Game report: Memphis 55, Kansas 23
First quarter
Key play: Memphis running back Tevin Jones put the ball on the turf on the Tigers’ first play from scrimmage. The Jayhawks capitalized with a field goal on their way to a 10-0 lead.
Key stat: KU quarterback Montell Cozart completed four of 12 passes for 53 yards.
Second quarter
Key play: Memphis running back Doroland Dorceus was nearly ejected for “targeting,” but the call was reversed and he rushed in from 9 yards out with 13:45 left in the second quarter. Memphis led 17-10.
Key stat: Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch completed 14 of 16 pass attempts.
Third quarter
Key play: Memphis’ Mose Frazier sprinted 60 yards for a touchdown in the opening moments of the third quarter. Just like that, the rout was on.
Key stat: KU’s offense stalled, putting up just seven points in the quarter.
Fourth quarter
Key play: The Tigers extended the lead to 55-20 with 10:56 left in the quarter. This time, they drove 71 yards in eight plays.
Key stat: Memphis had lost 19 straight to power-five conference teams.
Player of the game: Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch. Lynch was never really tested. He finished with 354 yards passing while throwing just three incompletions. He was a maestro, and the Tigers’ offense was a perfect symphony.
Reason to hope: For a half, at least, Kansas was reasonably competitive against a Memphis program that won 10 games and a bowl game last season.
Reason to mope: The schedule is only going to get tougher from here. Where are the wins?
Looking ahead: The Jayhawks will have a week off before traveling to Rutgers on Sept. 26. Kansas’ last road win came on Sept. 12, 2009, at UTEP.
| Rustin Dodd, rdodd@kcstar.com
Report card
B | Offense | One week ago, the Jayhawks piled up 576 yards and 38 points on FCS opponent South Dakota State. Against Memphis, the Jayhawks started fast. But they lacked efficiency in the passing game. A positive: Running back Ke’aun Kinner continues to be impressive. |
D- | Defense | On one hand, Memphis had two turnovers during the first half, and the Kansas defense had its moments. On the other hand, the Jayhawks couldn’t stop Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, and one of those turnovers was unforced. |
C | Special teams | After the Jayhawks’ opener, Kansas coach David Beaty praised special-teams coach Gary Hyman. This week, there were fewer standout plays. |
C | Coaching | Heading into a bye week, the Jayhawks are 0-2 and still looking for their first victory. We knew it would be an uphill battle for Beaty and the KU staff. But here’s one disappointing thing: KU had five penalties for 45 yards in the first half. |
This story was originally published September 13, 2015 at 12:16 AM with the headline "Game report: Memphis 55, Kansas 23."