In a thrilling matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas pulled off a 45-36 upset victory over No. 17 Iowa State, fueled by a standout performance from running back Devin Neal.
Neal made history by becoming Kansas' all-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns during the game. He surpassed June Henley's records with 3,951 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns, breaking the previous marks of 3,934 yards and 41 touchdowns, respectively.
Head coach Lance Leipold praised Neal's achievement, highlighting his humility, hard work, and contributions both on and off the field. Leipold expressed his joy in seeing Neal set the records in front of the home fans at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels also played a crucial role in the victory, throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns. His 70-yard touchdown pass to Luke Grimm was a pivotal moment in the game, responding swiftly to Iowa State's strong drive.
Despite a valiant effort from Iowa State's Rocco Becht, who threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns, the Cyclones couldn't overcome Kansas' lead. Neal's second touchdown extended Kansas' advantage to 38-13 in the third quarter.
While Iowa State still has a chance to compete for the Big 12 title, their recent losses have narrowed their margin for error. On the other hand, Kansas is eyeing a historic third consecutive bowl appearance if they can maintain their winning streak against upcoming opponents like BYU and Colorado.
Looking ahead, Iowa State will face Cincinnati at home next Saturday, while Kansas will travel to BYU for their next matchup.
Overall, Kansas' victory over Iowa State showcased the team's resilience and determination, led by record-breaking performances from Devin Neal and a strong showing from the entire Jayhawks squad.
