Saturday in Lubbock went about as well as most of us (should have) expected – although the way it went down certainly was interesting. At least we didn’t end up with a running clock in this one, although there
were some hard feelings after the game as it sounds like Tech fans were throwing more than just tortillas.
Regardless, after a miserable first quarter that saw KU fall into an 18-0 deficit, the Jayhawks recovered and made it a 21-17 game by halftime. Going into the 4th quarter, KU kept themselves in it, trailing 28-17.
But then the wheels fell off again; Tech added two more touchdowns to provide the final margin in this lopsided affair.
For the game, Kansas ran 77 offensive plays compared to Tech’s 68. However, the Jayhawks averaged just 4.1 yards per play compared to Tech’s 7.1 ypp (!!!!). In the more traditional stat line, Tech outgained KU with 505 yards of total offense compared to 319 for the Jayhawks.
Each side had one turnover; Tech with an INT and KU with a fumble (each turnover by a backup QB, interestingly enough). KU also turned the ball over once on downs, on its last possession of the game.
The story of the game is probably Tech’s big offensive plays. On its first offensive snap of the game, Tech literally ran right up the middle 71 yards for a touchdown. Tech would also score on a 21-yard pass, a 20-yard rush, and a 55-yard rush. The KU defense has been awfully generous to opposing offenses each of the last three weeks.
The other story of the game is, well, I’ll just leave this here:
Tech would finish the game credited with nine (9) sacks, setting KU back 92 yards in total. I understand the Tech defensive line is a beast, but they absolutely tore up an offensive line that had, up to this point, performed pretty well.
Finally, while third downs remain an issue, KU did a little better this week, converting 6-17 (35.3%), while Tech converted 6-14 (42.9%). Tech did not attempt a 4th down, while KU went 1-2.
The Good
The second quarter. I realize Tech was dealing with the shock of losing their starting QB for the game early in this quarter, but still, give KU some credit – the Jayhawks recovered from a disastrous start to keep us interested in the outcome well into the second half.
The Bad
Take your pick here, offensive line or defensive line. To say both units struggled is probably quite the understatement.
The Ugly
Placeholder: Third downs.
New this week: The KU defense’s propensity for giving up huge plays. We saw it against Missouri, we saw it again against Cincinnati, we saw it again against Central Florida, and obviously Tech figured it out as well.
The Highlights
Here are the game highlights from the Big 12 on YouTube.
The Stats
Jalon Daniels played a turnover-free game while completing 27-33 passes for 228 yards and 2 TDs. Daniels was about the only bright spot for the Jayhawks on Saturday night.
Cole Ballard saw some garbage time late in the game, but was also brought in during the first quarter for the first play of KU’s second drive of the game. It did not go well, as Ballard picked up 11 yards (good!) but then fumbled (bad!). Ballard finished 3-6 passing for 17 yards.
Daniel Hishaw was back for the Jayhawks, going for 53 yards on 8 carries, a 6.6 ypc average.
Leshon Williams was almost invisible in this one, as he picked up just 6 yards on 5 carries.
Harry Stewart III added 19 yards on 5 attempts, plus 2 receptions for 13 yards.
Cam Picket had 55 yards on 6 receptions.
TE Boden Groen was Daniels’ favorite target, going for 76 yards on 13 receptions with a TD.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr added 42 yards on 3 receptions.
Lyrik Rawls led the KU “defense” with 10 tackles and was credited with two pass deflections.
Bangally Kamara was credited with 4 tackles, three of which were TFL.
Taylor Davis added 4 tackles and came down with an INT.
PK Laith Marjan went 2-2 on extra points and 1-1 on field goals, hitting from 55 yards out. Marjan now has made 21-consecutive field goals (dating back to his time at South Alabama), which is the longest active streak in the NCAA.
P Finn Lappin booted eight punts for a 43.8 average, with a long of 50 yards.
