Jordan Ziegler | @Ziggyjw4
The highly anticipated 2024 Kansas football season got off to a hot start for the Kansas defense. After kicking off to start the game the defense immediately forced Lindenwood into a three-and-out.
Following the strong defensive stand the Jayhawks offense came out of the gate hot as well. Senior running back Devin Neal scored the first touchdown of the season for the Jayhawks, with a five-yard touchdown run capping off a nine-play 65-yard drive.
Kansas came up with a big turnover on downs during its next defensive possession, but just two plays into having the ball back senior wide receiver Quentin Skinner fumbled the ball, giving possession back to the Lions.
Lindenwood was not able to capitalize on the fumble, punting the ball back to the Jayhawks after eight plays.
The first quarter came to a close with the Jayhawks leading 7-0 over the Lions. Lindenwood took advantage of the break, starting the second quarter with an interception from sophomore defensive back Tre Bell.
Once again Lindenwood failed to capitalize on the turnover, being forced to punt and keeping the score 7-0 Jayhawks with 13:34 left in the first half.
Kansas’s offense found its stride again after the defensive stand. Neal ran in his second touchdown of the game from one yard out, making it 14-0 Kansas with 10:11 to play in the second quarter.
Senior cornerback Mello Dotson added to the Kansas lead with a pick-six on the next drive, making it 20-0 Kansas after the missed extra point.
The Jayhawks added two more touchdowns in the second quarter, giving them a 34-0 lead heading into the locker room.
Kansas started the second half the same way they ended the first, with a touchdown. Junior running back Sevion Morrison took the ball in from a yard out to increase the Jayhawks lead to 41-0.
Nobody else found points in the third quarter, with the Jayhawks and their defense taking a 41-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
Kansas added one more touchdown to its total in the fourth, but Lindenwood was able to find the scoreboard for the first time in the game with a field goal. The main story of the game still being the defense as they held Lindenwood to only three points in the game.
The Jayhawks win game one of the year 48-3 over the Lindenwood Lions, as they begin preparations for their first away game against Illinois next Saturday.
You can follow the game on 90.7FM KJHK Lawrence with Federico Moreno, Caden Letsche, and Ted Athon live on the call from Champaign, Illinois. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: Michael D’Arcy, KJHK Sports Photo