Three things we learned from KU Jayhawks football’s 31-28 loss to TCU Horned Frogs
After last week’s shocking victory over Texas, Kansas football had its chances to deliver another monumental upset on Saturday night.
Not quite, though.
KU walk-on folk hero Jared Casey helped tie the score with a 10-yard touchdown reception with 4 minutes, 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but TCU immediately followed with a game-clinching drive that resulted in a chip-shot field goal with 6 seconds left for a 31-28 win.
It still was a big-picture step in the right direction for KU coach Lance Leipold’s program after entering as a 21 1/2-point underdog. Quarterback Jalon Daniels completed 22 of 30 passes while throwing for a career-high 255 yards, while the defense delivered some clutch first-half plays to keep it close.
Here are a few other things we learned about KU (2-9) on Saturday.
Not just an actor
Casey — a week after pulling in the game-winning two-point conversion against Texas — had an impressive encore against TCU.
Not only did Casey throw lead blocks for KU’s first two touchdowns, but he also came down with a one-handed catch on the sideline in the second quarter that could compete for ESPN SportsCenter Top 10 honors.
The 8-yard grab was actually Casey’s first official KU reception; two-point conversions do not officially go as receptions in the box score.
Casey then added the 10-yard, game-tying score when lining up as a tackle-eligible receiver.
Strong defensive start
KU’s defense, which entered last in the nation in points allowed per game, was the biggest reason the Jayhawks held a 14-7 halftime lead over TCU at halftime.
As was the case a week ago against Texas, KU was fueled by big plays. Jacobee Bryant came down with a one-handed interception to stop one second-quarter drive, while Caleb Sampson stuffed TCU running back Emari Demercado on a fourth-and-1 from the KU 9 on the possession after that.
Those two plays resulted in TCU going 0 for 2 on its first-half red-zone possessions. Before that, opponents had scored touchdowns on 42 of 48 red-zone drives against KU.
Top player down
KU kept things close while playing without reigning Big 12 offensive player of the week Devin Neal in the second half.
The freshman running back went down late in the first half with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. He was on the sideline in the second half wearing his pads but did not return to the field.
Before he was hurt, Neal had 14 carries for 59 yards with a touchdown.
This story was originally published November 20, 2021 at 6:34 PM.
