WACO, TX – The Kansas Jayhawks concluded their 2024 football season on a challenging note, suffering a 45-17 defeat to the Baylor Bears in Waco. Aiming to secure their place in bowl eligibility, the Jayhawks faced a formidable Baylor team that was vying for a position in the Big 12 Title game.
Kansas began the game with some promise, taking a 7-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to a 19-yard touchdown run by Devin Neal. However, the momentum shifted quickly when Baylor answered back, with Sawyer Robertson connecting with Monaray Baldwin for a 36-yard touchdown, leveling the score by the end of the first quarter.
A significant moment in the game occurred on Kansas’s next possession when quarterback Jalon Daniels threw an interception, allowing Baylor to capitalize and take the lead at 14-7. Kansas managed to close the gap momentarily with a 26-yard field goal by Tabor Allen, making it 14-10. Yet, Baylor struck back swiftly, extending their lead to 21-10 before halftime.
The third quarter proved to be particularly challenging for Kansas. Baylor scored two consecutive touchdowns, pushing the score to 35-10. Kansas managed to rally briefly when Lawrence Arnold rushed in a 14-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 35-17. However, Baylor added another touchdown and a field goal, solidifying their win with a final score of 45-17.
This defeat leaves the Jayhawks with a final record of 5-7, a disappointing result after a season that started with high expectations and hopes for a top-five finish in the Big 12.
While the outcome is certainly not what the team had envisioned, the season has provided valuable experiences for the players and the coaching staff. Looking ahead, there is an opportunity for growth and improvement as they prepare for future seasons. The resilience shown by the team throughout the challenges may set a foundation for better results moving forward.
In summary, though the season ended on a low note, the Jayhawks can take pride in the moments of determination displayed throughout, with an eye toward re-emerging stronger in the next season.