Get ready, Jayhawks fans, because crimson and blue are taking over once again! Whether it's roaring for our football team, riding the highs of basketball, or gearing up for baseball season, we're here to bring you all the best moments from the past week. From epic game recaps to exclusive insights, we’ve got you covered. Buckle up and dive into the latest action from your favorite teams—Rock Chalk, baby!

The Week in Crimson & Blue

Here's a quick roundup of Jayhawks' results from the past week, and it's been quite eventful!

Kansas Volleyball: The Jayhawks hosted the Jayhawk Classic and opened strong with a thrilling victory over No. 6 Purdue, showing off their grit and skill with standout performances from London Davis, who tallied 22 kills. However, they couldn’t maintain that momentum and fell to No. 9 Creighton in straight sets to close out the tournament. The loss, while tough, came against a top-10 team, and Coach Ray Bechard believes the experience will help the team grow as they head into Big 12 play against UCF this week​.

Kansas Football: The Jayhawks faced a tough loss against West Virginia over the weekend, falling 32-28. Despite leading by 11 points in the fourth quarter, Kansas couldn't hold off the Mountaineers, who mounted a strong comeback. Kansas now stands at 1-3 overall and will look to bounce back as they head deeper into Big 12 competition​

Kansas Women's Soccer: The soccer team also had a challenging weekend, dropping a close 3-2 match to West Virginia. It was a hard-fought contest with plenty of physical play, but the Mountaineers ultimately came out on top. Kansas will aim to turn things around in their upcoming match against UCF​.

It’s been a mixed bag for the Jayhawks this week, but with plenty of grit and determination, they’re poised to make noise as the season progresses. Keep an eye out for some exciting conference play ahead!

Game Day Breakdown

We hoped but we lost the game

What a heartbreaker for the Jayhawks. Kansas was in control for most of the game, up 28-17 with just over five minutes left. Devin Neal was once again unstoppable, chewing up the clock with over 100 yards rushing, and Jalon Daniels had his moments, leading a balanced offensive attack.

But the game unraveled in the final minutes. West Virginia’s QB Garrett Greene delivered two late TD strikes, pulling off a miracle comeback. Turnovers and missed opportunities haunted Kansas, as a fumble in the final seconds sealed a painful 32-28 loss.

First Quarter Breakdown

The opening quarter was a defensive battle, with neither team able to put points on the board early. Kansas showed flashes of brilliance with Daniels making plays with his feet and Neal grinding out tough yards. However, a crucial early turnover by Daniels put the Jayhawks in a tough spot. West Virginia capitalized with their defense, taking advantage of Kansas’ early missteps to gain control of the game’s tempo.

Kansas’ defense, however, did a solid job holding their ground. They forced a punt on West Virginia's opening drive and kept their offense contained for much of the quarter. The Jayhawks needed more from their passing game, as missed throws and some conservative play-calling kept them from establishing momentum.

With a scoreless opening 15 minutes, it felt like Kansas had the potential to break through but just couldn’t finish key drives. The quarter was a grind, setting the stage for what would become a much more intense contest later on.

Second Quarter

This is where we finally got rolling! Devin Neal was an absolute beast, powering through West Virginia’s defense with those gritty runs that Jayhawk fans love. His toughness got us on the board, and when he hit the end zone to tie it 7-7, it felt like we had the momentum. You could feel the team starting to click, with Neal leading the charge.

But right after we tied it, West Virginia hit back, quickly scoring to take a 14-7 lead. It stung, but the defense held strong, keeping the game within reach. Even though we were down, it didn’t feel like we were out of it. You could tell that we were building towards something, and with Neal running like that, there was still plenty of hope going into the second half. The game was still very much up for grabs.

Third Quarter

This quarter was classic Jayhawks football. We came out of halftime fired up, and you could tell that the offense was ready to take control. Jalon Daniels started making plays with his arm and his legs, connecting with Jared Casey on a big pass that set us up for a touchdown. Then came the moment we were waiting for—Daniel Hishaw Jr. punched it in from 11 yards out, and boom, we were up 21-17!

The defense was lights out in this quarter too. Rich Miller and the rest of the crew made some big stops, forcing West Virginia to punt multiple times. We had them on the ropes, and it felt like the game was tipping in our favor. We controlled the clock, the energy was high, and you could feel the fans starting to believe that this might be the game where we turn things around. Kansas was finally in control.

