Kansas Enjoys Record Season
Jayhawks Edge Virginia Tech, 24-21, To Capture 2008 Orange Bowl
In a fitting end to its memorable season, Kansas evoked memories of a long-ago past and the promise of a bright future.
Appearing in the 2008 Orange Bowl some 39 years after its most famous alumnus led it into the postseason, Kansas edged Virginia Tech, 24-21, to complete its record-breaking campaign.
Kansas finished with a school-record 12 victories in 13 games, surpassing even the total of the 1968 team led by incomparable running back Gayle Sayers. The Jayhawks lost to Penn State in the 1969 Orange Bowl, 15-14.
The latest version of the Jayhawks may not have had one individual to match Sayers’ skills, but they proved to be a more complete team.
It showed against Virginia Tech, as the resourceful Jayhawks did what was needed to win. They jumped to an early 17-0 lead, and when the Hokies fought back, Kansas responded with a stout defense that totaled three interceptions and a bowl record-tying five quarterback sacks.
With Kansas clinging to a 17-14 lead and Virginia Tech in possession of the ball, the Jayhawks’ Justin Thornton intercepted a pass deep in Hokie territory. Kansas sophomore quarterback Todd Reesing followed with a 2-yard touchdown run.
Reesing earlier had thrown a touchdown pass. Kansas scored 10 other points off of interceptions, with Most Valuable Player Aqib Talib returning a pick for a 60-yard touchdown, and Chris Harris’ theft putting Scott Webb in position for a 32-yard field goal.
Talib had a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against Florida International during the regular season.
In losing its fourth consecutive Bowl Championship Series game, Virginia Tech ended its season at 11-3. It was a disappointing finish for the Hokies, who had shown great resolve in overcoming the emotional trauma of a shooting rampage on campus that left 34 people dead on April 16, 2007.
For Kansas, it was a glorious rebound from a 6-6 record in 2006 that provided no indication of what was to come.
Kansas scored its first touchdown on Talib’s interception return before Webb kicked his field goal from the left hash mark. Next, Reesing directed a 10-play, 59-yard drive that resulted in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Henry. It gave Reesing a school-record 36 career touchdown passes.
After Virginia Tech’s Brandon Ore scored on a 1-yard run, the Hokies relied on some razzle-dazzle to score their second touchdown. Justin Harper returned a punt for an 86-yard touchdown after receiving the ball on a pitch.
Kansas held firm, though, with a blocked field-goal attempt and Reesing’s touchdown run that followed the Jayhawks’ third interception.
