Kansas Football: 3 takeaways from crushing home loss to TCU

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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – OCTOBER 08: Running back Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks rushes against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on October 08, 2022, in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

2. Feast or famine, feast or famine

The first half of this game was a defensive stalemate, with both teams combining for 13 points. Each team’s defensive line got after the opposing quarterbacks and was outstanding against the run. TCU’s speed in the secondary neutralized Kansas’ size at wide receiver. The Jayhawks struggled to run the football in the perimeter.

Both teams struggled to sustain drives and were aided by big plays offensively. The Jayhawks had seven plays over 20 yards, and the Horned Frogs managed three. The tackling in this game was up and down. Most of the big plays happened when defenses missed tackles. TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston benefitted from many of those missed tackles.

Johnston had more catches and yards in this game than he’s had all season. The junior receiver came into this game with 12 receptions and 114 yards with zero touchdowns. Johnston had 14 catches, 206 yards, and a touchdown this afternoon. Kansas had trouble tackling him all game long.

TCU had its issues with backup quarterback Jason Bean. There was no drop-off when Jalon Daniels injured his shoulder. TCU had problems dealing with Kansas’ pre-snap motion, often losing eye discipline. That motion allowed Kansas to run the football effectively between the tackles and create space for their tall receivers.

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