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!

Women's Volleyball

• September 25, 2024 – The Jayhawks started Big 12 conference play with a convincing victory, sweeping UCF 3-0 at home. Their offense was balanced, and key players like Ayah Elnady and Camryn Turner shined.

• September 27, 2024 – The Kansas Jayhawks volleyball team faced Houston, winning the match 3-1. The Jayhawks showed resilience after dropping the second set, rallying back to win the final two sets convincingly, improving to 11-1 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play .

Women's Soccer:

• September 26, 2024 – KU smashed UCF 4-0 in a dominating performance at home. Lexi Watts and Saige Wimes were on fire, contributing to the decisive win.

• September 29, 2024 – Kansas Jayhawks vs. Colorado: The Jayhawks faced No. 16 Colorado and lost 1-0 after a late goal in the 81st minute cut their momentum.

Softball:

• September 25, 2024 – Kansas softball wrapped up their fall ball with a big win against Butler Community College, dominating 10-3. The Jayhawks showcased their powerful offense, easily outpacing Butler while keeping their opponents’ runs to a minimum. This win caps off their fall season on a high note as they prepare for the spring competition.

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

For Jayhawks fans, the clash with TCU was supposed to be another step forward—a chance to prove that Kansas football is more than just a rising force in the Big 12. Early on, it looked like the Jayhawks were on track to take control, with Jalon Daniels finding Luke Grimm for a touchdown and Daniel Hishaw Jr. pounding in a score on the ground. But despite the fast start, TCU's explosive second-half plays turned the tide, leaving Kansas with a tough 38-27 defeat.

Still, this was a game filled with Jayhawk grit and moments where the team showed real promise. Kansas led for much of the game, and the defense forced key turnovers, but TCU capitalized on big plays late. While the outcome wasn’t in our favor, this team is showing heart and continues to battle week after week. Let’s break down the highs and lows of this game from a true Jayhawks perspective!

First Quarter Breakdown

The Jayhawks kicked off this game with serious swagger, setting the tone early. Right out of the gate, the defense made a statement, recovering a TCU fumble and putting the ball back in the hands of Jalon Daniels. Moments later, the stadium erupted as Daniels found Luke Grimm for a picture-perfect 15-yard touchdown—Jayhawks up 7-0!

Even though TCU quickly tied it, Kansas wasn’t fazed. Devin Neal bulldozed his way into the end zone on a 2-yard run, pushing us ahead 14-7. The Jayhawks had momentum, swagger, and confidence, and we looked every bit the team in control!

As the first quarter ended, Kansas fans could feel that the energy was ours, and the Jayhawks were clearly here to fight. The team played with intensity, capitalizing on turnovers and executing big plays, sending a message that Kansas wasn’t backing down.

Second Quarter

The second quarter was a true rollercoaster for Jayhawks fans. Kansas kept pushing, and the defense came through with a huge play. O.J. Burroughs picked off a pass from TCU’s Josh Hoover, returning it deep into Horned Frog territory. The fans were roaring, and it looked like the Jayhawks were poised to extend their lead. We settled for a field goal, but still went up 17-14—momentum was on our side!

But just as we were about to head into halftime with the lead, TCU hit a heartbreaking blow. With only 19 seconds left in the half, their quarterback found Jack Bech for another score, flipping the script and giving TCU a 21-17 lead. It stung, but the Jayhawks showed resilience throughout the half, fighting tooth and nail. We knew the second half would be a battle, but Kansas was far from out of this fight.

Fans were anxious, but hopeful—we’d seen enough flashes of brilliance to know the Jayhawks had more in the tank.

Third Quarter

The Jayhawks came out of halftime with fire in their eyes, ready to take back control of the game. And it didn't take long—Daniel Hishaw Jr. powered through for an 8-yard touchdown, putting Kansas back on top 24-21. The stadium was rocking, and the defense kept the pressure on TCU. Marvin Dotson came up huge with a key interception, stopping the Horned Frogs' drive and keeping the momentum with Kansas.

But TCU answered with a gut-punch of their own, returning a punt for an 89-yard touchdown late in the quarter. Suddenly, Kansas found themselves trailing 27-24. Despite the setback, the Jayhawks showed they weren't going down without a fight. It was still anybody's game as we headed into the final quarter, and you could feel the energy in the crowd—it was going to come down to the wire!

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter of the Kansas Jayhawks’ game against TCU was a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. Kansas entered the final quarter trailing by just four points, with hope still alive. They managed to close the gap to 28-27 early in the quarter thanks to a field goal. But just as momentum seemed to shift, TCU landed a crushing blow with a 59-yard touchdown, silencing any hopes of a Jayhawks comeback.