Fourth Quarter

This one’s going to hurt for a while, Jayhawks. With Luke Grimm's 32-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 28-17, it felt like we had it in the bag. We were up by 11, and the defense had been locking it down all game. But after that long weather delay, things started to fall apart. West Virginia’s QB Garrett Greene turned into a different player, driving down the field and tossing two late touchdowns in the final minutes.

The defense, which had been solid for most of the game, suddenly couldn’t stop Greene’s magic. To make matters worse, a critical pass interference call on Mello Dotson gave the Mountaineers first-and-goal, and Greene capitalized with a dagger of a touchdown pass. And then, heartbreak—the final turnover. Jalon Daniels fumbled on a pass attempt with just seconds left, sealing our fate.

We were right there, but it just slipped away in those final minutes. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Kansas fans, especially after leading for most of the second half. The team fought hard, but this loss hurts. Still, the grit and fight they showed means we’re not giving up yet!

Overall Game Recap

This one was tough to swallow for Jayhawks fans. After leading for most of the game, Kansas let it slip away in a heartbreaking 32-28 loss. The Jayhawks played their hearts out—Devin Neal was unstoppable, Jalon Daniels showed flashes of brilliance, and the defense kept West Virginia in check for much of the game. We were up 28-17 in the fourth quarter, and it felt like a sure win. But the late-game collapse, including two touchdown drives from West Virginia, flipped the script.

Key Moments & Commentators’ Take

1. Weather Delay Changed Everything: After Kansas extended their lead to 28-17, a two-hour weather delay hit, and when play resumed, West Virginia’s offense came alive. Commentators pointed to this as the momentum shift that threw Kansas off their rhythm.

2. Late Turnovers: The biggest talking point among commentators was Jalon Daniels’ late-game fumble. After the Mountaineers pulled within one score, Kansas had a chance to ice the game, but the fumble gave West Virginia new life. ESPN analysts called it the game’s turning point.

3. Pass Interference Call: Late in the fourth quarter, Kansas was still clinging to a lead when a crucial pass interference penalty on Mello Dotson gave West Virginia a first-and-goal. Greene capitalized with a TD pass that put the Mountaineers ahead.

4. Garrett Greene's Late Heroics: Greene, West Virginia’s QB, struggled most of the game, but after the delay, he came out firing. Two touchdowns in the final minutes—including the game-winner with 26 seconds left—stunned Kansas and sealed the comeback.

Final Thoughts from a Jayhawks Fan

We had them. For three and a half quarters, it felt like Kansas was in control, and this was our game to win. But that weather delay killed our momentum, and West Virginia came out of it looking like a different team. Still, you have to love the fight in this team. They showed flashes of brilliance, and Devin Neal was a force all game. We’ll learn from this, and we’ll bounce back stronger. Rock Chalk!

Phog Forecast: What’s Coming Up

Texas Christian University (TCU) – Home of the Horned Frogs!

Founded: 1873
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Enrollment: Approximately 12,000 students
Mascot: Meet SuperFrog, TCU’s very own horned frog, a mascot who looks more like a lizard that drank too much energy drink. Fun fact: the horned frog can shoot blood from its eyes to scare off predators—not that we're expecting SuperFrog to pull that move on the field, but you never know!
School Colors: Purple and White

Notable Alumni: Ever heard of LaDainian Tomlinson? One of the greatest running backs to ever grace the NFL, and yup, he’s a Horned Frog through and through. Also, Bob Schieffer, the legendary CBS News anchor, is a proud TCU grad. Safe to say, TCU knows how to produce stars both on and off the field.

Football Legacy: TCU has been making waves in the college football world, especially under coach Gary Patterson, who built a legacy that put the Horned Frogs on the national map. Their recent success includes a Rose Bowl win in 2011 and constant appearances in top bowl games. They're known for their gritty defense, explosive plays, and a fan base that will absolutely turn a stadium purple on game day.

Fun Fact: TCU might be famous for its horned frogs, but it started out in Thorp Spring, Texas, as the AddRan Male & Female College (thankfully, they’ve streamlined that name!). They moved to Fort Worth in 1910, and since then, they've been making Fort Worth proud.

So, get ready to face off against a university that’s as Texan as a cowboy boot and as fierce as their horned frog mascot. But, don’t worry Jayhawks, we’ve got the energy, passion, and skill to handle whatever TCU throws our way!

