Texas beats Kansas 24-17

Texas escaped Lawrence with a 24-17 victory over Kansas on Friday afternoon in Lawrence after successfully recovering an onsides kick with 1:37 to play.

The Longhorns started off strong, forcing a Kansas three-and-out on the opening possession of the game. The KU punt was downed at the 2-yard line, and Texas marched 98 yards in just over 5 minutes to get the game’s first points on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Sam Ehlinger to Collin Johnson.

That was as good at the Texas offense would look at game. After that opening drive, Kansas held Texas to just 199 yards of total offense and intercepted Ehlinger twice. However, KU’s offensive attack was equally morbid, which explained the 21-0 deficit entering the fourth quarter of play.

A 57-yard outburst by KU’s Pooka Williams on the second play of the fourth quarter ignited the Jayhawks, who began a furious rally. KU did recover one onsides kick to regain possession, which led to the Gabriel Rui 45-yard field goal that made it a one-score game, but lady luck was not on KU’s side, and the Longhorns kneeled out the clock.

Kansas was called for 9 penalties for 98 yards, several of which came on what would have been big plays for the Jayhawks. Texas, meanwhile, didn’t see its first flag until the fourth quarter, despite plays like this and this.

Additionally, KU had a defensive player ejected for targeting. This tweet pretty much sums it up:

#DollarSigns

No doubt the Big 12 wants a Texas-OU rematch in the championship game next week. West Virginia is about to get screwed on their home field tonight.