KU offense gradually finds groove in 48-17 win over Missouri State

By Shane Jackson, Special to the Journal-World     Sep 1, 2023

article image Mike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo
Kansas running back Devin Neal, looks back with a smile as he scores the first touchdown of the season against Missouri State Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

Coming off its first bowl season since 2008, the Kansas football team pushed past Missouri State for a 48-17 victory in the 2023 season opener on Friday night at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

And the formula looked a lot like what led the Jayhawks to a 5-0 start in their 6-7 campaign in 2022.

Like most games last season, Kansas started off relatively slowly before the team’s elite offense eventually seized control of the game. This time, quarterback Jason Bean got the start in place of Jalon Daniels, who suited up and went through warm-ups before ultimately watching from the sideline.

With Bean serving as QB1, KU grabbed a quick 7-0 lead on its first drive of the season. After three quick passes to get everyone’s feet wet, running back Devin Neal broke free for a 48-yard touchdown run on his first attempt of the night.

The Jayhawks then turned the ball over on their next two possessions, including a fumble by Daniel Hishaw Jr. that set up Missouri State’s first score. A turnover on downs by Kansas then helped the Bears take a 10-7 advantage on a 37-yard field goal early in the second quarter.

But that’s when the Kansas offense began to find its rhythm.

Bean connected on two deep passes during a three-play scoring drive that ultimately gave the hosts a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. He delivered a 52-yard bomb to receiver Lawrence Arnold, only to follow that up the very next play with a 14-yard touchdown strike to Luke Grimm.

Bean then started to use his legs a bit more, which is a threat he offers that is a bit different than what Daniels, the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, can provide to KU’s offense. Bean’s 17-yard scamper eventually set up a 28-yard field goal by Seth Keller to give Kansas a 17-10 lead at the intermission.

The Jayhawks then created some cushion in the second half against their FCS foe. They started off with a nine-play, 69-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 17-yard touchdown run from running back Dylan McDuffie on his first carry as a Jayhawk.

One possession later, Keller connected on a 35-yard field goal to conclude another lengthy 10-play drive by the Kansas offense. Then, following a Missouri State touchdown, Hishaw became the third running back to record a rushing touchdown, increasing Kansas’ lead to 34-17 with a 24-yard touchdown run.

KU cornerback Cobee Bryant helped solidify KU’s position with an interception on the very next drive. Moments later, Bean hit Neal for a 6-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. Running back Sevion Morrison later helped put a bow on the convincing victory with a 5-yard touchdown run.

Kansas will host Illinois next Friday.

How they scored

1Q

11:11 – Devin Neal 48-yard touchdown run. Seth Keller PAT is good. With Jason Bean as the starting quarterback, KU scored on the opening drive in four plays, 70 yards, 1:49 TOP. Kansas 7, Missouri State 0.

2:24 – Jmariyae Robinson 2-yard pass from Jacob Clark. Owen Rozanc PAT is good. 10 plays, 47 yards, 5:37 TOP. Kansas 7, Missouri State 7.

2Q

12:14 – Rozanc 37-yard field goal is good. Seven plays, 53 yards, 3:10 TOP. Missouri State 10, Kansas 7.

11:03 – Luke Grimm 14-yard pass from Jason Bean. Keller PAT is good. Three plays, 75 yards, 1:11 TOP. Kansas 14, Missouri State 10.

1:09 – Keller 28-yard field goal is good. 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:02 TOP. Kansas 17, Missouri State 10.

3Q

10:31 – Dylan McDuffie 17-yard run. Keller PAT is good. Nine plays, 69 yards, 4:22 TOP. Kansas 24, Missouri State 10.

3:18 – Keller 35-yard field goal is good. 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:07 TOP. Kansas 27, Missouri State 10.

4Q

14:57 – Jmariyae Robinson 5-yard run. Rozanc PAT is good. Six plays, 75 yards, 3:21 TOP. Kansas 27, Missouri State 17.

10:18 – Daniel Hishaw 24-yard run. Keller PAT is good. Eight plays, 75 yards, 4:39 TOP. Kansas 34, Missouri State 17.

7:49 – Neal 6-yard pass from Bean. Owen Piepergerdes PAT is good. Five plays, 28 yards, 2:21 TOP. Kansas 41, Missouri State 17.

4:57 – Sevion Morrison 5-yard touchdown run. Keller PAT is good. Four plays, 23 yards, 2:14 TOP. Kansas 48, Missouri State 17.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas running back Devin Neal, breaks free from a tackle Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, against Missouri State.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas wide receiver Quentin Skinner, has a pass broken up by Missouri State’s Jamal McMurrin, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant, grabs his face mask in disbelief after just missing an interception against Missouri State Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas running back Devin Neal, raises his fist in celebration after scoring the first touchdown Friday against Missouri State, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels, kneels down in prayer before the game against Missouri State Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas wide receiver, Luke Grimm, pulls in a catch against Missouri State Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.

article imageMike Gunnoe/Journal-World photo

Kansas head coach Lance Leipold talks to a referee late in the second quarter Friday against Missouri State.

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