LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following a standout three interception performance in Kansas’ 42-14 victory over Houston, the conference announced Monday.

Bryant’s record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. After Kansas scored a touchdown on its opening drive, Bryant ended Houston’s first drive of the day near midfield by intercepting UH starting quarterback Zeon Chriss and returning it into Cougar territory. The interception set up a one-play scoring drive for Kansas and allowed the Jayhawks to take an early 14-0 lead.

Kansas led 28-14 near the end of the first half, when Houston got the ball back and was threatening to score before Bryant struck for the second time. This time, he intercepted UH backup Donovan Smith to end a threat after the Cougars moved into Jayhawk territory. Bryant’s third pick came on Houston’s next possession, a seven-play drive to open the second half. The Cougars attempted a trick play, but Smith again found Bryant, who made a diving interception at the Kansas 5-yard line.

This was the first time that Bryant has recorded multiple interceptions in a game during his standout career. He is the first Jayhawk to record multiple interceptions since Hasan Defense at West Virginia in 2018, while becoming the fourth player in school history with three interceptions in a game. The three players who shared the record before Saturday all played at Kansas during the 1950’s, with the most recent player to accomplish the feat being Bill Crank, who had three interceptions in a game vs. Tulane on Oct. 25, 1958. Bryant is also just the just the seventh Big 12 player to accomplish the feat in a conference game and the first since Allen Chapman picked off three passes for Kansas State on Nov. 3, 2012.

With his three interceptions on Saturday, Bryant now has 13 career interceptions, which is tied for the second most in school history, tying Aqib Talib (13, 2005-07). &nbsp;

This is the second career Big 12 weekly honor for Bryant, who previously won the award on Sept. 25, 2023, for his efforts in a 38-27 victory over BYU. Bryant is the first Jayhawk to earn a Big 12 award this season and the first overall since Trevor Wilson was named the Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 9, 2023.

Additionally on Monday morning, Bryant was chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week and the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Both awards recognize all-star game eligible players for displaying the most NFL traits that week.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following a standout three interception performance in Kansas’ 42-14 victory over Houston, the conference announced Monday.Bryant’s record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. After Kansas scored a touchdown on its opening drive, Bryant ended Houston’s first drive of the day near midfield by intercepting UH starting quarterback Zeon Chriss and returning it into Cougar territory. The interception set up a one-play scoring drive for Kansas and allowed the Jayhawks to take an early 14-0 lead.Kansas led 28-14 near the end of the first half, when Houston got the ball back and was threatening to score before Bryant struck for the second time. This time, he intercepted UH backup Donovan Smith to end a threat after the Cougars moved into Jayhawk territory. Bryant’s third pick came on Houston’s next possession, a seven-play drive to open the second half. The Cougars attempted a trick play, but Smith again found Bryant, who made a diving interception at the Kansas 5-yard line.This was the first time that Bryant has recorded multiple interceptions in a game during his standout career. He is the first Jayhawk to record multiple interceptions since Hasan Defense at West Virginia in 2018, while becoming the fourth player in school history with three interceptions in a game. The three players who shared the record before Saturday all played at Kansas during the 1950’s, with the most recent player to accomplish the feat being Bill Crank, who had three interceptions in a game vs. Tulane on Oct. 25, 1958. Bryant is also just the just the seventh Big 12 player to accomplish the feat in a conference game and the first since Allen Chapman picked off three passes for Kansas State on Nov. 3, 2012.With his three interceptions on Saturday, Bryant now has 13 career interceptions, which is tied for the second most in school history, tying Aqib Talib (13, 2005-07). &nbsp;This is the second career Big 12 weekly honor for Bryant, who previously won the award on Sept. 25, 2023, for his efforts in a 38-27 victory over BYU. Bryant is the first Jayhawk to earn a Big 12 award this season and the first overall since Trevor Wilson was named the Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 9, 2023.Additionally on Monday morning, Bryant was chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week and the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Both awards recognize all-star game eligible players for displaying the most NFL traits that week.

