Quick React: Kansas Jayhawks defeat Iowa State Cyclones 14-11

Some quick observations after Kansas holds on to beat Iowa State and remain undefeated.

We knew that the chinks in the armor would show for the Kansas Jayhawks at some point this season, but I don't think anyone expected them to come as spectacularly as they did in their game against the Iowa State Cyclones.

The Kansas offense was only able to muster two first half touchdowns, but the defense came up with big plays multiple times, and some special teams luck helped finish the job.

The game was weird from start to finish, as both teams started slow. But the special teams gaffes were frequent for Matt Campbell's squad, starting with a missed 38-yard field goal off the right upright on their second offensive drive. For the first time this year, both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter.  

The Jayhawks got all of their scoring in the second quarter on back-to-back touchdown drives. But a pass interference on Cobee Bryant on a third down incompletion kept the Iowa State drive alive and they were able to get into the end zone. A bobble on the snap for the extra point led to a weird situation where Mello Dotson was caught out of position and the holder ran it in for 2 points.

The second half ramped up the weird factor. It included 1 turnover on downs, a fumble by each team, and multiple times where Kansas was unable to get the first down it needed to kill the clock. But a second deflection off the right upright on a 44-yard field goal with 11:26 to go in the game kept the score at 14-11, and a final miss on a 38 yard attempt with 27 seconds left sealed the win.

We'll continue to break this game down over the next few days, but for now one thing is clear. This is a complete team at the top of the Big 12 standings, not just a great offense.

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