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By ANTHONY ANDRO and JEFF WILSON
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Kansas defense has made itself known this season as a tough group to beat on the ground. The problem Friday in the Fort Worth Bowl for the Jayhawks, who boast the nation's third-stingiest unit against the run, is that Houston is a pass-oriented team.

But Kansas has faced stiff passing tests this season, and coach Mark Mangino likes the way his defense matches up against the Cougars.

"We played well against a very good Texas Tech team that throws the ball probably on a consistent basis better than anyone in America," Mangino said. "I feel good about the matchup. I think our defense understands their assignments, and they're well-prepared for the game."

The Red Raiders handed the Jayhawks their first loss of the season, 30-17 in Lubbock. Cody Hodges threw for 333 yards (34 below his average) and only one of his 30 touchdown passes on the season. He was also sacked five times by the Jayhawks.

"We have to get pressure on the quarterback," said defensive end Jermial Ashley, a former Fossil Ridge High star. "We're going to do the things we normally do."

The Jayhawks have 28 sacks this season.

Gordon on offense

Mark Mangino said he expects to use junior wide receiver/defensive back/kick returner Charles Gordon primarily as a receiver against Houston. A semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back, Gordon suffered a shoulder injury in the season finale against Iowa State. Mangino said team trainers are optimistic Gordon will play Friday.

"If he's needed on defense, we will use him there," Mangino said. "He's practicing and he's getting repetitions. We'll see how he feels on game day, but I suspect he'll be ready."

Gordon has 28 tackles and two interceptions this season while making 28 catches with two touchdowns.

Big win vs. Big 12

Houston would earn a milestone victory if it can beat Kansas.

The Cougars are 0-4 against Big 12 schools since the conference began play in 1996.

"The Big 12 is what I grew up with and that's what I'm used to and that's what you hear about," said Houston junior quarterback Kevin Kolb, who is from Stephenville. "A lot of time Houston gets left out when you mention those bigger schools. A win would give us a lot of recognition for our team and for our university."

Houston played Texas in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and was blown out all three times. The Cougars were also beaten by Oklahoma 63-13 last season. The Cougars' closest game against a Big 12 school was a 53-26 loss to the Longhorns in 2001.

"Football is good across the nation and the Big 12 has a lot of respect nationally," coach Art Briles said. "What we're trying to do is upgrade the respect of Conference USA."

Hearty Cougars

Art Briles spent Tuesday morning watching the radar to see if the rain in the area was going to let up. The Cougars were scheduled to practice at Saginaw High School and had a backup plan of using Carroll's indoor facility if the weather was too bad.

But once the Cougars arrived in Saginaw, they decided to stick it out even though it was still raining and the temperatures were in the mid 40s.

"It would be a little bit of a hustle to bus back to Southlake," Briles said. "It's not that bad. It's just a little wet."

The players didn't seem to mind the damp conditions.

"It's not that bad," junior receiver Vincent Marshall said. "I don't matter practicing in any weather as long as it's for a bowl game. I didn't want to practice inside because we're not going to be playing inside."