After nearly appearing in the AP Top-25 Poll for the first time since 2009, Kansas will aim to open more eyes when it plays host to Iowa State on Saturday at Lawrence, Kan.
The Jayhawks (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) have been riding an offensive surge and currently are ranked seventh in FBS in points per game with 47.0. They have settled for just two field goals, while scoring 26 touchdowns.
The Kansas offense has gained 474 yards per game, 31st-best in FBS. Against previously undefeated Duke in a 35-27 victory last week, Kansas had a season-high 528 yards of offense.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels ranks 20th nationally in total offense at 304 yards per game. He is even starting to generate some Heisman Trophy consideration.
“He’s a heck of a player, so yeah, I’m all for it,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said of the award buzz. “Whoever is running the campaign, let’s get it going. I think he’s doing a heck of a job getting a lot of people to take notice and take this program seriously.”
The Jayhawks defense might be the issue, as they are tied for 94th (out of 131 FBS teams), allowing 402.5 yards per game.
Saturday will be a case of strength against strength. Iowa State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) will face the powerful Kansas offense after allowing just 266 yards per game, 14th in FBS.
Iowa State gave up a total of 27 points in the first three games before falling to Baylor 31-24 at home last Saturday. The loss ended a streak of 11 straight home conference victories for Iowa State.
The Cyclones trailed 31-14 with 9:37 remaining before scoring 10 unanswered points. After an Iowa State field goal with 55 seconds left, Baylor recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.
“The word is momentum,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “We know this is a game of momentum. It always felt like we were fighting from behind.
“What I love about this group, and I love this group, is they have a chance to do some special things here. They kept playing and they kept fighting and they kept competing.”