Horned Frogs vs Jayhawks Game Preview (2:30 PM, ESPN+)

Jayhawks Nation, it’s time to rally! Kansas is fighting to turn their season around after a rocky 1-3 start, and they need every fan behind them as they face TCU in a Big 12 showdown. Sure, Kansas hasn’t had the perfect run, but with Jalon Daniels’ leadership and Devin Neal's ground game, this offense can still fire up. The Jayhawks' defense must tighten up and make big stops to keep TCU’s quick-strike offense at bay.

As for TCU – they’re sitting at 2-2, still licking their wounds after a recent mixed start to the season. They’re coming off a win over Stanford, but let's be honest, their defense gave up some big plays, and we know Kansas can exploit those cracks. Josh Hoover may be a rising talent, but Kansas has every chance to slow down his rhythm. If Kansas' offense can control the tempo, this game is there for the taking!

Breakdown of TCU’s Last Game vs. Stanford

TCU fans might boast about their win over Stanford, but there were plenty of signs of weakness. While Hoover and Bailey had their moments, the defense allowed Stanford to hang around longer than expected. A 34-27 win looked good on the scoreboard, but TCU’s defense showed they’re vulnerable—especially on deep balls and against a strong run game. Kansas has the tools to take advantage, especially with Daniels and Neal ready to light up the field!

Key Players to Watch

Kansas Jayhawks

• Jalon Daniels (QB): A mobile quarterback with the ability to extend plays and find open receivers, Daniels is the leader of Kansas’ offense. His rushing ability adds another dimension to the attack.

• Devin Neal (RB): A powerful back who has been vital in Kansas’ ability to control the ground game and manage time of possession.

• Luke Grimm (WR): Reliable and consistent, Grimm has been a top target in the passing game, helping to stretch the field and create mismatches.

TCU Horned Frogs

• Josh Hoover (QB): Hoover's ability to move the ball down the field quickly will be key to TCU’s success. If he finds a rhythm early, Kansas’ defense could be in for a challenge.

• Savion Williams (WR): A deep threat, Williams can change the course of the game with explosive plays. His speed will test Kansas’ secondary.

• Emani Bailey (RB): Bailey’s versatility makes him a threat on the ground and as a receiver, adding another layer to TCU's offense.

Predictions and Outlook

Most analysts are giving TCU a slight edge, mainly due to their ability to create offensive balance and Kansas’ struggles on defense. The experts at CBS Sports and FOX are leaning towards TCU to win a close one, with the Horned Frogs projected to win by a field goal or less in most predictions (31-27 or 30-28).

However, Kansas’ home-field advantage cannot be underestimated and with the crowd behind them, the Jayhawks have a real shot at pulling off the upset. If Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal can control the tempo offensively, and Kansas can force a couple of key turnovers, the Jayhawks could steal this one​

Factors That Will Decide the Game

1. Slow Down TCU’s Ground Game: Stopping Emani Bailey has to be priority number one. TCU’s offense thrives on balance, and if Kansas can bottle up the run game, it will force Josh Hoover into more difficult passing situations. The Jayhawks’ defense needs to be aggressive at the line of scrimmage and force TCU into obvious passing downs.

2. Jalon Daniels Must Shine: Kansas can’t afford a quiet game from Daniels. The offense needs him to be both efficient and dynamic, especially in third-down situations. If he can avoid turnovers and make a few big plays with his legs, Kansas has a great chance to take control.

3. Create Turnovers: Defensively, the Jayhawks need to take advantage of Hoover’s inexperience. Bringing pressure and forcing quick decisions could lead to turnovers, which will be critical in swinging momentum their way.

This is our moment, Jayhawks. TCU is beatable, and this game could be the turning point of the season. With our key playmakers ready to shine, expect big plays and a crowd that makes Arrowhead feel like a fortress. It’s time for Kansas to defend our turf and make a statement in the Big 12!

Across the Chalk: NCAA Hot Shots

As Week 4 of the 2024 NCAA football season unfolds, the action continues to ramp up with pivotal matchups between ranked teams, early playoff contenders, and upset bids that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Saturday’s games delivered a mix of thrilling finishes, defensive battles, and offensive showcases that will have ripple effects on conference standings and postseason aspirations.

USC vs. Michigan (No. 11 vs. No. 18)

Michigan came out on top in a close battle, defeating USC 27-24. Michigan’s defense held strong in the final moments, preventing a potential game-tying drive by the Trojans. USC's offense kept things competitive, but Michigan's balanced play calling and disciplined execution ultimately won the day. This win solidifies Michigan as a serious contender in the Big Ten while USC takes a tough loss in their first season in the conference.

