Kansas football 16-13 loss home Texas Tech: 3 key observations

Freshman walk-on QB Cole Ballard impresses, but Kansas faces challenges after loss to Texas Tech, likely ending Big 12 championship hopes.

Freshman quarterback Cole Ballard has been receiving high praise from coaches, despite joining the program as a walk-on. His performance against Texas Tech, even with an interception, only serves to reinforce the positive words spoken about him.

However, the reality facing Kansas is one of quarterback depth. With junior Jalon Daniels and redshirt senior Jason Bean on the roster, the Jayhawks seemed to have plenty of options. But when Daniels was sidelined and Bean suffered an injury in the first half, the fate of the team's season may now rest on Ballard's shoulders. This is a situation that no one anticipated at the start of the season.

Senior running back Tahj Brooks was already a known threat, having amassed over 1,000 rushing yards before facing Kansas. Despite the Jayhawks' efforts, Brooks still managed to surpass 100 yards in the first half and finished with 133 yards and a touchdown.

Although Texas Tech had 136 rushing yards as a team, they only scored 16 points, with three scoring drives ending in field goal attempts. Kansas' defense played a significant role in keeping the game within reach, despite ultimately resulting in a loss.

The loss to Texas Tech likely ends Kansas' aspirations of making the Big 12 championship game this season. While the possibility may still exist in the future, the team's focus now shifts to maintaining their bowl eligibility and appreciating the progress of the program.

In conclusion, despite the disappointment of the loss, there is still much to be celebrated in the growth and development of the Kansas football program.