Reeling Jayhawks Lose Fourth Straight to TCU

The 2024 season is rapidly becoming a nightmare for the Kansas Jayhawks.

Another second-half lead went by the wayside for KU as they fell 38-27 to the TCU Horned Frogs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday afternoon. The loss is the fourth in a row for the Jayhawks, who drop to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 Conference play.

The Jayhawks struck first on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jalon Daniels to Luke Grimm after forcing a turnover on TCU’s first possession of the game, and a 2-yard run by Devin Neal gave KU a 14-7 lead after the first quarter. As has been the case throughout the losing streak, the Jayhawks failed to close a half strong. After OJ Burroughs intercepted TCU QB Josh Hoover at the Horned Frogs 6-yard line, KU couldn’t move the ball and had to settle for a short field goal with 2:57 left in the half. They then allowed TCU to drive 75 yards in 2:40 for the go-ahead score, and trailed 21-17 at the intermission.

A punishing opening drive to start the third quarter ended in a Daniel Hishaw touchdown run from eight yards out and restored KU’s lead at 24-21. But the Horned Frogs would regain the lead for good on an 89-yard punt return by JP Richardson late in the third. The Jayhawks managed a field goal on the ensuing drive to get back within a point, but surrendered a 59-yard touchdown pass two plays later and fell behind by eight at 35-27. TCU then forced a three-and-out and chewed up over six minutes on their next drive, capping it with a field goal to extend the margin to two scores. KU had two more possessions but they ended with a turnover on downs and an interception.

Hishaw and Neal were the offensive stars for Kansas in the loss. Hishaw rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries while Neal rushed 14 times for 70 yards and a score. Daniels was just 15 of 34 passing for 179 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The KU defense allowed the Horned Frogs to tally 507 yards of offense, 356 through the air.

A crowd of 47,928 came out to Arrowhead Stadium to see the first of four Big 12 games that the Jayhawks will be playing at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs this season.

KU’s next game is Saturday night at Arizona State. Kickoff is set for 7pm.