfield, Kansas must replace Brandon McAnderson, who led the team with 1,125 yards rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, and they do have a solid option in Jake Sharp. As the second option last season, Sharp rushed for 821 yards and seven scores and he should easily compete for a 1,000-yard campaign as the featured back this season. The return of three linemen should also help Sharp and the rest of the offense move the ball on a consistent basis.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kansas was every bit as dominant last season, as the unit surrendered just 16.4 ppg to rank fourth nationally. Nine starters are welcomed back from a unit that allowed only 317.3 total ypg in 2007 and that should make this defense one of the best in the country. Along the line, the Jayhawks welcome back ends Russell Brorsen and John Larson, whom combined for 79 tackles and 16 TFLs. Both ends are athletic, but they totaled just four sacks last year and that is an area they will need to improve upon.

At linebacker, the Jayhawks are loaded thanks to the return of Joe Mortensen, James Holt and Mike Rivera. Mortensen is the best of the trio, racking up a team-high 106 tackles in 2007, but Holt and Rivera are no slouches, nearly amassing 100 tackles apiece last season.

The secondary returns three starters, with free safety Darrell Stuckey highlighting the group. Stuckey made 72 stops and picked off two passes last season and could be primed for even bigger things in 2008.

The Jayhawks enter the season with high expectations and for good reason. This team is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and that is bad news for FIU this weekend. Kansas should have no trouble opening up the season with a bang and in the process extend its home winning streak to 10 games.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Kansas 48, Florida International 10