Utah vs. Oklahoma State (No. 12 vs. No. 14)

In another ranked showdown, Utah defeated Oklahoma State 22-19. This game came down to a late field goal, with Utah’s defense holding off Oklahoma State’s final push. Utah's win underscores their rise in the Big 12 hierarchy, and they continue to look strong in pursuit of a conference championship.

Ohio State vs. Marshall (No. 3 Ohio State)

Ohio State dominated Marshall 49-14, as expected. The Buckeyes’ offense was unstoppable, racking up nearly 500 yards and controlling the game from the first quarter. Marshall had no answer for the Buckeyes’ explosive playmakers, and Ohio State showed why they are a top contender for the College Football Playoff.

LSU vs. UCLA (No. 16 vs. UCLA)

LSU cruised past UCLA with a 34-17 victory. LSU’s defense was the star of the show, bottling up UCLA’s offense and forcing multiple turnovers. On offense, LSU balanced the run and pass attack, putting up points efficiently. This win keeps LSU in the conversation for a New Year’s Six bowl, while UCLA will need to regroup after a tough loss.

These results highlight pivotal matchups and the shifting power dynamics in college football. With the season heating up, each week brings even more excitement as teams jockey for playoff positioning and bowl game berths!

Legends of the Phog: Mario Chalmers - The Shot That Made Time Stand Still

Every Jayhawk fan knows the moment. A moment so powerful, so unforgettable, it sends chills down your spine every time you see the replay. It was April 7, 2008, in San Antonio, Texas. The Kansas Jayhawks were battling Memphis in the National Championship game. And with just a few seconds left on the clock, down by three, the dream of a national title seemed to be slipping away. The tension was unbearable. And then, Mario Chalmers happened.

Memphis, led by Derrick Rose, had been a nightmare all night. Their quick offense, relentless defense, and clutch free throws made it look like they were about to close out a hard-fought game. The scoreboard showed 63-60 with only 10.8 seconds remaining. Kansas needed a miracle, and all eyes were on the players who had battled their way through the tournament to this exact moment. And as Jayhawk fans held their breath, Mario Chalmers stood ready to deliver.

Sherron Collins brought the ball down the court, slipping past defenders, and found Chalmers just beyond the three-point line. Without hesitation, Mario released the shot that felt like it hung in the air for an eternity. Every fan in the Alamodome, every fan watching at home, knew that what happened next would either be heartbreak or history.

Swish.

The ball went through the net as the buzzer sounded. The roar of the crowd was deafening. Kansas had just tied the game, sending it into overtime. But for Jayhawk fans, time seemed to stop in that instant – an unforgettable moment when hope, pressure, and destiny collided in the hands of one player. And from that moment on, it wasn’t just a game; it was legend.

In overtime, Kansas took control, riding the wave of momentum from Chalmers’ incredible shot. Memphis, rattled and fatigued, couldn’t recover. When the final buzzer sounded, Kansas stood tall, claiming their third National Championship with a 75-68 victory. Chalmers' clutch three-pointer didn’t just tie the game – it sealed his place in Jayhawk history forever. His shot became more than just a play; it became part of the very fabric of Kansas basketball.

But it wasn’t just about that one shot. Throughout the entire 2008 season, Chalmers was the heart and soul of the team. His defensive prowess, quick hands, and leadership were crucial to Kansas' success. He was a three-time All-Big 12 selection, and his ability to come through in the biggest moments earned him a reputation as a cold-blooded closer. That night in San Antonio was the pinnacle of a career defined by hard work, determination, and an unshakeable belief in the Jayhawk spirit.

For Kansas fans, the Shot isn’t just a play. It’s a memory that brings back every emotion of that championship run. It’s the reason why, when you walk into Allen Fieldhouse, you can still hear echoes of that moment in the cheers of fans, in the banners hanging from the rafters, and in the beating heart of Jayhawk Nation.

So, the next time you find yourself at Allen Fieldhouse, take a moment to look up at those banners, especially the one from 2008. Remember Mario Chalmers. Remember the Shot. Because every Jayhawk knows that was the moment we all dreamed of – the moment that cemented Mario’s name alongside the greatest legends of the Phog. Rock Chalk, forever.