Kansas had several opportunities, but a combination of offensive misfires and defensive breakdowns proved costly. Jalon Daniels tried to lead the offense down the field, but TCU’s defense tightened at critical moments. The Jayhawks' inability to finish drives and their struggles in pass coverage allowed TCU to extend their lead.

A particularly tough moment for Kansas fans was the overturned catch call involving Lawrence Arnold, which could have kept Kansas alive. Instead, they saw their final drives stall. The defense, which had kept Kansas in the game earlier, couldn't contain TCU’s big plays down the stretch, sealing the Jayhawks' fate.

For a team that has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, it was another painful close loss. Fans were left frustrated by the officiating and some questionable calls, but in the end, missed opportunities in the fourth quarter were what kept Kansas from pulling off the win.

Overall Game Recap

The game was full of highs and lows for the Jayhawks. Kansas competed well throughout but struggled with critical execution in the final quarter. The game started strong, with Kansas finding rhythm on offense, yet controversial officiating decisions, including a missed block-in-the-back call, changed momentum. Despite Jalon Daniels and the offense keeping things close, big plays by TCU in the fourth quarter, particularly a 59-yard touchdown, sealed Kansas's fate. While there were moments of brilliance, Kansas couldn't close out the game, leaving fans frustrated but hopeful for improvement.

In the end, this game reflected the challenge Kansas faces in finishing strong against high-quality opponents, particularly in close, high-stakes Big 12 matchups. The Jayhawks are showing progress but still need to fine-tune their ability to handle pressure late in games.

Key Moments & Commentators’ Take

1. Early Jayhawks Momentum: Kansas came out strong with Daniel Hishaw Jr. rushing for an early touchdown, setting the tone for a competitive first half.

2. Controversial Punt Return Touchdown: Late in the third quarter, TCU's 89-yard punt return, with a missed block-in-the-back call, turned the game. This swung momentum heavily towards the Horned Frogs.

3. Fourth-Quarter Breakaway: The Jayhawks narrowed the gap to 28-27 early in the final quarter, but TCU’s 59-yard touchdown shortly after ended any chance of a comeback.

4. Missed Opportunities: Kansas had multiple chances late in the game, including a potentially game-saving catch that was ruled incomplete, frustrating fans and coach Leipold alike. Key drives stalled as the Jayhawks couldn't capitalize on their final possessions.

5. Final Defensive Breakdown: Kansas’s defense, solid for much of the game, was worn down by TCU’s late push, allowing the Horned Frogs to seal the 38-27 victory with a field goal and tight defensive play.

Comments from Coaches:

Leipold was candid in his post-game comments, pointing out that officiating had a major impact on the outcome. He specifically cited an apparent missed block in the back on TCU’s 89-yard punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter, which shifted the momentum in TCU’s favor. Though Leipold didn’t shy away from criticizing the officiating, he also took responsibility, noting that the team failed to capitalize on their own chances and needed to execute better in key moments.

Sonny Dykes, TCU’s head coach, was more focused on praising his team’s resilience, especially in their defensive efforts during the final quarter. He acknowledged the tight nature of the game but credited his team for finding a way to close it out despite Kansas’s late push​

Ultimately, this game left Jayhawks fans frustrated, not just because of the officiating but also because of the missed opportunities. Kansas had the tools to win but couldn’t execute in the clutch moments, leaving them with another close but painful loss in conference play.

Phog Forecast: What’s Coming Up

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

Name: Arizona State University, or just ASU if you’re in a hurry (and most of us are).

Mascot: Meet Sparky the Sun Devil, possibly one of the most mischievous mascots in college sports. Sparky’s got a pitchfork and a grin that says he’s up to no good—perfect for the desert heat of Arizona.

Location: Tempe, Arizona, where the weather is "summer" all year round. Seriously, ASU students have to be pro at finding shade or mastering the art of walking from air conditioning to air conditioning.

Colors: Maroon and Gold. You can’t miss ASU fans decked out in these desert-inspired colors, which pair well with the blazing Arizona sun.

Academics: ASU isn’t just about parties and football—this school’s got brains. With over 350 majors (yes, you read that right!), ASU is often ranked among the most innovative universities in the country. Their strong programs in business, engineering, and journalism are top-notch, and they pride themselves on shaping future leaders.

