In a thrilling matchup on Saturday night, Kansas upset No. 6 BYU with a score of 17-13 in Provo, Utah, marking the Cougars’ first defeat of the season. Jalon Daniels contributed significantly to the Jayhawks’ victory by throwing for 169 yards, while Devin Neal made a notable impact by scoring two touchdowns, bringing his career rushing total to over 4,000 yards.
This win not only allowed Kansas to improve their record to 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12 but also marked an impressive achievement for the program, as they defeated ranked opponents in consecutive weeks for the first time in their history. Coach Lance Leipold expressed pride in his team’s resilience and ability to seize opportunities, saying, “We found a way this time.”
Despite a solid performance from BYU, who totaled 354 yards, the Cougars struggled in the red zone, converting only two out of four opportunities and failing to score touchdowns on all four drives inside the 20-yard line. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 192 yards in the game, while running back LJ Martin had 76 yards on the ground.
The game saw momentum shifts, with Kansas overcoming a 10-7 deficit after halftime. The pivotal moment occurred when Daniels executed a quick kick on fourth-and-14, resulting in a lucky bounce that led to Kansas regaining possession. Neal’s 3-yard touchdown run then put the Jayhawks ahead, and they held off a late-game surge from BYU.
In the final minutes, BYU made a strong push into Kansas territory but faltered on crucial downs, ultimately turning the ball over on downs. Despite the disappointment, BYU coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged that the team struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, emphasizing the need for improvement as they move forward.
The victory has sparked renewed hope for Kansas to qualify for a bowl game for the third consecutive season, showcasing their determination to bounce back from a challenging start. The team’s unwavering commitment to the process, as highlighted by Daniels, serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential for growth and triumph in the face of adversity.
As the season progresses, both teams have learning experiences to build upon, and fans can remain optimistic about their respective journeys.