The Kansas Jayhawks suffered their first loss of the season on Saturday, falling 23-17 to Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
But KU coach Lance Leipold urged fans and media to remember it’s just one game.
“We are going to see what we are made of,” Leipold told reporters after his team dropped to 1-1. “We’ve got 10 more games to play — this is a nonconference football game. ... Don’t get ahead of yourself. We’ve got a long way to. We’ve got a lot to do. Everyone wants to go into things that aren’t on the schedule yet, to talk about a football team that has to get a lot better.”
Leipold wasn’t through.
“There’s a lot of good teams and there’s a lot of good coaches,” he continued. “A lot of things happen. Now we’ve got to play another good team in six days. If everyone thinks our goals and everything are out the window, they are sadly mistaken. …
“We’re barely into the season, yet, guys. This is what it is, but we are going to see what kind of team we are, what kind of resolve we have, what kind of leadership we have — starting with the head coach on down.”
Here are grades for all three KU units against Illinois, plus our Kansas player of the game:
Kansas football offense: C-
If there’s anyone to blame for KU’s loss, it’s the Jayhawks’ offense. From the perplexing play-calling to a horrendous three-pick night by Jalon Daniels, it was truly a game Kansas fans will want to forget.
Daniels finished 18-of-32 for 141 yards with two touchdowns. Add in the interceptions and it was one of the worst games of his career. He never looked comfortable.
KU’s run game was the lone bright spot on offense, totaling 186 yards. Devin Neal had 101 rushing yards on just 14 carries. Kansas might’ve won by relying more on the run game and less on Daniels’ arm.
Kansas football defense: A-
As much as KU’s offense was a disaster, the defense was the Jayhawks’ saving grace.
KU forced one turnover and limited the Illini to 271 total yards. The defense also forced four pressures and had two sacks.
Perhaps the most impressive part of KU’s defense was that it contained Illinois QB Luke Altmyers’ scrambling ability. After running for over 70 yards and two TD vs. KU last season, he had yards on Saturday.
KU did a great job of cutting off his running lanes when he did decide to run. Still, the Jayhawks’ defense did give up a field goal on Illinois’ last drive. So, it wasn’t perfect.
Kansas football special teams: A
If there’s one phase of the game that Leipold will be happy about, it is KU’s special teams.
Kicker Tabor Allen made his first field goal (from 29 yards out) while return man Trevor Wilson averaged 22 yards per return, with a long of 28.
Jayhawks punter Damon Greaves averaged 54.5 yards per punt, with a long of 58.
Kansas nearly recovered a muffed punt late, but the Illini landed on it in the end zone for a touchback.
Player of the game: Devin Neal
Perhaps this award should recognize the most underutilized player in the game. Neal looked good when he got the ball, averaging 7.2 yards per carry. What might he have done with more than 14 carries that night? As it was, he galloped for 101 rushing yards.
Most Popular
Comments / 0