In a dramatic college football showdown, the Kansas Jayhawks' spirited comeback fell just short, resulting in a narrow 16-13 defeat at the hands of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The game, which unfolded at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, saw the 19th-ranked Jayhawks stumble to a 7-3 overall record and 4-3 in the Big 12 conference.
The Jayhawks faced early challenges, including a sluggish start and difficulties in curtailing Texas Tech's running game. Adding to their woes were key injuries to their quarterbacks. First-string quarterback Jalon Daniels was out due to back tightness. Meanwhile, backup quarterback Jason Bean was injured in the third quarter. This led to freshman walk-on Cole Ballard taking the reins.
“(He did) just about what I thought he’d do: compete his tail off, and he wouldn’t flinch, and he’ll give you everything he has,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said. “I don’t think he ever had that deer-in-the-headlight look about him where the moment was too big. That locker room really likes Cole Ballard and they have for a long time. It’s his makeup, it’s in his DNA, and he’s going to be a fine player here.”
Texas Tech entered the game with a 5-5 record (4-3 in Big 12). The team seized the opportunity to boost its bowl eligibility prospects. The Red Raiders established an early lead with a touchdown by Tahj Brooks and continued to dominate on the ground, further extending their advantage with a field goal.
Ballard takes the helm
Kansas struggled to find rhythm after Bean was forced out of the game. But, Ballard stepped in, leading an 18-play drive.
Despite a tough start and an interception in the third quarter, Ballard demonstrated resilience and skill. Kansas's attempt to rally from a 13-0 deficit showcased Ballard's potential, even as key team members like Luke Grimm and Mason Fairchild sustained injuries.
Ballard completed 9 of 20 passes for 124 yards and showcased his running ability. His performance was a silver lining for Kansas, with Devin Neal, another standout, praising Ballard's calmness and confidence.
"The weird thing about it is, we all kind of expected it from him," Neal said. "And that's just kind of our standard as a team. It doesn't matter who goes out there, I've said it plenty of times. He was super calm, and he's cold as ice out there."
The match was characterized by both teams' difficulties in scoring touchdowns. Kansas's first drive under Ballard was impressive but ultimately fruitless. Similarly, Texas Tech faced challenges, with Kansas declining a penalty, which led to a missed field goal by Garcia.
The momentum shifted with Neal's 60-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, sparking hopes of a Kansas comeback. Neal's performance was a highlight for Kansas. He surpassed significant figures on the school's all-time rushing list.
However, Kansas's strategy shifted in the second half. A trick play on a third-and-goal fell short, and it was costly. Texas Tech quickly capitalized on this. Quarterback Behren Morton threw key passes, setting up the decisive, game-winning field goal by Gino Garcia in the last 19 seconds.
In the final moments, Ballard's efforts to drive the team forward were hampered by Texas Tech's solid defense. Kansas aimed for a tie to push the game into overtime but fell short as time ran out.
The Jayhawks are now preparing to host the Kansas State Wildcates in the upcoming Sunflower Showdown, with the kickoff time yet to be confirmed by the Big 12.