[ad_1]
If the next Kansas coach was in prime time on Saturday night, he probably did his first job once he took office: do whatever it takes to keep Pooka Williams running.
KU's full-back semi-half played a remarkable game, racking up 252 yards and a touchdown pass in the Jayhawks' 55-40 loss to Oklahoma's sixth place finish on Saturday night at Norman, Okla's Memorial Stadium.
That was not enough to upset, but it was part of an impressive effort, with KU remaining competitive after entering the match as an outsider with five touchdowns.
Another day, KU's search for coaches continued without a final conclusion. Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated said for the first time Friday that former LSU coach Miles was in the process of finalizing a contract with KU, even though Saturday arrived and left without any confirmation from the sports department that an agreement was imminent.
Thus, during most of the evening broadcast by Fox, attention remained focused on the two teams in the field.
Partly because KU played so well early for David Beaty in his penultimate match as a coach.
The Jayhawks had a 93-yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter, with Williams' 23-yard lead giving KU a 7-yard lead.
The Oklahoma offensive, thanks to Heisman candidate Kyler Murray, was too good to be limited all night. But KU managed to recover the breakaways in the red zone and intercept – a few times – slow down the Sooners offense that led the country into multiple statistical categories.
Williams, however, was the biggest story for KU. He rushed for two touchdowns and pitched for another, dropping a touch pass on the sideline to Jeremiah Booker early in the fourth quarter. He also added three receptions and finished at 16.8 yards per race.
Both teams have always had chills and even had to be separated by officials during a brief scuffle just before halftime. Much of the frenzy probably took place over last year's match, as KU captains refused to shake hands with Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield after the draw, which had both teams on fire.
KU's 40 points were the highest in a conference match during Beaty's four-year tenure.
The Jayhawks, 3-8 and 1-7 in the Big 12, will finish their season with an 11-hour home game on Friday against Texas.
Jesse Newell
Jesse Newell covers the sports of the University of Kansas for The Star.
[ad_2]
Source link
