Kansas
Kansas Jayhawks at Kansas State Wildcats Statistical Recap: Not ALL Bad
Even the climate was depressing on Saturday, because the Kansas Jayhawks fell decisively to the Kansas State Wildcats in Manhattan. However whereas the ultimate rating appeared to point a blowout, it was only some huge errors that finally led to the Jayhawks dropping their common season finale.
Usually a 20-point margin means that there’s a lot extra unhealthy than good, however trying via the field rating tells a unique story. So lets dive in and see what the field rating tells us about this efficiency.
Offense
Identical to final week’s efficiency was uncharacteristically unhealthy, this week had a 307 yard complete for the offense that wasn’t truly as unhealthy as you may assume. Contemplating the driving rain that was falling for a lot of the sport, Passing was naturally a bit suppressed. And with the deficit that Kansas confronted a lot of the night time, the operating sport took considerably of a again seat because the Jayhawks tried to push the ball down the sector. Kansas transformed 6 of 12 third-down conversion makes an attempt and their solely fourth down try. However one offensive turnover killed the offensive momentum that Kansas was making an attempt to construct within the second half.
Passing
The passing sport wasn’t wildly profitable, provided that it solely accrued 180 yards, however it additionally wasn’t terrible contemplating the situations. And the 21 accomplished passes had been caught by seven completely different gamers. Nonetheless, the group solely averaged 5.6 yards per passing try, which is not nice by any means.
Jalon Daniels accomplished 20 of his 32 cross makes an attempt for 168 yards. He gave the impression to be scanning the sector a lot better this week than he did within the week prior, which made it simpler for him to determine gamers chopping over the center and in advantageous positions on the sideline.
Jason Bean threw a single cross on a misdirection play that seemed to be a Jalon Daniels run. As a substitute, Bean rolled out the wrong way and hit Luke Grimm down the sideline for 12 yards. That play set Kansas up with a 1st and purpose from the Kansas State 7 yard line, finally resulting in the ultimate rating for the Jayhawks.
Luke Grimm led the Jayhawks in receiving yards, with 48 yards on 3 catches. His longest of the night time was a 33 yard catch and run to start out the ultimate landing drive of the primary half. He additionally drew a vital cross interference penalty on Kansas State in the long run zone to arrange the landing run.
Mason Fairchild had 4 receptions for 41 yards, with three of the 4 for 10+ yards and a primary down in tight conditions, together with two essential third down conversions.
Jared Casey additionally had 4 catches, however for simply 23 yards. He was additionally the meant receiver on an incomplete cross that resulted in a primary down by face masks penalty.
Lawrence Arnold had 4 catches as effectively for 26 yards, none of which had been significantly consequential on their very own.
Torry Locklin, Devin Neal and Kevin Terry had been every credited with 2 receptions, for 23, 10 and 9 yards respectively.
Speeding
Whereas the operating sport solely totaled 127 yards on the night time, all 4 scores for the offense got here on the bottom. This was partly because of the effectiveness of the passing sport in restricted alternatives, but in addition as a result of a median of 4.2 yards per carry that the Jayhawks averaged.
Devin Neal led all rushers, with 16 carries for 59 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Daniels had 8 carries for simply 51 yards and a single landing.
Torry Locklin had 6 carries for simply 17 yards and a single landing. Nonetheless, he additionally had a expensive fumble early within the second half that killed the momentum from a Kansas defensive cease.
Protection
It wasn’t a stellar day from the protection by any means, however you additionally should acknowledge that the remainder of the group did not put them in improbable positions a number of occasions on the night. The Wildcats had one landing drive of simply 5 yards, and one other for simply 38 yards, plus a discipline purpose drive that solely needed to journey 22 yards as a result of a protracted kickoff return.
The primary space that Kansas struggled was on third downs. The Jayhawks had been capable of pressure a number of third down and 6+ yards, however allowed Kansas State to transform manner too lots of them, normally by breaking tackles from defenders making an attempt to make arm tackles or slipping on the grass. However the protection made some nice stops, and made lots of the drives tougher than anticipated for the Wildcats.
Craig Younger led the group with 8 complete tackles, together with 7 solo tackles and 1 sack, and was additionally credited with one other QB hurry.
Kenny Logan Jr. had 6 complete tackles, together with 5 solo tackles. His solely assisted deal with was a tackle-for-loss that he break up with Marvin Grant, who had 5 complete tackles, together with 4 solo tackles.
Lonnie Phelps Jr. had 5 complete tackles, together with 4 solo tackles. He had a sack on which he additionally compelled Will Howard to fumble the ball, which was scooped up by Caleb Sampson.
Additionally credited with tackles for loss had been Taiwan Berryhill, Eriq Gilyard and Malcolm Lee.
Particular Groups
The particular groups weren’t good on this sport.
Trevor Wilson returned the second kickoff by Kansas State from the top zone , solely advancing the ball to the Kansas 6 yard line. That drive resulted in a security.
O.J. Burroughs slipped whereas making an attempt to discipline the Kansas State punt after a three-and-out on the primary drive of the sport, fumbling the ball and giving it to the Wildcat offense on the Kansas 5.
Reis Vernon had 5 punts on the day, dropping two contained in the 20. The one return resulted in a five-yard loss as a result of a block within the again penalty that pushes the protection participant into the runner..
