Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes and ran for another as Kansas ended a five-game losing streak with a 42-14 win over Houston on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
This game was Kansas’ 112th Homecoming, but it was held at a different location due to renovations at their home stadium.
“We were able to put pressure on the quarterback,” said Kansas head coach Lance Leipold, explaining what changed from the last five games. “We created a few turnovers and gained some momentum.
“Offensively, we took some shots and got the ball down the field. “This team has been very fragile for a while because we’ve been so close. For us to win by this margin is something we’ve been waiting for.”
Cobee Bryant tied a Kansas record set by Bill Crank in 1958 with three interceptions.
“I was like, ‘Are you really throwing the ball to me?’” Bryant said with a big smile after the game. “He was just donating the ball to me.” Daniels completed 16 of 21 passes for 247 yards for Kansas (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).
“We probably played our best ball of the season, but I don’t think we’ve reached our full potential,” Daniels said. “I still think there’s a lot more to show.”
For Houston (2-5, 1-3 Big 12), Donovan Smith was 15 of 24 passing for 173 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
After a scoreless third quarter, Daniels scored an 8-yard touchdown early in the fourth, putting Kansas ahead 35-14. Devin Neal then added his second touchdown for Kansas’ final score.
Kansas scored touchdowns on its first four drives to take control of the game. They started with the opening kickoff and completed a 15-play drive that lasted almost 9 minutes, giving them an early 7-0 lead. The Jayhawks converted a fourth-and-1 at the Houston 4-yard line, and Daniels connected with Jared Casey for a 2-yard touchdown pass.
“That nine-minute drive to start was about as good a start as we’ve had in a while,” said Leipold. “We were very methodical to start the game, especially after they deferred and gave us the football.”
After Bryant made an interception, Daniels threw a 48-yard pass to Quentin Skinner to extend the lead.
“The Houston defense came out and tried to double team or triple team Luke Grimm a few times today,” Daniels explained. “They were leaving a lot of one-on-ones with my other receivers. I’m always happy when one of my receivers gets to get out there and make a play.”
On their third drive, Kansas moved 84 yards in six plays, ending with a 2-yard run by Devin Neal.
Houston finally scored midway through the second quarter when Smith threw a screen pass to Stacy Sneed, who ran in untouched for a 23-yard touchdown.
Daniels’ third touchdown pass was a 3-yard throw to Casey, increasing Kansas’ lead to 28-7. Just before halftime, Smith connected with Mekhi Mews on a 52-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
