A (Semi) Statistical Recap of Texas Tech

That was truly one of the most bizarre endings I have ever witnessed in person. The short version: after falling behind 17-0, Kansas came all the way back to tie the game at 34-all. With 13 seconds left, Kansas lined up for a field goal attempt, which was blocked by Tech. The Raiders picked up the loose ball and tried to advance, but fumbled, and KU recovered. With 2 seconds left, Kansas lined up for another game winning field goal attempt, and it was perfect.

What an ending.

What a game.

The Kansas offense continues to hum under new OC Brent Dearmon. KU now has back-to-back games of 500+ yards of total offense, as KU finished the game averaging 7.6 yards per play (one week after averaging 7.5 yards per play at Texas). Kansas had four pass plays that went for more than 45 yards. Throwing the ball down the field works!

Something I noticed while combing through the box score was that Kansas went scoreless on its first four drives of the game. On those first four drives, Kansas averaged just 3.4 yards per play. On its next eight drives, Kansas scored six times, including five touchdowns, while averaging 8.4 yards per play.

Color me impressed.

Tech averaged 6.1 yards per play, as KU’s bend-but-don’t-break defense paid off, allowing just one 45+ yard play by the Red Raiders.

Tech converted its first two third-down conversions, but overall on the night, KU did a decent job getting off the field, as TTU finished just 6-15 (40.0%) on third down. In fact, after the first quarter, Tech was just 3-9 (33.3%) on third down. Meanwhile, Kansas converted 9-15 (60.0%) third downs, including four conversions of 10 yards or longer (10, 21, 10, 14), all in the second half. Overall, KU was 7-10 on third down in the second half.

Each team suffered one turnover. Carter Stanley threw his first INT in 115 attempts on the first offensive play of the game, and Texas Tech fumbled after recovering a blocked field goal attempt on the next-to-last play of the game. However, Tech put the ball on the turf three times, but obviously only lost it once.

Kansas did what they needed to do to win this game. They won on third down, offensively and defensively. They weren’t negative in turnover margin. They were aggressive down the field. And although they did miss another PAT (which could have easily cost them this game), special teams came through when needed for the final margin.

The Good

Holy offense, Batman! That’s now back-to-back Big 12 games where Kansas has had more than 500 yards of total offense, something the Jayhawks haven’t accomplished since, you guessed it, 2007.

The Bad

If we’re honest with ourselves, this defense is bad. Like, bottom 25% in the NCAA bad (now 100 out of 130). Tech picked up 483 yards themselves, and rushed for 212 of those at a 4.7 ypc clip. That doesn’t bode well for KU, especially considering their next opponent.

The Ugly

I’d like to line up for a field goal and think that we have a reasonable chance of getting the kick off for once. Yeah, that would be nice.

Oh. Also. Les - come on man. Don’t punt from inside the 40. We had this issue with the last coach. I’d like for it to not come between us as well.

The Stats

Carter Stanley. My man. Stanley recovered from an INT on the first play of the game to finish 26-37 for 415 yards (!!!) and 3 TDs. Stanley added 22 yards rushing with a TD as well. He now sits in sole possession of the #3 spot in the school record book for career pass TDs, and is just 3 behind David Jaynes (35). He most likely won’t catch Reesing (90).

Pooka Williams was pretty well bottled up by Tech for most of the night but still had 80 rush yards on 21 carries. He added two receptions for 24 yards.

Kwamie Lassiter led the Jayhawks in receptions with 8 for 75 yards.

Stephon Robinson led the Jayhawks in receiving yards with 186 on 6 catches, including 2 TDs.

Andrew Parchment was amazing as well with 7 receptions for 109 yards and a TD.

Daylon Charlot had just 2 catches for 16 yards, but one of them came on a third down where Charlot really had to fight for the first down yardage in the fourth quarter. (Actually, now I’m confused, because the KU Athletics box score shows Charlot with two receptions but the play by play records three completed passes to Charlot. So I dunno.)

Kyle Thompson hit 5 punts for a 42.8 yard average, which would have been better had KU not kicked from Tech’s 39-yard line that one time.

Davon Ferguson (?) led the Jayhawks in tackles with 7.

Gavin Potter is improving every week and added 7 tackles of his own.

DeAnte Ford replaced Bryce Torneden after Torneden was ejected for targeting. Ford had 6 tackles with a TFL.

Najee Stevens-McKenzie and Kyron Johnson each added 6 tackles as well.

Jelani Brown, Hasan Defense, and Mike Lee each had 5 tackles.

Liam Jones was 1-2 on field goals, but you read all about that earlier. His attempt from 40 yards was blocked, but 11 seconds later his attempt from 32 yards was good. He was also just 4-5 on PATs.