The performance of third-year WR Marcus Sales was a particularly fresh breath of air. He broke free for an SU bowl record three long touchdown catches (of 52, 36 and 44 yards) totaling five catches for 172 yards. Those were his three longest career catches, for three times as many scores as he'd had this regular season.

“It just feels real good to get the victory. I'm not worried about the stats or nothing. The vibe around here is real good. I just feel good about everything right now,” Sales said.

“Everybody was talking about (how) we need this game going into next year. That's what we banked on. We used it as inspiration. Hopefully the momentum carries on to next year. We've just got to start working hard and get ready for next year.”

I asked him if he felt like the win over Kansas St. could be considered the first game of next season. He said “You could say that.” The Orange figure to pick up where they left off offensively next fall.

·         The 52-yard pass to Sales from Ryan Nassib and Delone Carter's late 60-yard run were the two longest plays from scrimmage all season.

·         One of the coolest things in the Yankee clubhouse is a large wall with the interlocking NY logo signed by notable Yanks over the years. Only true legends like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford and Reggie Jackson sign within the letters themselves. It's the wall right outside the Yankee manager's office, which is right next to the Yankee manager's lounge, which must be near the Yankee manager's dressing quarters, etc. I wonder if Doug Marrone left his opening day lineup suggestion for Joe Girardi.

·         Hey, it's Enrico Palazzo! Big Ten referee Todd Geerlings worked the first bowl game in Yankee Stadium and also had the historic Northwestern-Illinois game at Wrigley Field in November.

Big East Beasts: The fourth-ranked basketball team has won 21 of its past 24 Big East regular season games, dating back to the end of the 2009 season. The only losses have come to Louisville (twice) and Pittsburgh. That's not to say this next stretch will be easy.

Seton Hall is a bit undermanned with the loss of prolific scorer Jeremy Hazell, but you'll recall they gave the #5 Orange all they wanted in last year's trip to Newark. The Cuse had to close the first half on a 14-2 run to salvage a halftime tie. St. John's is a great candidate for the conference's most improved team with a veteran bunch and a new coach, Steve Lavin. And don't sleep on still unbeaten Cincinnati (14-0) who has its annual showdown with Xavier tomorrow night and enters the Dome Jan. 15.

This Week's Broadcasts:
Tom./8:45 a.m. TK99                              Free Parking with Gomez & Dave
Tom./7:00 p.m. TK99/ESPN97.7         AmeriCU Jim Boeheim Show
Sat./10:30 a.m. TK99                              MBB at Seton Hall

I'd be happy to field your questions on anything regarding the Orange. Shoot me an email to the Radio Mailbox.