In a surprising turn of events, Kansas stunned No. 6 BYU with a decisive 17-13 victory, marking the Cougars’ first loss of the season. Held in Provo, Utah, on Saturday night, the game showcased key performances from Kansas’s Jalon Daniels, who passed for 169 yards, and Devin Neal, who rushed for two touchdowns.
With this win, the Jayhawks improved their record to 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12 as they not only claimed victory over a ranked opponent but also made history by beating ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time ever. Neal’s contribution was significant, pushing his career rushing total past the 4,000-yard mark, showcasing his resilience and skill on the field.
The victory also reignited hopes for Kansas to qualify for a third consecutive bowl game despite a rocky start to the season, opening avenues for a comeback narrative. Daniels emphasized the importance of remaining focused through challenges, stating, “I feel like our team has always done a great job being able to stay the course.”
On BYU’s side, Jake Retzlaff delivered a solid performance with 192 passing yards, while LJ Martin added 76 rushing yards. However, the Cougars struggled to convert opportunities, finding themselves unable to score touchdowns in the red zone throughout the game, going just 2-for-4 and ultimately settling for a field goal in the second half.
BYU coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged the Jayhawks’ strong game plan and noted that mistakes ultimately cost them the victory, saying, “We just didn’t make enough plays and made way too many mistakes.” In a pivotal fourth quarter, Kansas seized the lead with Neal’s 3-yard touchdown run, capitalizing on a fortunate bounce from a mishandled punt.
As BYU attempted a late-game comeback, they reached the Kansas 15 but faltered, unable to secure a first down and turning the ball over on downs with just under a minute left. Roberts, reflecting on the team’s struggles, emphasized, “You got to lock in. You got to be prepared when you come out and play a good team like Kansas.”
Despite the loss, the Cougars’ journey this season remains promising as they are still positioned for a strong recovery in the upcoming games. This thrilling encounter serves as a reminder that even the top-ranked teams can face adversity, which ultimately fuels growth and learning moving forward.
In summary, Kansas’s win not only represents a significant achievement for the program but also keeps their bowl game hopes alive, while BYU has an opportunity to regroup and focus on correcting their red zone issues before their final stretch of games this season.