Takeaways from KU football’s blowout win vs. Cincinnati to cap 8-win regular season
Another season, another step forward for coach Lance Leipold’s Jayhawks.
Kansas (8-4, 5-4 Big 12) capped off Leipold’s third regular season with its best record yet. The Jayhawks were already bowl eligible entering Saturday’s game but locked up their first eight-win season since 2008.
The Jayhawks dominated the Bearcats (3-9, 1-9 Big 12) 49-16 for a road victory Saturday at Nippert Stadium.
Kansas will get the chance to earn nine wins with a victory in its bowl game. The Jayhawks also secured a winning Big 12 record for the first time since the 2007 season, which culminated in an Orange Bowl victory.
After the Bearcats took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, the Jayhawks outscored them 21-7 the rest of the half, including a late score with less than a minute to play.
The rout was on.
After missing last week’s K-State game due to a head injury suffered a week prior, Kansas quarterback Jason Bean returned to action on Saturday — and starred.
Bean completed 13 of 17 pass attempts for 250 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He added another 90 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Meanwhile, KU running back Devin Neal had 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.
Kansas now awaits bowl-game selection day, which is Dec. 3.
Here are three takeaways from Saturday’s action against Cincinnati:
Jason Bean puts together an extraordinary first half
Bean made his presence felt early on Saturday.
He put together his best half of the season against Cincinnati. He was a perfect 10-for-10 passing for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
He went through his progressions, connected on his deep balls and evaded the pressure when needed. In short, he showcased what the Jayhawks missed with him out and then some.
Perhaps the best part? He didn’t have a single questionable throw or head-scratching mistake. If perfection doesn’t exist, Bean was the closest thing to it.
He even drove the Jayhawks 56 yards on two plays for a late score right at the end of the first half.
Cobee Bryant makes a highlight reel play
Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant has had a remarkable season full of exceptional plays.
Well, he added another one to his list vs. the Bearcats.
On a deep pass attempt by UC quarterback Brady Lichtenberg, Bryant jumped in the air and came down with a tough one-handed interception.
On the ensuing drive, the Jayhawks scored their first touchdown. That play seemed to help jump-start a sleepy Kansas team and shifted momentum to KU’s side.
Bryant’s other top highlights this year have included a forced fumble and scoop-and-score vs. BYU, as well as a couple of other interceptions.
Could Devin Neal be NFL Draft-bound?
Earlier in the week, current Chicago Bears running back (and former Jayhawk) Khalil Herbert told The Star that Kansas RB Devin Neal is ready for the NFL.
Well, Neal proved Herbert’s point on Saturday. Neal showcased his shiftiness and elusiveness en route to his third-straight game with 100-plus yards on the ground.
Neal, a Lawrence native, ran for 106 yards on 10.6 per carry. He’s now rushed for over 1,200 yards on the season and has 16 total touchdowns.
Last year, Neal ran for 1,090 yards on 180 carries, with nine rushing scores and one in the receiving game. He is NFL Draft eligible after this season.
This story was originally published November 25, 2023 at 9:57 PM.
