BYU (3-1) had it’s chances, but in the end, Kansas (4-0) was able to put the Cougars away for a 38-27 victory at home inside David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes and running back Devin Neal ran for a game-high 91 yards to lead the Jayhawks to victory.
BYU quarterback Kedon Slovis completed 30-of-51 passes for 357 yards with two touchdowns for the Cougars in the loss. Slovis faced a tough task as the Cougars — once again — could not move the ball on ground as BYU finished the day with just 9 rushing yards. Yes, 9 rushing yards when factoring in the three sacks the Cougars had. BYU’s two running backs LJ Martin and Deion Smith each averaged just 2.5 yards per carry. The longest run of the day for the Cougars was 7 yards.
While BYU was able to still keep it close, the one-dimensional offense couldn’t keep it going down the stretch as the Jayhawks overcame a 17-14 halftime deficit and improve to 4-0 in back-to-back years for the first time since 1914-1915.
The loss was disappointing in what was BYU’s Big 12 debut. While BYU had more total yards than Kansas (366 to 351), the Cougars not only settled for several field goals in the red zone, but the Jayhawks defense was able to score twice on a pick-6 and a fumble return for a score.
The scoop and score looked like it could have been targeting, however, the refs not only didn’t call it, there was no review either. That play not only put Kansas up 7-0 to start the game, but it also took Parker Kingston out of the game due to concussion protocol.
Another frustrating part of the contest was BYU’s timeout usage. To sum up just how bad it was, the Cougars called a timeout after already coming out of a timeout. The Cougars also wasted a timeout in the third quarter to avoid a delay a game penalty, despite it being 3rd and goal form the 23 yard line and the cougars weren’t going to score anyways.
After the timeout, the team trotted out and ran a play right up the middle for 5 yards to kick a field goal. It was a big waste considering the Cougars needed those timeouts at the end of the game to stop the clock with Kansas set on running out the clock the last five minutes.
While the loss stings, the good news is that unlike Independence, the Cougars season isn’t over as BYU still has a lot to play for. The loss is just frustrating for Cougar fans because the game was very winnable. The Cougars contained the Jayhawk offense, but the team couldn’t overcome two defensive touchdowns.
Here’s how the media, fans and players reacted after the win:
Funk needs to be replaced! The Oline has underperformed this year. Can’t win one series to break for a run more than 3 yards.
— Joe (@AvgJoeGolfer) September 23, 2023
BYU has rushed for over 100 yards only once this season. This is unacceptable. Way too much talent in the OL room to put this product on the field. I think Coach Sitake needs to have a serious conversation here pic.twitter.com/OEUjLJ9npR
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) September 23, 2023
very hard to overcome these mistakes against a top team like Kansas on the road. BYU shooting itself in the foot here, a lot
— Brandon Gurney (@BrandonCGurney) September 23, 2023
Parker’s hit looked like it coulda been at least reviewed for targeting and Rex was definitely held on the pick 6… I’m sure BYU got away with stuff too but man a call on either of those would have been massive. pic.twitter.com/D4SQWDF30I
— David Stott (@DStott50) September 23, 2023
3 turnovers and 2 for TDs is tough sledding smh! https://t.co/d91FvCbqqg
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) September 23, 2023
Exactly.
— kylecoug (@kylecoug) September 23, 2023
— The Blue Brethren (@BlueBrethren) September 23, 2023
I feel like this is textbook targeting.. but ya know.. 🖕🏼 https://t.co/rcm2KM9Bke
— Mrs. Inked Cougar (@laceandrus) September 23, 2023
The absence of Parker Kingston is detrimental to the BYU offense. I imagine he was a big part of the BYU gameplan offensively.
— Benjamin Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 23, 2023
I thought so …
— Darnell Dickson (@DarnellWrites) September 23, 2023
Four consecutive weeks of illegal touching penalty. Always takes away big Isaac Rex catches.
Brutal.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 23, 2023
— J Smith (@Smitty_J1) September 23, 2023
hang your heads high cougs. this program is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the big12 this year and many years to come. and you've found a fellow fan for life. much love!
— jayhawk lasso (@jaylassoku) September 23, 2023
absolutely! hope to visit provo when we head that way. https://t.co/SsG0DQgyfF
— jayhawk lasso (@jaylassoku) September 23, 2023
Good game! Seriously, what an awesome fan base you guys have. #RockChalk
— Kansas Guy (@KUGuy26) September 23, 2023
@BYUfootball is a great addition to the Big 12. We’re glad you’re hear and you have some amazing fans. Welcome to the Big 12 and best of luck next week against @GoBearcatsFB See you in Basketball Season. #RockChalk
— Fletcher (@FletcherJames65) September 23, 2023
I’ve legitimately never been more mad during a BYU football game. That was disgusting.
— Brax (@byu_homer) September 23, 2023
I’m just in freaking awe at how bad it is.
— Michael (@michaeldking23) September 23, 2023
BYU is ELITE at wasting timeouts. Best in the country.
— Hayden (@oldmaxhall) September 23, 2023
Frustrating loss. Credit to Kansas though. They forced turnovers and capitalized on them. That was the biggest difference in the game.
Best of luck the rest of the way, Jayhawks!
— Ys Guide (@YsGuide) September 23, 2023
It's all good. BYU will get Kansas back in basketball.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) September 23, 2023
Totally different feel having BYU lose its 1st game while in a conference. Still so much to play for.
— Hans Olsen (@975Hans) September 23, 2023
Feels better for sure, self inflicted loss stings though
— Willy (@LittleBroUtes) September 23, 2023
The loss always stings.
That being said, it feels nice to be in a conference and still know meaningful games are still to come! #BYU #BYUfootball #Big12 #Big12Football— Brandon Reeves (@Cougar_Shark) September 23, 2023