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Lance Leipold Challenges Kansas Jayhawks Defense
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- Lance Leipold Challenges Kansas Jayhawks Defense
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Kansas Jayhawks showed improvement on the defensive side of the football against Baylor, responding to head coach Lance Leipold's challenge to become a more physical team. After struggling to match the intensity of Kansas State the previous week, the Jayhawks delivered a stronger performance in their 25-24 victory over the Bears on Saturday.
Physicality had become an important point of emphasis for Kansas after its 35-24 loss to Kansas State. The Jayhawks struggled to contain the Wildcats' rushing attack, allowing 359 rushing yards. Following that performance, Leipold made it clear that his team needed to do a better job matching its opponents' strength and intensity.
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Against Baylor, Kansas showed signs of answering that challenge. The defense played with greater aggression, improved its tackling and made it more difficult for the Bears to sustain drives. Those improvements helped Kansas stay within reach of a comeback even when the offense faced adversity.
Leipold also highlighted the linebackers' response to the coaching staff's challenge. Their increased physicality and aggression were important factors in the defensive effort, helping Kansas compete more effectively against Baylor's offense.
The defensive front also contributed to the improvement. Kansas recorded two sacks and five tackles for loss, putting pressure on Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway and disrupting the Bears' offensive rhythm. The Jayhawks needed that production after allowing Kansas State to control the line of scrimmage the previous weekend.
Another encouraging development was the defense's ability to make important stops when Baylor threatened to pull away. Kansas entered the fourth quarter trailing 21-10 but rallied to take the lead and eventually secure the victory. The defense's contributions helped give the offense opportunities to get back into the game.
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The Jayhawks' performance was not without challenges, but the result offered evidence that the team could respond to criticism and make adjustments. For a program looking to establish consistency in Big 12 competition, that response could be important as the season continues.
Leipold will now look for the defense to maintain that same level of intensity against TCU. Kansas cannot afford to treat one improved performance as the finish line, particularly with more conference games remaining and the need to build consistency on both sides of the ball.
The matchup against TCU will provide another opportunity for the Jayhawks to demonstrate their progress. Playing physically at the line of scrimmage, tackling consistently and getting pressure on the quarterback will remain key priorities.
Kansas' win over Baylor was significant for more than the final score. It showed that the Jayhawks could respond after being challenged by their head coach. If the defense continues to play with the same aggression and discipline, that improvement could become an important foundation for the remainder of the season.
Read more Kansas coverage at JayhawksRoundtable .