Historic Performance Garners Cobee Bryant Big 12 Weekly Honor

Kansas at&nbsp;16/16&nbsp;K-State Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 Kickoff: 7 p.m. Location: Manhattan, Kan. Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000) Series: Kansas Leads, 64-52-5

TV: ESPN2 (<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/9e464acf-4852-4b2d-bdc4-c866527a3034" target="_blank">watch</a>) Roy Philpott (Play-by-Play) Sam Acho (Analyst) Taylor Davis (Sidelines)

Radio: K-State Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">Listen</a>) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines) SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 83, and on the SiriusXM App <a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a> X Updates: @KStateFB and @KStateStatsInfo

1)&nbsp;Following a second-straight road conference win, 16th-ranked Kansas State returns home for the first time in a month as the Wildcats host in-state rival KU in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The sold-out game, which starts at 7 p.m., will be shown nationally on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sidelines) on the call.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his ninth career start and has thrown for 1,401 yards and 14 touchdowns on 111-of-178 aim while adding 306 rushing yards and two TDs. He is one of only seven quarterbacks in the country and the only Big 12 signal caller with at least 1,400 passing yards and 300 rushing yards this season and is coming off a career-best 298 yards through the air at West Virginia.

3)&nbsp;Junior running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 843 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries to go along with 11 receptions for 182 yards and another score. Giddens ranks 10th nationally by averaging 120.4 rushing yards per game, while he is seventh in the nation in scrimmage yards per game (146.4). Giddens has averaged 6.6 yards per rush this season, which ranks 14th in the country.

4)&nbsp;Kansas State has nine players with 20 or more tackles this season, led by linebacker Austin Romaine, whose 51 tackles are tied for 11th in the Big 12. Senior defensive end Brendan Mott has 8.5 TFLs and 7.0 sacks, the latter ranking seventh in the nation. Five Wildcats have carded an interception this season in VJ Payne (2), Jacob Parrish, Marques Sigle (2), Jack Fabris and Keenan Garber.

5)&nbsp;Chris Tennant has been true on 10-of-12 field goals with his only misses coming from distances of 48 and 53 yards. Simon McClannan has averaged 42.5 yards per punt this season to rank fourth in the Big 12, while his nine punts that have ended inside the opponent 20-yard line are tied for third in the league. Dylan Edwards enters the game ranked 12th nationally with a 14.1-yard punt return average.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS222.9&nbsp;– Rushing yards per game this year by Kansas State, which ranks 10th in the nation and second in the Big 12.

142&nbsp;– Big 12 victories by K-State since the conference's inception in 1996, the most among active programs.

10&nbsp;– National ranking of quarterback Avery Johnson with four completions of 50-plus yards this season.

6.6&nbsp;– Average yards per play this season for the Wildcats against FBS competition, which leads the Big 12 Conference.

6.22&nbsp;– Rushing yards per carry by K-State, which ranks third in the nation and is tops in the Big 12.

• Coming off its first bye of the year, K-State earned a 31-28 triumph at Colorado before traveling to Morgantown and handling West Virginia, 45-18.

• Against the Mountaineers, Avery Johnson threw for a career-high 298 yards and three touchdowns.

• On defense, Marques Sigle had nine tackles, two for losses, and also registered a pick-6 in the second quarter.

• Against the Buffs, Johnson threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, while running back DJ Giddens ran for 182 yards.

• On defense, the Wildcats recorded 6.0 sacks – their most since 2022 – and were led by senior Brendan Mott with 2.5 sacks.

• K-State held the Buffs to -29 yards rushing, the third-fewest rushing yards allowed by the Wildcats in school history.

• Kansas State will play a home game for the first time in nearly a month as its last home game was a 42-20 win over then-No. 20 Oklahoma State on September 28.

• It is the second-straight season the Wildcats had a 28-day gap between home games as last year they hosted UCF on September 23 before a home game against TCU on October 21.

• Home games have been kind to K-State over the last three years as the Cats have 14 victories, tied for the 17th most home wins in the nation over that span. That figure is also the most among active Big 12 teams.

• Saturday's game serves as Homecoming, and the Wildcats are currently riding a seven-game winning streak on Homecoming games dating back to 2018.

• K-State is 40-63-5 all-time on Homecoming, including a 27-7 mark since 1990.

• With its sixth victory of the year last week at West Virginia, Kansas State will be playing in the postseason for a fourth-straight season and the 13th time in the last 15 years.

• Entering the year, K-State was one of just 16 Power 4 programs to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the previous 14 years.

