In a high-scoring Big XII Championship showdown, Kansas secured the title with a 45-31 win over Arizona State, powered by a balanced offensive attack and key defensive plays.
Kansas racked up 464 yards of total offense, with a strong rushing game contributing 187 yards on the ground. Arizona State countered with a potent passing game, amassing 340 yards through the air, but struggled to find balance with only 85 rushing yards. Kansas’s ability to run the ball effectively, alongside their efficient passing game (277 yards), helped them control the pace of the game and rack up 21 first downs to Arizona State’s 18.
A major factor in Kansas’s victory was their third-down efficiency, converting 7-of-10 attempts, compared to Arizona State’s struggles, where they went just 2-of-8 on third down. Kansas’s ability to extend drives kept the Arizona State defense on the field, wearing them down as the game progressed.
In the red zone, Kansas was clinical, converting two of their opportunities into touchdowns and adding a field goal. Arizona State, while also efficient in the red zone, with one touchdown and a field goal, couldn’t keep pace with Kansas’s scoring.
The game’s key turning point came from Arizona State’s two turnovers—one interception and one fumble—while Kansas played a clean game, committing no turnovers. These miscues allowed Kansas to capitalize and pull away in critical moments, putting the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.
Special teams played a role as well, with Kansas edging out Arizona State in punt returns (27 to 10). However, Arizona State’s kick return game was strong, accumulating 207 yards to Kansas’s 191. Despite this, Arizona State couldn’t translate their special teams success into points on the scoreboard.
Kansas controlled the time of possession at 15:29 compared to Arizona State’s 12:31, allowing them to dictate the flow of the game and secure their championship win.
In the end, Kansas’s balanced offensive attack and disciplined defense, which forced two turnovers, proved too much for Arizona State to overcome. As Kansas celebrates their Big XII title, Arizona State will look back on missed opportunities and turnovers that derailed their chances of victory.
This victory marks the first in program history for Kansas. In somewhat of a poetic way, the team managed by the late Coach Beefy, shines and takes home a title belt. Great way to end the year.
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