Story by
A Second Half Collapse For the Kansas Jayhawks
- Story by
- A Second Half Collapse For the Kansas Jayhawks
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Kansas football suffered a heartbreaking 22-16 loss to TCU on Saturday after holding a 13-0 halftime lead. The Jayhawks controlled much of the first half, but second-half turnovers and missed opportunities allowed the Horned Frogs to complete the comeback.
The Kansas defense came out strong, forcing a punt on TCU's opening possession. Although the Jayhawks went three-and-out on their first drive, a TCU fumble on the ensuing punt gave Kansas excellent field position.
Advertisement
Kansas moved into the red zone but came away empty after missing a 26-yard field goal. The defense responded by forcing another three-and-out, and Kansas eventually got on the scoreboard with a 34-yard field goal.
The Jayhawks continued making life difficult for TCU's offense, forcing another three-and-out before the end of the first quarter. Kansas held a 3-0 advantage and outgained TCU 77-20 in total yards.
Kansas added another field goal in the second quarter after another promising drive ended without a touchdown. The biggest play of the first half came when Cole Ballard connected with Cam Pickett for a 29-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 13-0.
The defense delivered one more time before halftime, stopping TCU on fourth-and-goal to preserve the shutout. Ballard finished the first half completing 7-of-14 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Kansas entered the locker room with 218 total yards compared to TCU's 129 and possession to begin the second half.
Advertisement
However, the momentum completely shifted after halftime.
Both teams struggled offensively to open the third quarter, trading three-and-outs. Kansas eventually reached the goal line but failed to convert on fourth-and-goal after Ballard came up short on a rushing attempt.
TCU then forced another punt, setting up Kansas deep in its own territory. The biggest turning point came when Ballard threw a pick-six on fourth-and-five, allowing TCU to cut the deficit to 13-7.
The Horned Frogs continued building momentum, and Ace Theus broke loose for a 28-yard touchdown run to give TCU a 14-13 lead. Kansas entered the fourth quarter trailing for the first time all afternoon.
Advertisement
Ballard later fumbled in TCU territory, giving the Jayhawks their second turnover of the second half. Kansas' defense responded with another three-and-out, giving the offense an opportunity to regain control.
The Jayhawks eventually took a 16-14 lead on a 27-yard field goal with five minutes remaining. However, TCU answered with a 17-yard touchdown run by Craig and converted the two-point attempt to make it 22-16.
Kansas could not find another answer, falling by six points despite outgaining TCU 451-286.
Ballard finished 20-of-35 for 285 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Nazhee Cox led all Kansas receivers with 145 yards, while Pickett finished with the first-half touchdown.
Advertisement
The loss will be frustrating for Kansas, especially after controlling the game for nearly an entire half. The Jayhawks will look to bounce back next Saturday when they welcome UCF to Lawrence. Jayhawks Roundtable .
