Jayhawks fail to get enough stops in 31-24 loss to Iowa State

By Bobby Nightengale     Nov 12, 2016

Mike Yoder
Kansas wide receiver Shakier Barbel (82) runs upfield after a catch during the Jayhawks game against Iowa State on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at Memorial Stadium.

Looking for its first Big 12 victory in more than two years, the Kansas football team will have to wait at least another week.

The Jayhawks certainly had their chances against Iowa State on Saturday, leading by eight points in the third quarter, but couldn’t register enough stops on defense in a 31-24 loss at Memorial Stadium. It’s the 19th straight loss for KU in Big 12 play.

Iowa State (2-8, 1-6 Big 12) scored on its first four drives in the second half — three touchdowns and a field goal. The Cyclones totaled 458 yards of offense, including 205 passing yards from redshirt sophomore quarterback Jacob Park.

The Jayhawks (1-9, 0-7) scored 24 points, their highest point total since their season-opening victory against Rhode Island.

Running backs Ke’aun Kinner (152 yards, touchdown) and Taylor Martin (83 yards, touchdown) led the offense with strong runs throughout Saturday. Kinner averaged 8.4 yards per carry.

Redshirt freshman Carter Stanley, in his first career start at quarterback, kept mistakes to a minimum and was efficient with his short passes. Stanley finished 26-of-38 passing for 171 yards, a touchdown and interception. He added nine rushing yards on five attempts.

Steven Sims (nine catches, 37 yards) caught a 7-yard touchdown in the first quarter, giving KU an early lead that it would hold until the fourth quarter.

Trailing by seven points with under three minutes left, Stanley was intercepted on a deep pass by ISU defensive back Jomal Wiltz.

KU only registered three tackles for loss and one sack (freshman Isaiah Bean).

Here’s a quick look back at some of the action:

The game turned when: After making halftime adjustments, Iowa State’s offense scored on four straight drives turning a seven-point deficit into a 31-24 advantage. The Cyclones, with four seniors on their offensive line, controlled the line of scrimmage with strong pass protection and long runs.

Offensive highlight: Following an Iowa State touchdown (and botched extra point) in the third quarter, the Jayhawks needed to get something going offensively. On 3rd-and-10, Ke’aun Kinner caught a screen pass and ran past defenders for a 29-yard pickup. Three plays later, Kinner finished the drive with a 39-yard touchdown run up the middle for a 24-16 lead.

Defensive highlight: Trailing by two points at the end of the third quarter, following a six-yard touchdown run by Mitchell Harger, Iowa State attempted a two-point conversion. Jacob Park tossed a short pass in the flat, but senior cornerback Brandon Stewart made an open-field tackle to hold KU’s lead — momentarily.

Key stat: Third down conversions. After starting 0-for-4 on third downs, the Cyclones finished 7-of-13, including three conversions on a five-minute, 33-second drive in the fourth quarter. On the other side, the Jayhawks had one of their best days offensively because of their ability to convert 9 of their 16 third down plays.

Up next: The Jayhawks will face Texas in their final home game at Memorial Stadium this season.

HOW THEY SCORED

FIRST QUARTER

12:14 — Cole Netten 23-yard field goal. Four-play drive for three yards, in 1:30. (ISU 3, KU 0).

5:24 — Carter Stanley seven-yard pass to Steven Sims Jr. Matt Wyman kick. Thirteen-play drive for 88 yards, in 3:32. (KU 7, ISU 3.)

SECOND QUARTER

14:57 — Taylor Martin two-yard run. Wyman kick. Thirteen-play drive for 76 yards, in 3:58. (KU 14, ISU 3.)

3:35 — Jacob Park four-yard pass to Allen Lazard. Netten kick. Fourteen-play drive for 80 yards, in 6:41. (KU 14, ISU 10.)

THIRD QUARTER

10:35 — Wyman 37-yard field goal. Eleven-play drive for 55 yards, in 4:25. (KU 17, ISU 10.)

6:52 — Park 12-yard pass to Deshaunte Jones. Netten kick failed. Eleven-play drive for 75 yards, in 3:43.(KU 17, ISU 16.)

4:58 — Ke’aun Kinner 39-yard run. Wyman kick. Six-play drive for 77 yards, in 1:48. (KU 24, ISU 16.)

0:10 — Mitchell Harger six-yard run. Park pass to Trever Ryen failed. Ten-play drive for 80 yards, in 4:39. (KU 24, ISU 22.)

FOURTH QUARTER

12:03 — Joel Lanning one-yard run. Park pass to Carson Epps failed. Five-play drive for 70 yards, in 1:28. (ISU 28, KU 24.)

2:48 — Netten 37-yard field goal. Thirteen-play drive for 42 yards, in 5:33. (ISU 31, KU 24.)

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