Winning One for Granddad

Ryan Smith had enough on his mind before the game against Alabama. And his parents knew that.

The sophomore was about to get his first playing time at receiver after appearing only on special teams last season.

Bill and Becky Smith drove 12 hours from their home near Dallas to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and arrived in time to greet the Bruins as they walked from their bus to the locker room.

They gave Ryan a hug and told him they loved him. They didn’t tell him his grandfather had died a day earlier.

“I’m glad they didn’t tell me,” Smith said. “It would have made it tougher to play.”

Smith, a sophomore who had perhaps the best camp of any receiver, made one reception for four yards and performed well on special teams. Nothing earthshaking, but the first catch is always memorable.

Said Bill Smith: “We set up a TV next to my dad’s bed so he could watch the game, but he didn’t make it. But I know he saw Ryan play. He had the best seat in the house.”

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Kansas quarterback Mario Kinsey and tailback Reggie Duncan will return against UCLA after being suspended from Saturday’s opener against Southwest Missouri State.

The players are being investigated for an incident involving the theft of a Kansas student’s purse.

Coach Terry Allen said Duncan will start and Kinsey will play, although Zach Dyer will open at quarterback.

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Defensive tackle Ken Kocher separated his right shoulder against Alabama and is doubtful this week.

Although Kocher was injured in the first quarter, Bruin tackles shined.

Rodney Leisle was selected defensive player of the week after he caused and recovered a fumble and made five tackles

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Former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden played a small role in the construction of Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks’ home field.

As a high school student in Indiana, Wooden contacted Kansas basketball coach Phog Allen for a summer job.

Allen obliged--and Wooden poured concrete during the construction of the stadium.

UP NEXT FOR UCLA

Who: Kansas

When: 9:30 a.m. PDT Saturday

Where: Lawrence, Kan.

TV: Fox Sports Net

Radio: KLAC (570)