PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Pooka Williams caught a seven-yard pass in the third quarter of the win over TCU for the first receiving touchdown of his career, then added a decisive 28-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter as he darted through the Horned Frogs defense. Williams set career highs for receptions (seven) and receiving yards (102) after being contained to 33 yards rushing. He became the first Kansas back with a 100-yard receiving game since 2013.
–LB Joe Dineen recorded 13 tackles against TCU, the sixth time in eight games the senior has had double-digit stops. With an assist on a tackle for loss, Dineen moved into sole possession of the Kansas career record with 41.5 tackles for loss. Dineen leads the nation with 67 tackles, an average of 8.4 per game.
–LB Keith Loneker recorded his first career interception deep in TCU territory in the third quarter. The senior became the 11th Jayhawk with a pick this season, joining Hasan Defense, Jeremiah McCullough, Shakial Taylor, Mike Lee, Elmore Hempstead Jr., Joe Dineen, Bryce Torneden, Ricky Thomas, Corione Harris and Davon Ferguson. That’s the most Jayhawks with an interception in a season since 2007.
–QB Peyton Bender, who has taken every snap since coach David Beaty took over play-calling after firing offensive coordinator Doug Meacham, was efficient against TCU. Bender was 19-of-29 for 249 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. Often immobile, Bender added a 12-yard keeper to convert a third-and-9 situation on the Jayhawks’ decisive touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
SERIES HISTORY: Kansas leads Iowa State 50-41-6. The series dates to the Big Six and includes three straight wins by the Cyclones. Iowa State held Kansas to 106 yards in a 45-0 shutout last season. The Jayhawks did not reach Iowa State territory until midway through the fourth quarter and converted just 2-of-17 third downs while punting 13 times.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We still have a chance to go to a bowl game and were not going to quit and I love that about this football team. I’m so happy to be a part of a group of guys that believe in that.” — Kansas LB Keith Loneker.
