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Grading Kansas football on loss to West Virginia: Did Jayhawks fumble away a passing mark?

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Kansas football failed to end its losing streak Saturday when it lost 32-28 on the road against West Virginia in Big 12 Conference play.

Here’s a look at how Kansas (1-3, 0-1 in Big 12) graded out from its defeat against West Virginia (2-2, 1-0):

Offense: Kansas excels in second half, just not enough

Kansas proved it can put its past mistakes behind it in the second half. The Jayhawks were far more successful moving the ball, including a trio of touchdown drives. But there were still too many opportunities missed, and once again a game ended because the Jayhawks fumbled the ball away on their last drive.

Grade: C+

Defense: Kansas’ 2 forced turnovers slow WVU down, but only so much

Kansas football vs West Virginia: Recap from Big 12 Conference game in Week 4

Interceptions from senior cornerbacks Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson played pivotal role for Kansas. However, they allowed West Virginia senior quarterback Garrett Greene and the offense to make too many big plays. That includes the game-winning drive late that sent the Jayhawks home with a loss.

Grade: C+

Special teams: Despite not much of a return game, Kansas excelled

Sophomore Damon Greaves punted well in the opportunities he was given. Senior kicker Tabor Allen made his extra points. Although there wasn’t much of a return game to speak of, Kansas didn’t leave points on the field.

Grade: A-

Coaching: Kansas recovers in 2nd half

Things looked bleak for Kansas going into halftime, but the Jayhawks were able to make a better game of it in the second half and even took a two-score lead. But they weren’t able to keep West Virginia from a game-winning drive in fourth quarter. It’s an opportunity lost, especially considering how well KU played at times while having to deal with a severe weather delay.

Grade: C+

Overall grade: C+

Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold argues a call during a Sept. 21, 2024 game against West Virginia in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold argues a call during a Sept. 21, 2024 game against West Virginia in Morgantown, West Virginia.

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: Grading Kansas football on its loss against West Virginia in Week 4