In a dramatic Week 12 matchup, the Kansas Jayhawks pulled off a shocking 17-13 upset over the No. 7 BYU Cougars on Saturday night in Lawrence. The win handed BYU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) their first loss of the season and marked a significant achievement for Kansas (4-6, 3-4 Big 12), who defeated ranked opponents in back-to-back weeks for the first time in school history.
Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels threw for 169 yards, while running back Dylan Neal carried the Jayhawks’ offense with two touchdowns and surpassed 4,000 career rushing yards in the process. Neal’s 52 yards on the ground may not seem gaudy, but his ability to find the end zone made the difference against a BYU defense known for forcing mistakes. The Jayhawks’ emphasis on ball security paid off, as they committed just one turnover in the game.
In contrast, BYU’s offensive execution faltered in critical moments. A turnover before halftime erased a potential go-ahead score, while a second late-game giveaway set up Kansas’ game-winning touchdown. BYU managed just a field goal in the second half despite a grueling 17-play, 66-yard drive to open the third quarter that consumed 10:26 of game time. The Cougars settled for a 35-yard field goal by Will Ferrin, their lone points after halftime.
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 192 yards, while running back LJ Martin added 76 yards on the ground. However, the Cougars’ inability to capitalize in the red zone proved costly. BYU totaled 354 yards of offense but went just 2-for-4 in red zone opportunities and failed to score a touchdown on all four trips inside the 20-yard line.
For Kansas, the victory was monumental, keeping their bowl eligibility hopes alive after a dismal 1-5 start to the season. With a 4-6 record, the Jayhawks need two more wins to qualify for a third consecutive bowl game, a remarkable feat for a program once synonymous with futility.
BYU’s loss has significant poll implications. Ranked No. 7 in the AP poll and No. 6 in the College Football Playoff rankings entering the game, the Cougars are likely to drop out of the top 10, jeopardizing their playoff hopes. The defeat also puts pressure on BYU to win out to maintain a strong position in the Big 12 standings.
The Jayhawks’ disciplined play and sound decision-making proved vital against a BYU defense that had excelled at creating turnovers all season. Neal’s milestone performance and the team’s ability to stay composed in critical moments were defining factors.
Red-zone struggles were the story of the game, as the Cougars came up empty-handed on all four drives inside the Kansas 20-yard line. Turnovers at inopportune times derailed their chance for a comeback, highlighting a rare lapse in execution for a team that had been nearly flawless all season.
The Jayhawks host Colorado in a must-win game to keep their bowl hopes alive. The Cougars will aim to rebound as they travel to face Arizona State, needing a strong finish to salvage their postseason ambitions.
This upset showcases the unpredictability of college football and serves as a testament to Kansas’ resilience as they fight to extend their season. Meanwhile, BYU will look to regroup and refocus as they enter the final stretch of their schedule.