Notable Alumni: Ever heard of Jimmy Kimmel? Yup, the late-night talk show host is an ASU grad. Add in Pat Tillman, the heroic NFL player and military veteran, and you've got some serious Sun Devil pride. Oh, and let's not forget about famous designer Michael Phelps—the guy has 28 Olympic medals, and he made Tempe his training ground.

Campus Life: With over 75,000 students (yes, that’s bigger than a lot of small towns), ASU is one of the largest universities in the country. But don’t worry about getting lost in the crowd—ASU has a reputation for being incredibly inclusive and fostering a tight-knit community. The weather’s always perfect for a game of frisbee on the quad, and you’re never more than a short walk from a good taco joint.

Football Legacy: ASU has a rich football history, dating back to its glory days under coach Frank Kush in the 1960s and '70s. The Sun Devils play their home games at Mountain America Stadium (formerly Sun Devil Stadium), which has hosted epic moments like Super Bowl XXX. With a strong Pac-12 presence, ASU always brings the heat—both literally and figuratively—on the football field.

Fun Fact: Arizona State was originally a teaching college when it was founded back in 1885, and it didn’t become ASU until 1958. From a tiny teacher's school to a massive public university with national prestige—talk about a glow-up!

Jayhawks vs Sun Devils Preview (7:00 PM CT, ESPN2)

The Kansas Jayhawks’ upcoming matchup against Arizona State on October 5, 2024, promises to be a crucial test for both teams. With the Jayhawks looking to bounce back from a tough loss to TCU, they'll need to shore up their defense and improve their execution in clutch moments.

In the last matchup between Arizona State and Texas Tech, the Red Raiders secured a 30-22 victory, exploiting ASU's struggles on offense. Arizona State's quarterback Sam Leavitt put in a decent performance with 282 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, but key turnovers and missed opportunities hampered their comeback efforts. Despite an impressive 177 total yards and 2 touchdowns from running back Cam Skattebo, ASU couldn't close the gap.

Texas Tech took an early 14-0 lead, with crucial plays from quarterback Behren Morton, who threw two touchdowns. The Sun Devils managed to narrow the score to 17-10 at halftime but were unable to capitalize on multiple fourth-down conversions, a recurring theme that hurt their momentum.

ASU’s defense struggled against Tech’s balanced offense, and despite Skattebo’s heroics, they couldn’t catch up. Arizona State will need to work on improving their offensive consistency, particularly on fourth-down decisions, to bounce back in future games

Key Things to Watch:

1. Quarterback Duel: Jalon Daniels will need to have a standout performance to lead Kansas past Arizona State’s defensive pressure. His ability to connect with receivers like Lawrence Arnold will be critical.

2. Kansas’s Defense: Kansas will face Arizona State’s potent rushing attack, led by their dual-threat quarterback and explosive running backs. The Jayhawks' defense will need to contain this ground game and limit big plays.

3. Turnover Battle: Kansas will need to force turnovers to gain the upper hand. They struggled in this area against TCU, and forcing a couple of key turnovers could be the difference-maker here.

Key Matchups:

• Kansas OL vs. Arizona State DL: Arizona State’s defensive line is known for creating pressure. Kansas’s offensive line will need to protect Jalon Daniels and create lanes for Daniel Hishaw Jr. in the running game.

• Jayhawks WRs vs. Arizona State Secondary: Kansas has a talented receiving corps, but Arizona State has an aggressive secondary that will look to disrupt the passing game. Winning this matchup will be crucial for the Jayhawks’ offense.

Players to Watch:

• Kansas: Keep an eye on quarterback Jalon Daniels, who needs to bounce back after recent struggles. Running back Devin Neal’s performance could also be pivotal if Kansas hopes to control time of possession.

• Arizona State: Quarterback Jaden Rashada has been consistent, and the Kansas secondary will need to be sharp to limit big plays. Arizona State's running back Cameron Skattebo has been a key factor in their offense and will be another important figure to watch.

Prediction:

This game may come down to the fourth quarter, with both teams having the capability to put up points. Kansas’s ability to execute late in the game and avoid key mistakes will determine whether they can secure a bounce-back win.

Across the Chalk: NCAA Hot Shots

Week 5 of the 2024 college football season delivered all the thrills, surprises, and heartbreaks fans live for. As conference play heats up, we saw major upsets, defensive showcases, and last-minute drama across the country. From underdogs taking down top-ranked teams to powerhouse programs solidifying their dominance, this weekend had it all.

