Slow start, missed FGs and key turnovers cost Kansas in 43-28 road loss to Texas Tech

By J-W Staff & Wire Reports     Nov 12, 2022

Kansas quarterback Jason Bean (9) runs the ball against Texas Tech defensive back Rayshad Williams (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Another slow start on the road put the Kansas football team in a deep hole early on Saturday night, and the Jayhawks were unable to crawl all the way out of it.

Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough threw a touchdown pass and ran for a score and Texas Tech outlasted Kansas 43-28 on Saturday night.

“At the end of the day, Texas Tech executed,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said. “We had opportunities to make plays, close gaps and we didn’t. There were a lot of different things in this game that we were outplayed in.”

After falling behind 24-7, the Jayhawks (6-4, 3-4) managed to claw back to trail 27-21 at halftime on Jason Bean’s 16-yard touchdown run and his 3-yard scoring toss to Devin Neal.

Quentin Skinner and Bean connected for a 20-yard touchdown to pull the Jayhawks within 33-28 with eight minutes remaining in the game, but the Red Raiders used a Trey Wolff field goal and a strip sack that led to the final touchdown to hold on for the win.

KU place kicker Jacob Borcila missed a pair of field goals in the first and third quarter, that made KU’s comeback attempt a bigger challenge than it already was. Both kicks hit the right upright, stealing potential momentum from Kansas and allowing Texas Tech to maintain control.

Shough rushed for a 9-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to give Texas Tech (5-5, 3-4 Big 12 Conference) a 33-21 lead. It was the first score by either team in the second half.

“We talked this week about finishing games in the fourth quarter,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said. “I thought we did such a good job of finishing that game as a team.”

Bean was 17-for-28 passing for 270 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score in his fourth start of the season after taking over for the injured Jalon Daniels. Jared Casey and Luke Grimm were the benefactors of two Bean passing scores in the first half.

Neal rushed for 190 yards just a week after rushing for 224 yards against Oklahoma State.

“Considering everything that we’re putting on his shoulders right now at this stage of the season, he’s had his two most workman like carry totals these last two games (and been) highly productive,” Leipold said. “He’s in good rhythm. He sees things and you can see some of those, maybe not necessarily big plays, but the consistent 7-, 8-, 10-yard runs because he’s got a good feel for how things are playing out.”

Kansas accumulated 525 yards of total offense and 293 of those came through the passing game.

With KU down two scores late, Leipold turned the game over to true freshman QB Ethan Vasko instead of sticking with Bean or turning to injured starter Jalon Daniels. Leipold said Bean took a shot to his mid-section late in Saturday’s game, just as he did in last week’s win over Oklahoma State and, “was not able to return.”

“At that point, where everything’s at with (Daniels) and standing around in this weather, it would not be a wise decision to put him out there right now,” Leipold said after the game. “But he’s practicing every day and he’s very close.”

Tahj Brooks sealed the victory with a 5-yard touchdown run with 3:33 remaining in the game. Four different Red Raiders scored four rushing touchdowns in the win.

Shough was 16-for-25 passing for 246 yards and a touchdown in his first start since the opening week of the season. Texas Tech totaled 506 yards of offense with 260 of them on the ground.

The Red Raiders used a brief two-quarterback system with Shough and Donovan Smith. Smith rushed for a 6-yard touchdown on the opening drive where Shough was responsible for 57 of the 75 yards on the drive.

SaRodorick Thompson Jr. rushed for 68 yards with a 36-yard touchdown for the Red Raiders. Mason Tharp caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Shough to give the Red Raiders a 24-7 lead midway through the first half.

THE TAKEAWAY

Kansas: The Jayhawks found success in the passing game. Bean found Casey for a 66-yard touchdown pass on a fourth-and-1 play for an early score. Kansas struggled to limit the Red Raiders rushing attack. A pair of Bean turnovers and missed field goals hampered Kansas.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders entered the game eighth in the conference in rushing offense averaging 143.5 yards per game. Shough led the way as the Red Raiders accumulated 260 rushing yards. The secondary couldn’t slow the Jayhawks giving up 15.4 yards per completion.

HOME COOKIN’

Texas Tech won its fifth home game of the season. It was the first time since 2009 the Red Raiders recorded five or more wins at home in a season. With one final game in Lubbock slated on the schedule, Texas Tech could match the 6-1 home record of its 2009 squad. Texas Tech needs one win to become bowl-eligible.

UP NEXT

Kansas: The Jayhawks will host Texas for senior day.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders will travel to play Iowa State.

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