Tabor Allen had 5 kickoffs, solely one among which went for a touchback. One was returned to simply the Kansas State 8, however the different 3 all resulted in additional favorable discipline place, together with a 69 yard return to set the Wildcats up on the Kansas 31.
Owen Piepergerdes made all three of his additional level makes an attempt, and didn’t try a discipline purpose on the night time.
Whereas Kansas didn’t end the season because the group had hoped, there have been nonetheless enhancements this week that the group can construct on with a purpose to have exhibiting of their bowl sport and use as a basis for subsequent season.
The bowl matchup for Kansas shall be introduced on Sunday night time.
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Kansas
Travis Hunter responds to Kansas’ Cobee Bryant after trash talk episodes
Kansas Jayhawks defensive back Cobee Bryant has made it clear he’s been anticipating this weekend’s matchup against the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes. In an interview earlier this week, Bryant openly expressed his excitement to face Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. “I’m not going to lie, I have been waiting,” Bryant said. “I already marked this on my notes… I’ve been waiting on this game all season. This is gonna be the game.” His eagerness spilled over onto social media, where he posted, “Now I’m piss hurry tf up Saturday I meant that omm bet,” highlighting his impatience for the showdown.
Despite Bryant’s bold trash talk, Hunter has kept a calm and confident demeanor. During a livestream, he responded to questions about Bryant, saying, “We let people talk, bro. Would that make him feel better? It’s going to make him feel better, let that boy talk. They know they are going to have to double team.” Hunter’s composed reply suggests he’s more focused on his game than engaging in verbal sparring.
Deion Sanders meets up with coaching legend before Kansas matchup
Bryant’s trash talk hasn’t been limited to Hunter. The Kansas defensive back also took aim at Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, reportedly texting him and drawing a response from the Buffs’ leader. Sanders, unshaken, has hinted at exploiting Kansas’ coverage, adding fuel to the growing tension. This back-and-forth has only energized the Buffaloes, who are vying to strengthen their College Football Playoff resume.
For Kansas, this game represents a golden opportunity to make a statement by taking down a CFP-ranked opponent. A win would allow the unranked Jayhawks to end their season on a high note and potentially climb the rankings themselves. Colorado, meanwhile, has its sights set on maintaining momentum. A win over Kansas, followed by another against Oklahoma State, would propel the Buffaloes into the the Big 12 title game and keep their playoff hopes alive.
The stakes are high and the stage is set at Arrowhead Stadium. The clash between Kansas and Colorado promises to be intense, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Kansas
Will Weather Play a Factor in No. 16 Colorado vs. Kansas? Latest Update
As No. 16 Colorado and Kansas prepare to face off on Saturday, the stakes have never been higher.
Colorado enters the game with an 8-2 record and hopes of making a college football playoff run in year two under head coach Deion Sanders.
On the other hand, Kansas has struggled for much of the season but comes into this game with newfound confidence after securing back-to-back wins against Top-25 teams in program history.
The game is set to take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time.
According to the latest forecast, the weather should be relatively mild, but there are a few elements to keep an eye on as the game unfolds.
Temperatures will reach a high of 57 degrees during the afternoon, with game-time conditions hovering around 54 degrees.
Fans attending the game can expect clear skies with only a 1% chance of precipitation, so rain isn’t expected to be a factor.
However, wind could still have an impact. Gusts of up to 10 mph are expected, which could affect passing and kicking games.
The humidity will sit at 43%, which shouldn’t be a significant factor for the teams, but it’s something to keep in mind as the afternoon wears on.
Travis Hunter Fires Back at Kansas’ Cobee Bryant: ‘Stop Talking Crazy’
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Kansas
KC Current’s Chawinga named NWSL MVP
Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga was named the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League MVP on Friday, one day ahead of the league’s championship match.
Chawinga set a new single-season NWSL record with 20 goals this year for the Current.
She also scored the lone goal in the team’s quarterfinal victory and both goals in the championship of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup last month.
“From the moment Temwa came to Kansas City, we knew she was capable of playing at an MVP level,” general manager Caitlin Carducci said in a statement.
“Not only has she been an incredible player on the pitch, she’s also been an incredible teammate and representative of the organization off it. Temwa laid an incredible foundation with her play in 2024, and we’re so excited for what’s to come in the years ahead.”
Chawinga is the eighth NWSL Golden Boot winner to also win MVP in the same season since the league’s launch in 2013. She is the first African international to win either award.
The 26-year-old Malawi international arrived in Kansas City this year from the Chinese Super League and took the league by storm in the first season with her eye for goal and her game-changing speed.
Chawinga scored in 13 of the Current’s final 14 matches of the regular season, including goals in eight straight games, which was a first in league history.
She also scored a goal against all 13 other NWSL teams this season, another first, and she added five assists to the Current’s league-record 57 goals this season.
Chawinga’s 20 goals broke Sam Kerr’s previous record of 18 in a season, which Kerr scored in 21 games.
Chawinga played in 25 regular-season games this year.
The next closest scorer in the regular season was Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, who finished with 13 goals.
Banda scored in last week’s semifinal to help Orlando eliminate Kansas City from the playoffs.
Orlando takes on the Washington Spirit on Saturday in the NWSL Championship at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.
History of NWSL MVPs
2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City midfielder
2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC midfielder
2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit forward
2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash forward
2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC forward
2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC midfielder
2019: Sam Kerr: Chicago Red Stars forward
2021: Jess Fishlock, OL Reign midfielder
2022: Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC forward
2023: Kerolin, North Carolina Courage forward
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