Kentucky vs No. 8 Ole Miss

In one of the most shocking upsets of the weekend, unranked Kentucky held off No. 8 Ole Miss, defeating them 20-17. Kentucky’s defense stole the show, holding the high-flying Rebels to a mere 17 points, far below their usual 49 points per game. Despite Ole Miss’s offensive firepower, Kentucky came up big when it mattered most, showcasing their resilience

No. 19 Oklahoma vs Auburn

Auburn looked poised for a major upset, outgaining No. 19 Oklahoma 482-291 in total yards, but late turnovers crushed their hopes. Oklahoma took advantage of Auburn's mistakes, sneaking away with a 27-21 win. Freshman QB Michael Hawkins Jr. stayed composed in his first SEC road test, leading his team to a crucial victory

No. 22 Colorado vs UCF

No. 22 Colorado delivered another electrifying performance, defeating UCF 48-21. While Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter made their usual big plays, it was Colorado’s defense that surprised many, recording five sacks and controlling the line of scrimmage. This win solidified Colorado's status as a legitimate Big 12 contender​

No. 7 Penn State vs Illinois

No. 7 Penn State dominated Illinois 21-7, controlling every aspect of the game. Their defense allowed just 1.1 yards per rush, completely shutting down Illinois's offense. Penn State’s balanced attack and stifling defense continued to impress, keeping them among the top contenders in the Big Ten

These games delivered excitement and drama, with surprising upsets and standout performances across the board!

Jayhawks on the Rise: Alumni Highlights

• Dorance Armstrong (DE, Dallas Cowboys) played a significant role in the Cowboys' 20-15 victory over the New York Giants on September 26. Armstrong was effective in pressuring the Giants' quarterback, contributing to a solid defensive performance that helped secure the win​

• Kyron Johnson (LB, Philadelphia Eagles) saw action during the Eagles' 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Although the Eagles struggled defensively, Johnson's efforts on special teams were crucial.

• Steven Sims (WR/PR, Green Bay Packers) participated in the Packers’ 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Sims continued to be a reliable punt returner, but the Packers fell short in a thrilling matchup​.

Legends of the Phog: Danny Manning - The Heart and Soul of Danny and the Miracles

When it comes to Kansas basketball legends, one name stands above the rest: Danny Manning. The towering forward led the 1988 Kansas Jayhawks to an improbable and unforgettable national championship, earning the nickname “Danny and the Miracles” in the process. Manning’s heroics in that magical season didn’t just add another banner to the rafters; they cemented his place as perhaps the greatest player in Kansas history. The 1987-88 season was anything but easy for the Jayhawks. Plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and the pressure of high expectations, few people believed this team could pull off something special. They weren’t even favored to make a deep tournament run, let alone win it all. But what Kansas had was a leader like no other—a 6’10” forward with the skills of a guard, the strength of a center, and the basketball IQ of a coach.

Danny Manning wasn’t just the team’s best player; he was its heart and soul. As the tournament progressed, it became clear that Manning was playing on another level. Game after game, he dominated the floor, carrying his team on his back. Kansas had already defied the odds by making it to the Final Four, but when they reached the national championship game against heavily favored Oklahoma, few believed the Jayhawks could pull off the upset. Oklahoma was fast, athletic, and had already beaten Kansas twice that season. But what the Sooners didn’t have was Danny Manning. In the championship game, Manning delivered one of the most memorable performances in NCAA history. He put up 31 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, dished out five assists, blocked two shots, and even nabbed two steals. It was a performance for the ages. Kansas pulled off the incredible 83-79 victory, with Manning’s legendary effort lifting the Jayhawks to their second national title.

The "Miracles" had done it, and Manning’s name was forever etched in Kansas basketball lore. Manning’s impact on Kansas basketball goes far beyond that magical 1988 run. He was a two-time consensus All-American, the 1988 Naismith College Player of the Year, and still holds the record as KU’s all-time leading scorer with 2,951 points. His jersey, No. 25, hangs proudly in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse, where fans still chant his name and celebrate his legacy. But beyond the stats and the accolades, Manning’s true greatness was his ability to lift his team when it mattered most. He led by example, with determination, poise, and a work ethic that inspired everyone around him.

His leadership during that 1988 season made the impossible possible, and the story of "Danny and the Miracles" became one of the greatest Cinderella tales in the history of college basketball. For Jayhawk fans, Danny Manning isn’t just a legend—he’s a symbol of what Kansas basketball is all about: resilience, heart, and the belief that with the right leader, no mountain is too high to climb. Every time you step into Allen Fieldhouse and look up at that 1988 championship banner, remember the man who made it all possible. Danny Manning is, and always will be, the heart of Jayhawk Nation. Rock Chalk, Danny. We’ll never forget.