Halftime Musings: Kansas Football leads Iowa State 14-3 at the half.
We knew coming in that this was going to be a tough battle between two teams that are hoping to establish themselves in the Big 12 race. And for many teams, Ames is where postseason dreams go to die. But the Kansas Jayhawks scored once on offense, once on defense, and they held down an Iowa State team that needs this win just as much as the Jayhawks do.
There is still another half to go, but this is what I noticed during the first half of the game:
Relentless Defense
You can chalk it up to the strength of the Iowa State offense and the inexperience of Rocco Becht, but the Jayhawks have been phenomenal against this team. They only allowed 121 yards in the first half, got the first sack that Iowa State has allowed at home all season, and a pick six 10 minutes before halftime gave them a big boost. Then after a huge kickoff return, they were able to shut down Iowa State again with another sack. And after a short punt, two negative plays and a stand on 4th and 4 got the ball back and kept the Cyclones scoreless.
If you had told me before the game started that the defense would be the unit that dominated in this game, I wouldn't have believed you. But that's where we are. And the fact this performance is coming on the road is as impressive as it can get.
Missed Opportunities
The Jayhawks have given up plenty of opportunities that would have made this game so far out of reach. Jason Bean threw a long pass instead of running three yards to pick up a first down. There have three or four passes where Kansas just couldn't quite shake guys to make big catches. Seth Keller missed a very makeable field goal, and Owen Piepergerdes missed a 50-yard field goal with less than a minute in the half. And they have routinely made things harder on themselves by getting into 3rd and long situations. That has to change in the second half for Kansas to avoid the pressure of another close game at the end.
No Intimidation Factor
Stories are told about playing in Ames at night. Weird things happen. The crowd brings an energy that is hard to match. Otherwise stout teams suddenly let the Cyclone offense score. And other offenses come out of this place on life support.
But Kansas did not seem intimidated a single bit in this game. Sure the referees didn't help anyone, as so many flags flew in this half that it was hard for anyone to get into rhythm. But those watching the game can see that Kansas believes they are the better team. They have been relentless and the players are showing emotion like they are in David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
It's only a half, but things are looking great for the Jayhawks so far.
