A (Semi) Statistical Recap of Iowa State

The Kansas offense is back!

After a two-game absence, the Jayhawks exploded for 493 yards at a 6.5 yards per play clip. Unfortunately, the defense allowed 6.4 yards per play. Needing just one more play from either the offense or the defense late in the fourth quarter, Kansas couldn’t get it, and ISU prevailed on their Senior Day.

Kansas converted 9-19 (47.3%) third down attempts, not nearly good enough. Meanwhile, after starting the game 1-4 on third down, the Cyclones converted five in a row before finishing 10-16 (62.5%).

Each team was 1-2 on fourth down.

Kansas once again employed a bend but don’t break defense - ISU’s longest play from scrimmage was 30 yards. KU had three plays go longer than that, including two that went 40 yards or more.

That said, KU still had four drives (out of 13) that went three-and-out, plus a fifth drive late in the fourth quarter that went four-and-out. That’s still too much inconsistency, and in order for this team to take the next step and start winning these types of games, they’ll have to be more efficient on offense.

The Good

Pooka finally got lose and was amazing all day long. I love watching this guy when he gets just a hint of daylight. Pooka busted a 48-yard run, and still averaged 5.9 ypc if you take that out. He also hauled in two receptions, including a beautiful streak down the field into the end zone.

The Bad

Kansas hit 3-4 field goal attempts, but the one that doinked off the upright would have made it a 14-12 game going into halftime instead of the five-point deficit that the Jayhawks faced. It may or may not have changed the outcome, but ever since the Texas game, special teams plays still make me nervous.

The Ugly

Yikes this defense. As previewed, Iowa State has been a good passing team all year, but wow. The Cyclones averaged 8.9 yards per attempt and torched KU’s secondary to the tune of 372 passing yards. Kansas had no answer for ISU TE Charlie Kolar, and the Jayhawks never sacked Brock Purdy.

The Stats

Carter Stanley is still my man but had a very pedestrian game. Stanley finished 23-44 for 328 yards and 3 TDs. Out of his 21 incompletions, enough were throws that I’m sure he’d love to have back, which made this a frustrating game to watch at times. Just a couple more completions probably wins this game for Kansas.

Pooka Williams was electric. He finished with 154 yards rushing on 19 carries, as well as 52 yards receiving on 2 receptions.

Andrew Parchment hauled in 8 passes for 86 yards.

Stephon Robinson had 5 receptions for 75 yards and a TD.

Kwamie Lassiter added 5 catches for 61 yards.

Daylon Charlot had 52 yards on just 2 receptions.

Fullback Spencer Roe (pictured above) got in on the action with a two-yard reception for a touchdown.

Mike Lee led all defenders with 13 tackles, plus an INT.

Jay Dineen had 10 tackles.

Davon Ferguson added 8 tackles.

Liam Jones went 3-4 on field goals, hitting from 36, 37, and 30 yards out, while missing a 35-yard attempt.

Kyle Thompson booted four punts for a 45.2 average.