Kansas Pulls Away From OSU 38-21

**Daniels’ Triumphant Return Fuels Kansas to Dominant 38-21 Victory Over Oklahoma State, Nearing Bowl Eligibility**

LAWRENCE, Kansas – October 15, 2023 – David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium was electric on Saturday, October 14, as quarterback Jalon Daniels made a highly anticipated return, guiding the Kansas Jayhawks to a commanding 38-21 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The win pushes Kansas to a 5-2 overall record (2-2 Big 12), placing them just one victory shy of securing bowl eligibility for the first time since the 2008 season.

Daniels, sidelined since September 8 with a nagging back injury, showed no signs of rust. His presence revitalized the Jayhawk offense and injected a palpable surge of confidence throughout the team and the sold-out home crowd. Head Coach Lance Leipold lauded Daniels’ leadership, stating post-game, “Jalon’s a special player, and you could feel the energy shift with him back on the field. He makes everyone around him better, and his toughness is undeniable.”

The Jayhawks established control early, carrying a solid 17-7 lead into halftime. Daniels himself opened the scoring with a dynamic 29-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. The second quarter saw Daniel Hishaw Jr. punch in a one-yard score, followed by Daniels connecting with Trevor Wilson for a 36-yard touchdown catch, capping off an impressive offensive display.

Oklahoma State mounted a brief resurgence in the third quarter, threatening to spoil Kansas’s homecoming. Ollie Gordon II powered through for a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and quarterback Alan Bowman found Brennan Presley for an 8-yard touchdown grab. This spurt cut Kansas’s comfortable lead to a precarious 17-14, momentarily silencing the raucous Lawrence faithful.

However, Kansas responded decisively, extinguishing any hopes of a Cowboy comeback with 21 unanswered points to close out the game. Hishaw secured his second touchdown of the day with a powerful 23-yard run in the third quarter, rebuilding the Jayhawks’ lead and momentum. The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Kansas, highlighted by Devin Neal’s explosive 49-yard touchdown run. The decisive blow came from the defense when cornerback Cobee Bryant secured a crucial interception, setting up yet another Kansas score that effectively sealed their victory.

Daniels finished his return performance with an impressive stat line, throwing for 279 yards and a touchdown, complemented by 56 rushing yards and another score on the ground. The ground game was a dominant force for Kansas, with Devin Neal contributing 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Daniel Hishaw Jr. added 98 yards and two crucial scores. For Oklahoma State, Alan Bowman threw for 291 yards and two touchdowns but was hampered by two interceptions, one of which proved particularly costly. Wide receiver Brennan Presley was a standout for the Cowboys, hauling in nine catches for 158 yards and a touchdown.

This victory is monumental for the Kansas football program under Coach Leipold, marking a continued upward trajectory. Reaching five wins signifies a significant step toward legitimate contention in the Big 12, a stark contrast to recent seasons. The team now stands just one win away from their first bowl bid in over a decade, a milestone that would further cement Leipold’s successful rebuild.

Oklahoma State, meanwhile, dropped to 4-3 overall and also 2-2 in conference play, facing a tougher road ahead in the competitive Big 12. Cowboys coach Mike Gundy acknowledged Kansas’s performance, remarking on their improved play and the difficulty of containing their dual-threat offense.

The Jayhawks will look to secure their sixth win and bowl eligibility next week as they travel to face the Oklahoma Sooners on October 21. Oklahoma State will aim to bounce back when they host West Virginia on the same day.