Kansas Jayhawks Fly High Over Lindenwood Lions 48-3

© Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal

The Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) played their first game in their home away from home at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan. on Aug. 29. Their opponent was the Lindenwood Lions (0-1) of the FCS, a team that just two years ago was playing in Division II.

The Jayhawks started out somewhat shaky but found their stride in the second quarter, opening up a 34-point gap that proved to be insurmountable as the Jayhawks coasted to a 48-3 victory.

Game Summary

The Jayhawks came out swinging, almost looking like a pass-first offense with multiple passing attempts. Known for their run game, this was a bit peculiar for Kansas, but Lindenwood seemed somewhat prepared for it. Quarterback Jalon Daniels completed only a few passes during that initial attack and even had a pass intercepted, giving the Lions a bit of life. Daniels would finish with 148 yards and a touchdown pass on top of the aforementioned interception.

A very efficient pass game early helped the Lions gain some momentum, as quarterback Nate Glantz moved the ball through the air quickly and with great efficiency. Glantz would go 18-of-31 for 127 yards, with many of his completions coming in that first half.

This is a key thing to note, however, as the Jayhawk defense bent, but never broke throughout the game. The Jayhawks got great pressure on Glantz, eventually flustering him into making mistakes. Dean Miller and Jereme Robinson would come up with sacks and the Kansas pass rush would force Glantz into throwing a pick-6 to Mello Dotson.

A physical, quick attack, the Jayhawks' pass rush might be something to watch for going forward. The vaunted Kansas secondary faltered a few times but eventually came back to form as well.

The Kansas rushing attack did eventually make plenty of appearances throughout this game though, with many carries coming after the Daniels interception. Devin Neal carried the ball 8 times for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Daniel Hishaw Jr. carried the ball 9 times for 66 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Kansas rushing attack went for 324 yards, showing that it's business as usual for the Jayhawks.

The Lindenwood defense would show flashes of promise as they held an explosive Kansas offense to just 48 points when they could have scored a lot more. Tre Bell came up with the lone pick of Daniels and overall the Lions held the Jayhawks to just 14 points in the second half.

This game had a fairly predictable result though. Lindenwood put up a good fight, but the Jayhawks had their second-team players in by the third quarter.

Turning Point of the Game

The Jayhawks were struggling early and it was just a seven-point difference well into the first half. The Jayhawks went up 14 when Neal punched it in after an eight-play drive, but what really opened the floodgates happened on the ensuing drive.

The Lions were faced with a third-and-8 at their own 27-yard line. Glantz had been successful on the quick pass to this point, so it seemed like a very makeable conversion. However, the Kansas pass rush came in with authority, blowing the Lions offensive line off the ball.

Glantz had to make a quick decision and he chose poorly, throwing the ball right into the hands of Dotson, who had nothing but green grass in front of him. This made it 20-0 and Kansas didn't look back, subbing their starters at half and coasting to an easy victory.

Jayhawks/Lions: Debriefing

Kansas moves to 1-0 on the season, just barely missing out on their first shutout victory in a home opener since 1997. They will be traveling to Champagne, Ill., to face the Illinois Fighting Illini on Sept. 7, continuing their quest toward what could be a historic season for the Jayhawks, being ranked in the preseason AP Poll for the first time since 2009.

The Lions move to 0-1 on the season but have some good things to build on after facing a tough Power Four foe. They look to improve on what was a disappointing 2023, going 3-7 in their second season in the FCS. Thus far it looks like improvements have been made and they look forward to an exciting season in the Ohio Valley Conference. They will face the Central Arkansas Bears at home in St. Charles, Missouri on Sept. 7.