Kansas football vs. BYU: Five things to know about Jayhawks’ next Big 12 game
After a big win over Iowa State — one that keeps the Jayhawks’ bowl hopes alive — Kansas football plays BYU in Provo, Utah, on Saturday.
The Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4 Big 12) defeated the Cyclones 45-36 Saturday at GEHA Field in Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile, BYU narrowly defeated Utah 22-21.
Here’s more about this week’s game…
KU football at No. 7 BYU: Game details
Kickoff time: 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah
TV: ESPN
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City; Wichita 92.3
Early betting line: BYU is a 3.5-point favorite.
Five things to know about BYU
1. BYU has far exceeded expectations. The conference’s media poll slotted the Cougars at No. 13 in the preseason. Currently, BYU leads the conference with a 6-0 record in Big 12 play. The Cougars would be in the College Football Playoff field if it started today.
2. BYU’s defense is stellar. The Cougars rank No. 24 nationally in scoring defense, with opponents averaging 19.8 points per game. BYU has also excelled at stopping opposing teams’ passing offense, allowing 176.6 passing yards per game.
3. Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff is having a standout season. He’s completed 152 of 262 passes (58%) through nine games for 2,011 yards and 18 touchdowns — plus four more rushing. He’s also thrown seven interceptions. He finished 15-for-33 passing for 219 yards with a rushing touchdown vs. Utah.
4. Kansas defeated BYU last season, 38-27. Kansas leads the all-time series 2-0. Still, this will be the first-ever meeting for both sides in Provo. Kansas will look to beat ranked opponents in back-to-back games for the first time in program history.
5. BYU linebacker Harrison Taggart leads the Cougars with 57 total tackles. He has 29 solo tackles and one interception. The Oregon transfer also has 1.5 tackles for loss.
