Quick Recap: Jayhawks Fall to 1-2 with Loss to UNLV

UNLV executed a dramatic 9:31 touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to defeat Kansas 23-20 at Children’s Mercy Park, dropping the Jayhawks to 1-2 for the season. Despite a strong start, Kansas struggled offensively throughout much of the second half, with quarterback Jalon Daniels throwing two more interceptions.

First Quarter

Kansas’ defense immediately put pressure on UNLV, forcing a three-and-out. Mello Dotson broke up a deep pass, and JB Brown stopped a QB draw on third down. The Jayhawks then embarked on a 12-play, 81-yard drive that lasted 7:16, featuring runs by Devin Neal and quick passes. Jalon Daniels capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run, giving Kansas a 7-0 lead.

UNLV’s offense managed to advance but settled for a field goal after a delay of game penalty. The Jayhawks, starting from their own ten-yard line due to a kickoff hold, managed to advance to the 35-yard line by the end of the quarter.

Second Quarter

Kansas extended their lead to 14-3 with a 33-yard touchdown run by Daniels. UNLV responded with a drive that ended in a field goal, cutting the lead to 14-6. Neal’s versatility was on display with a 33-yard catch and run, but the drive stalled and Tabor Allen added a 35-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 17-6.

UNLV’s subsequent drive included a 46-yard run by Sluka, but a sack by Jereme Robinson and an incomplete pass forced a long field goal attempt, which missed. Kansas had a chance to add more points but Daniels threw an interception that Jalen Catalon returned 46 yards, setting up a UNLV touchdown pass from Sluka to Jai’Den Thomas, bringing the halftime score to 17-13.

Third Quarter

Kansas struggled to gain momentum in the second half. After a three-and-out, Daniels threw another interception, with Jackson Woodard returning it to the five-yard line. The defense held strong, limiting UNLV to another field goal, making it 17-16.

The Jayhawks continued to face offensive difficulties, adding only one first down by the end of the third quarter, with Daniels connecting with Sevion Morrison for 18 yards.

Fourth Quarter

Daniels managed a crucial third-down conversion to Trevor Kardell, and the offense showed signs of life. They reached the red zone but had to settle for a 40-yard field goal by Allen, giving Kansas a 20-16 lead.

UNLV then orchestrated a grueling 9:31 drive, marked by near-interceptions, a missed fumble recovery, and penalties. The drive concluded with Kylin James scoring on a 4th-and-goal play, giving UNLV a 23-20 lead with 1:51 left.

Kansas had one last chance but a chop block penalty pushed them back to a 4th-and-15 situation. Daniels was sacked, and UNLV managed to run out the clock, securing the victory.