LAWRENCE — Kansas football captured a 25-24 win on Saturday at home in a Big 12 Conference matchup against Baylor.
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Here’s how the Jayhawks (3-4, 1-3 in Big 12) graded out from this victory against the Bears (4-3, 2-2):
Offense: Turnovers nearly sink Kansas
KU redshirt sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall’s two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, nearly sunk the Jayhawks’ chances at a win against Baylor. But the Jayhawks overcame them, and Marshall led what would end up being the game-winning scoring drive late in the fourth quarter — scoring himself on a 15-yard run. Redshirt junior running back Dylan Edwards also had a quality game, finishing with 156 yards on 30 attempts.
Grade: C+
Defense: Kansas largely stymies Baylor
Kansas’ defense largely only allowed Baylor to enjoy one lengthy and successful drive, the Bears’ touchdown drive in the third quarter, and caused a lot of pressure in the backfield to the tune of two sacks and five tackles for loss. Of the three scoring drives Baylor had on offense, two of them started inside KU territory. There were two turnover on downs drives by Baylor, as well as a fourth quarter interception by Jayhawks redshirt senior linebacker Trey Lathan.
Grade: B
Special teams: KU blocks potentially game-winning field goal
Kansas was hit and miss against Baylor on special teams throughout much of the game. The Jayhawks’ kickoff coverage unit wasn’t nearly as good as it needed to be, freshman punter Matt Gill had one quality punt as well as a poor one, and redshirt sophomore kicker Martin Connington connected on two of his three field goal attempts. But with the game on the line, Kansas delivered with a block on what would have likely been a game-winning field goal by Baylor.
Grade: B
Coaching: Kansas survives
There were moments, especially in the second half, where it looked as if Kansas was going to be walking off the field with another disappointing defeat that featured too many missed opportunities. Instead, it was KU that stepped up and made the plays necessary to deliver a win. The Jayhawks garner some much-needed momentum, and showcased that they were willing to fight until the very end to get the win.
Grade: B-
Overall grade: B
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at JMGuskey@usatodayco.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas football vs Baylor grades: KU’s report card from Big 12 game