Jayhawks Play Spoiler in Win Over No. 17 Cyclones

© William Purnell/USA TODAY SPORTS

The Kansas Jayhawks (3-6) flexed their offensive muscle against a normally stout No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones (7-2) defense on Nov. 9, winning a late-developing shootout 45-36 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

The Jayhawks had 532 yards of total offense, with quarterback Jalon Daniels throwing for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns and running back Devin Neal rushing for 116 yards and two scores. Iowa State had 461 total yards of offense with quarterback Rocco Becht throwing for 383 yards and 3 touchdowns and running back Carson Hansen leading rushing with 48 yards and a score.

Jayhawks Fly to Victory

The Jayhawks punted on their first drive of the game, however, that was not the story of things to come. They proceeded to rattle off 45 points and punt just three times throughout the whole contest. Prior to this matchup, the Iowa State defense was ranked No. 2 in pass defense and No. 19 in total defense, but the Cyclones have not looked the part in their past few contests.

Today was no different. The Jayhawks jumped out to an 18-point halftime lead and never looked back. The Iowa State offense had a bit of a spark in the fourth quarter, cutting the lead to nine points, but it was too little, too late. A lack of pocket presence from Becht due to an onslaught of pressure from the Jayhawks was the reason for the lackluster Cyclone passing game.

"To see us play that aggressively," Kansas coach Lance Leipold said in the postgame presser, singing the praises of his defensive line. "I thought we played hard and scrapped up there to put pressure, especially in the second quarter. We played very disruptive." Despite late flashes of offensive efficiency from Iowa State, it was Kansas' defensive pressure that ultimately allowed the Jayhawks to put it away.

Dotson Seals It

The game was sealed with 5:58 to go in the game when Iowa State started a drive deep in their own territory down ten points. Becht had been feeling the heat all game, and once again the Jayhawks brought pressure on a passing play. Becht's errant pass ended up in the hands of cornerback Mello Dotson, who clinched the game with a pick-six.

Playing Spoiler

The Jayhawks keep their bowl hopes alive for another day as they notch their third win and their first over a ranked team. The Jayhawks certainly have more chances to play spoiler going forward, as they face the undefeated No. 9 BYU Cougars (8-0), No. 21 Colorado Buffaloes (7-2) and Baylor Bears (5-4) to finish out the season.

Tonight was also a record-breaking night for Neal, who now holds the Kansas all-time records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. The Lawrence native has left his mark on this program and solidified himself as a school legend.

As for Iowa State, this game puts a cap on their College Football Playoff hopes, save for an automatic berth from a Big 12 Championship victory. Iowa State plays the Cincinnati Bearcats (5-4) at home next weekend, which will be a tough contest. Should they win that contest, it should put the Cyclones back on track toward the Big 12 title race.