Kansas football grades: Analysis of KU Jayhawks’ big win over the Iowa State Cyclones
The Kansas Jayhawks keep on winning.
This time, KU earned its seventh win of the season on Saturday. The Jayhawks (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) beat Iowa State (5-3, 4-2) 28-21 on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.
This was KU’s first win in Ames since 2008, and it clinched KU’s first winning season since 2008. The Jayhawks have certainly come a long way.
“This team keeps chipping away and knocking down barriers that haven’t been done in our program for a long time,” coach Lance Leipold said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of them. ...
“Two years ago, we came in here and we were embarrassed. It was an early measuring stick about how far we needed to come as a program. Two-plus years later, to come back in and be able to do this is another big step for us.”
Kansas will return to action next week at home against Texas Tech.
Here are grades for all three KU units against Iowa State, plus our Kansas player of the game…
Kansas football offense: B
KU’s offense — and backup quarterback Jason Bean — delivered when it was most needed.
Kansas’ stellar run game was held in check by ISU. KU finished with 74 rushing yards on 2.1 yards per carry.
But star running back Devin Neal found the end zone twice, even as he was limited to 57 yards on 21 rushing attempts.
Even as the run game struggled, Kansas quarterback Jason Bean played his best game yet. Bean went 14-for-23 passing with 257 yards and one passing touchdown.
He even delivered KU’s knockout blow — a nice deep ball to receiver Lawrence Arnold, who turned it into an 80-yard touchdown. It gave Kansas a 28-18 lead.
Bean also iced the game by lobbing a pass to Kansas tight end Jared Casey on third down, which allowed Kansas to run out the clock.
All in all, a pretty good day for KU’s offense.
KU football defense: B+
KU’s defense put on a masterclass of a performance in the first half.
The Jayhawks didn’t give up any points until the last minute of the half, when Iowa State made a 35-yard field goal.
And when KU’s offense stalled on multiple drives, the defense helped create some separation.
Kansas cornerback Mello Dotson picked off a bad pass by ISU quarterback Rocco Becht and returned it for a touchdown, his second in two weeks.
The defense wasn’t quite as good in the second half but surrendered only 21 points on the day.
Kansas special teams: D
Boy, KU’s special teams continue to regress.
The Jayhawks allowed a 52-yard return to the Cyclones that fortunately didn’t end in any points.
KU kickers Seth Keller and Owen Piepergerdes each missed field goals, from 41 yards and 50 yards, respectively.
Punter Damon Greaves, meanwhile, averaged 38.7 yards on his two attempts.
A bright spot? KU made all of its PATs.
Player of the game: Jason Bean
This wasn’t a very hard decision. Bean played smart football while delivering accurate passes and made zero mistakes.
He did so without Jalon Daniels available ... or even on the sideline in Ames. He wasn’t with the team as he continues to recover from a back injury.
Bean also put together two different drives that essentially clinched the game for the Jayhawks. He gets the nod, here.
