Jayhawks feeling flush? It's a sign of unprecedented times

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Hello, world.

Out here in the Great Flyover it's time, whether you like it or not. Time to proclaim that this little powerhouse on the prairie is big time. It's something beyond the likelihood of Kansas moving to No. 2 in the BCS standings. More than being 11-0 for the first time. Beyond the Jayhawks heading into the biggest football game in their history.

Mark Mangino's team might be headed where it's never been. (AP)

All that is nice, but you knew this was really serious stuff when you looked up from doing your business Saturday at Memorial Stadium. There, posted above random urinals was the Kansas compliance office's game day "Toilet Tip."

Asking players for autographs is OK, the flier read, "but, please remember: Any autographed items are for YOUR OWN PERSONAL USE ... The re-sale of any autographed item is strictly prohibited. This includes eBay or other online venues."

The implication being that someone out there is making money off signatures from the likes of Dezmon Briscoe, Caleb Blakesley and Sadiq Muhammed.

Sounds silly, or maybe that's the idea. Autographs as an investment -- because who knows how far this thing can go?

Already, the Jayhawks are defying logic trying to become the first team in the BCS era (maybe ever) to go from being unranked in August to winning a national championship. There's a lot of football to go, you say? Actually there isn't. It's time to start the title conversation after Kansas' 45-7 layup over Iowa State. "I'll have the random person here or there ask for an autograph," KU quarterback Todd Reesing said. "That's awesome that people are excited."

But Todd Reesing autographs as profit-making commodity?

"I don't know how that stuff works," Reesing said. "The fact that people want autographs, that's enough for me."

That's enough for all of the Jayhawks. Coach Mark Mangino has drummed the team concept into this no-name bunch; you expect to see the word tattooed on their foreheads. Suggest that the stakes have just advanced past Big 12 North, beyond the Big 12 title, through undefeated, all the way to the national championship and your average Jayhawk's eyes glaze over. He immediately goes into one-game-at-a-time mode.

In a rare moment of candor, Mangino admitted that, yeah, the big enchilada is out there for this school that hasn't been to a major bowl in 39 years. But beat Missouri next week and then win the Big 12 title game in two weeks and the bowl will be beyond major, it will be in New Orleans.

"Of course," Mangino said after being asked if he realized if his team controlled its own destiny. "What other way is there?"

The average highball-toting Vegas sportsbook junkie couldn't tell you the team colors, much less the name of one Kansas player.