Kansas football clinches winning record by beating Iowa State. Here are the takeaways
Historically, Kansas football hasn’t followed up big wins with quality play in the next game.
Coach Lance Leipold even acknowledged that on Monday after Kansas upset Oklahoma last Saturday.
“Big win, they earned it, but our ability to play well after big wins — we need to play better,” Leipold said. “And how do we want to approach it? What do they want to do? They have an opportunity. We have to go on the road and play a first-place team.”
Kansas appeared to take Leipold’s words to heart against Iowa State.
The No. 21 Jayhawks beat the Cyclones 28-21 for a huge road victory Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium. In the process, KU (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) earned its first victory over Iowa State (5-4, 4-2) in Ames since 2008 and clinched its first winning record since that season.
The Jayhawks also remain in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game, remaining a game back of the leaders Texas and Oklahoma State.
Starting in place of Jalon Daniels (back injury) at quarterback, Jason Bean finished 14-of-23 passing for 257 yards with one passing touchdown and zero interceptions. KU running back Devin Neal added 57 yards on 21 rushing attempts.
The Jayhawks’ defense dominated ISU in the first half. Kansas went into the half with a 14-3 lead and had recorded a pick-six. Although Iowa State made it close in the second half, Kansas never trailed.
Kansas will host Texas Tech in Lawrence next Saturday.
Here are some takeaways from Saturday’s action against Iowa State …
KU’s first-half defense was excellent
Heading into the game, Kansas ranked No. 97 nationally in yards allowed per game and No. 86 in points.
They certainly looked better than that vs. the Cyclones in the first half. It was Kansas’ best defensive half all season.
KU’s defense didn’t give up any points until the last minute of the half, when Iowa State made a 35-yard field goal with three seconds remaining.
The Jayhawks limited the Cyclones to 2-for-7 on third downs. And when KU led 7-0 and needed a big play after a couple of scoreless offensive drives, the defense delivered — again.
Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson picked off an errant pass by ISU quarterback Rocco Becht and took it to the house. Dotson also had a pick-six vs. Oklahoma last week.
KU now leads the nation in defensive touchdowns with four. The Jayhawks limited ISU to 333 total yards for the game.
Jason Bean has a stellar day
Iowa State seemed heavily focused on stopping KU’s high-powered run offense, so the Cyclones stacked the box early and often.
It was like the Cyclones dared Kansas to beat them by passing the ball.
Well, Bean did just that.
Bean went through his progressions, stepped up in the pocket when needed and delivered multiple pinpoint passes. He looked the most comfortable he’s been all season.
One of his biggest moments in the game came early in the fourth quarter. With Kansas clinging to a three-point lead (21-18), Bean created some separation for KU.
Bean delivered an excellent deep ball to wide receiver Lawrence Arnold, who caught it in stride and scored an 80-yard touchdown.
He also iced the game by completing multiple passes to bleed the clock. That included finding Jared Casey on third down, which allowed KU to run out the final seconds.
Run game never got going
KU’s run game is its biggest strength — the Jayhawks entered Saturday averaging 213 yards per game, which ranks No. 13 in the nation.
Iowa State’s defense did a great job limiting the impact of KU’s backs. ISU got into KU’s backfield more often than any other team all season.
The Jayhawks finished with 74 rushing yards, on 2.1 yards per carry.
KU star running back Devin Neal was limited to 57 yards on 21 rushing attempts but did punch in two touchdowns. Both Neal and Daniel Hishaw also provided key blocks to help Bean deliver passes late in Saturday’s game.
But the rushing attack can do more for KU, and the Jayhawks will look for more next week.
This story was originally published November 4, 2023 at 9:40 PM.
