3 lingering questions following Kansas football’s Big 12 Conference loss at home vs TCU
KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Kansas football has now lost four-straight games, after a 38-27 loss at home against TCU.
The Jayhawks (1-4, 0-2 in Big 12 Conference) couldn’t find a win in their first league game at home this fall. Despite holding a lead in the second half against the Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-1), the visitors out-played them in the fourth quarter to earn the win. Some of the same issues that have held KU back this year hindered the team Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Moving forward, then, there are some lingering questions to consider after the loss. Kansas is attempting to get its season back on track. Take a look at them, before the Jayhawks go on the road for an Oct. 5 game at Arizona State (3-1, 0-1).
Frustration is mounting as Kansas football loses vs TCU, drops 4th-straight game this fall
Can Jalon Daniels find better consistency in the passing game?
Kansas redshirt junior quarterback Jalon Daniels completed just 44.1% of his passes Saturday while throwing for 179 yards, ensuring there hasn’t been a game yet this season he’s completed better than 60% of his passes or eclipsed 200 yards through the air. Although Daniels continued to be able to find senior wide receiver Luke Grimm, he largely struggled to consistently connect with others. The Jayhawks were fortunate the running game showed up again, and there were moments the team could have turned to that more.
Daniels said there are flashes of what they’re capable of passing the ball, and that they aren’t far off. He noted they take pride in the progression they’ve been able to make. But he allowed they aren’t back to 100% of what they are capable of, and that they need to consider searching for any little detail that can be the difference between winning and losing.
When asked how he can keep these defeats from affecting his confidence, Daniels said he’s always been process-based over outcome-based. He added he knows what this team can be. Confidence, therefore, won’t be an issue.
What did Kansas think about its first crowd at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium?
The listed attendance for this game ended up being 47,928. Although the energy late didn’t match the start, as a loss became more certain, things started off well. And Kansas head coach Lance Leipold, as well as his players, praised the fan base postgame.
Daniels said he loves the fans and described them as being incredible. Senior running back Devin Neal said the team enjoyed it. Neal, though, added they have to take advantage of it when it happens.
It’s unclear what future crowds might look like if struggles continue. Leipold acknowledged no one expected the season to have played out the way it has so far. But Leipold also expressed his appreciation for the fans and doesn’t want them to give up on this football team.
Where else can Kansas turn to end this losing streak?
Neal said when he looked around the locker room postgame, everyone’s passion was evident. They’re all competitors, and suffering yet another loss like this tests all of them mentally. The conversation has continued to be that they’ve been close week in, week out, but there needs to come a time when they execute enough to make that happen.
When it comes to ensuring everyone continues to have ability to push forward, Neal mentioned that’s why there are captains. He added they have a mature team, which helps in that regard, too. It’s just about being honest as they look to turn this around.
Jordan Guskey covers the University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas football questions on Jalon Daniels, Lance Leipold in TCU loss