Kansas Jayhawks beat Iowa State Cyclones 45-36 on historic day for Devin Neal

The Kansas Jayhawks earned their third win of the season Saturday afternoon, bouncing back from heartbreak in their last game with a 45-36 win over the Iowa State Cyclones.

Not only was it important day for the program this season as it still clings to hopes of bowl eligibility, but it was also important for senior running back Devin Neal, who became KU’s all-time leading rusher on the first play of the game.

The records didn’t stop there for the Lawrence native, either. He finished the game with 18 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns, also setting the program records for the most 100-yard games and rushing touchdowns.

“I’m very happy for Devin and all his teammates have been a part of this all the way through,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “We’ve talked many times about the kind of player he’s been, the kind of person he’s been, how humble and how hard working he’s been throughout this … I’m so happy that he did it in front of our home fans that are home away from home for the season and not on the road.”

While Neal was the star of the game, it was another big afternoon for senior quarterback Jalon Daniels, who accounted for 63 total yards of offense in the victory. He went 12-of-24 passing for 295 yards and two touchdowns, and also ran 12 times for 68 yards and a score. Senior wide receiver Quentin Skinner was his top target, catching four passes for 135 yards and a touchdown.

This is the third year in a row that Kansas has beaten Iowa State, the first time it’s accomplished that since the 2007-09 seasons. Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht went 24-of-37 for 383 yards and three touchdowns, but also threw a pick-six to KU senior cornerback Mello Dotson in the fourth quarter to seal the Jayhawks victory.

Kansas needs to run the table to reach bowl eligibility this season, and will continue that quest under the lights next weekend against the undefeated BYU Cougars. That game is set for a 9:15 p.m. central time kickoff in Provo, Utah.

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