In the first Big 12 matchup in 2024 at Arrowhead Stadium, TCU spoiled the Jayhawks’ homecoming with a 38-27 win. Powered by sophomore quarterback Josh Hoover, TCU’s high-powered offense outlasted Kansas and helped even up the team’s conference record at 1-1.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from this game.
Attendance Numbers
One of the most significant talking points surrounding the Week 5 matchup between Kansas and TCU was Kansas taking over Arrowhead Stadium for their home games in 2024.
While no official attendance numbers have been released yet, the stands at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium looked pretty full despite Kansas’ tough start this fall.
Update: Kansas’ attendance during the fourth quarter was listed at 47,928.
Kansas returns to Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, October 19th, vs. Houston.
Tough Start
Unfortunately for the Jayhawks, they joined Oklahoma State and Baylor with 0-2 conference records. The group was riding high heading into the season after being picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll behind Utah, Kansas State, and Oklahoma State.
In the matchup, Kansas’ offensive attack was relatively mundane despite finding the end zone four times. After being named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year in 2023, junior quarterback Jalon Daniels looks like a completely different quarterback. Daniels completed 15 passes for 179 yards and a score on an underwhelming 44.1% completion percentage.
In the rushing attack, Daniel Hishaw upstaged Devin Neal as the Jayhawks’ leading rusher on the day with 85 yards and a score. With Hishaw, Neal, and Daniels combined, Kansas beat TCU in total rushing yards with 167 yards to the Horned Frogs 151. Kansas was outgained in total yards, passing yards, and yards per play.
Who is TCU?
Even with a signature win on Saturday, the jury is still somewhat out on TCU. The team is led by a flashy offensive attack but has struggled to convert in key situations. TCU takes on Houston on the road in Week 6 before a much-needed bye week.
Following the bye week, TCU enters a gauntlet of tough teams. They hit the road to 10th-ranked Utah in Week 7 before taking on Texas Tech and Baylor in back-to-back matchups in the state of Texas. Following dates with their in-state Big 12 rivals, the Horned Frogs close out their season with matchups against No. 20 Oklahoma State, Arizona, and Cincinnati.
Will TCU have enough firepower to make it to Arlington?
After taking care of business against a firey Kansas team and playing UCF, a title contender, close, it’s hard to eliminate TCU from any conversation regarding post-season play.
