Montgomery Named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

The Kansas Jayhawks, who entered Saturday’s game against the Iowa State Cyclones with a 1-8 record, have probably wished for invisibility at some point this season. The 46-yard run was the longest rush for an Iowa State player this season. When you’re 1-8 (1-9 after yesterday), you have to look for creative ways to get additional yards.

For the second straight week, running back David Montgomery started the game over Mike Warren.

Kansas’ defense surrendered a field goal after a muffed punt at the Jayhawk 8-yard line, but settled in to hold the Cyclones to just 10 points and 191 first half yards. That takeaway set up KU’s first scoring drive to take a 7-3 lead.

A steady dose of Kinner, Martin and Stanley short passes impressively marched the Jayhawks down the field again on their next possession.

“We try to go in just one week at a time, one game at a time playing that opponent, focus on them and just go try to go out and execute the offense”, said quarterback Joel Lanning. After starting 0-for-4 on third downs, the Cyclones finished 7-of-13, including three conversions on a five-minute, 33-second drive in the fourth quarter. The 14-10 score held into halftime.

“Mike’s biggest thing is just getting healthy right now”, Campbell said.

Iowa State: Iowa relied primarily on Jacob Park under center. (Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:30). However, Netten’s extra point attempt was no good, and KU remained in front 17-16.

Mixing in passes to Sims (nine receptions, 37 yards, one touchdown), junior LaQuvionte Gonzalez (seven catches, 39 yards), senior Shakiem Barbel (six for 60), true freshman Keegan Brewer (two for nine), senior running back Ke’aun Kinner (one for 29) and sophomore running back Taylor Martin (one for -3), Stanley completed 68 percent of his throws.

Most of Iowa State’s stagnation came in the first quarter, but the rest of the game wasn’t without its blemishes.

But the most surprising development in Iowa State’s rushing attack has been the rise of walk-on Mitchell Harger. (Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:41). Also, Carter Stanley punted in a bit of trickery, and average more yards per punt for the day than our actual punter did, so there’s that. (Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:25).

“I thought it said a lot about our kids hanging in there”, Campbell said after Iowa State’s 31-24 win at Kansas.

Despite a solid return, the Jayhawks could not capitalize on their camo craziness, as they missed a field goal on the ensuing drive. Kansas football though is Kansas football for a reason and somehow Gonzalez had to beat two defenders just to make it to his own 35-yard line because the blocking on the play was so weak.

Matthew Wyman’s 37-yard field goal gave Kansas a 17-10 lead early in the second half.