• K-State has a total of 228 victories since 1996, which is tied for 21st nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind BYU (235), TCU (233) and TCU (232).

• Over the last 14 seasons, the Wildcats have won at least seven games on 12 occasions.

• K-State is riding a streak of three-straight years of at least eight wins, its longest since 2011 (10), 2012 (11), 2013 (8) and 2014 (9).

• The Wildcats are the only returning Big 12 team with at least eight wins in each of the last three seasons and one of 13 Power 4 programs to claim that feat.

• K-State has 33 wins since 2021, which is tied for 12th nationally and first among active Big 12 teams.

• Kansas State has totaled 142 Big 12 victories since the conference’s formation in 1996, which stands as the most among active Big 12 programs.

• The Cats are also second among active Big 12 members in winning percentage since non-divisional play began in 2011. They sit at 60.3% (73-48), trailing only Oklahoma State (63.6%; 77-44).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 40-20 (66.7%) at home in Big 12 play and 33-28 (54.1%) on the road.

• Kansas State checks in at No. 16 in this week's Associated Press Top 25 as the Wildcats have been ranked in all nine AP polls this year.

• It is the first time K-State has been ranked in the first nine AP polls of a season since appearing in all 17 polls in 2014.

• K-State has been ranked in the AP Top 25 on 240 occasions since 1993, the most among active Big 12 teams and ranked 22nd nationally.

• Kansas State was ranked No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 of 2023, marking the 12th-straight time the Cats were ranked in the CFP Top 25. That figure is tied for the sixth-longest active streak.

• K-State is only playing four opponents from last year’s schedule – Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Oklahoma State – in 2024.

• It is the fewest amount of carryover opponents from one year to the next since only three rematches from 1918 to 1919.

• Additionally, half of the Wildcats’ schedule is against teams in which they have not faced in at least 10 years, if ever. Those are UT Martin (First Meeting), Arizona (1978), BYU (1997), Colorado (2010), Arizona State (2002) and Cincinnati (1996).

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds a 117-38 career record, as his 75.5% career winning percentage ranks fourth among current FBS coaches that have led programs for at least 10 seasons. He is also one of just 18 current Power 4 head coaches with at least 100 career victories.

• Klieman, who is 45-25 since arriving at K-State, has led the Cats to five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25, which is the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019.

• Kansas State ranked in the top 10 nationally in turnover margin each of the last two years as the Wildcats finished eighth in 2022 and fifth in 2023, which marked the first time in the top 10 in consecutive seasons since 2011 (9th) and 2012 (3rd).

• After sitting at minus-2 in turnover margin entering the Oklahoma State game, the Wildcats are now plus-2 on the year.

• Kansas State enters the week ranked 20th nationally with only 42.7 penalty yards per game.

• The Wildcats are looking for their fourth-straight season under 50.0 penalty yards per game, which would be their longest since staying under that mark from 2010 through 2015.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 25-plus seasons as it has 135 since 1999, 10 more than the next closest team (Alabama – 125).

• K-State has recorded four non-offensive scores this season, its most since also recording four in 2020.

• The four non-offensive TDs this year are: a Ty Bowman blocked punt against UT Martin that was returned for a score by Colby McCalister, a 60-yard rumble return by Jack Fabris at Tulane, a 71-yard punt return by Dylan Edwards against Arizona, and a 43-yard interception return by Marques Sigle at West Virginia.

• K-State trailed 28-24 at Colorado before the game-winning TD with 2:14 left. It was the first time since the 2018 KU game that the Cats won after trailing with less than five minutes left.

• Earlier this season at Tulane, Kansas State rallied from a 20-10 halftime deficit to take a 34-27 win. It was the first time since the 2021 Texas Tech game that the Wildcats rallied from a double-digit halftime deficit to win. That year against the Red Raiders, the Cats trailed 24-10 at half before earning a 25-24 win.

• With the entire six-game 2024 home slate trending toward being sold out, K-State is currently riding a streak of 17-consecutive sellouts dating back to the beginning of 2022.

• Kansas State is one of only three schools in the nation to rank in the top 20 of percentage of capacity filled each of the last 10 seasons, joining Ohio State and Oklahoma.

• So far this year, K-State ranks 10th nationally by filling its stadium to 102.85% capacity.

• K-State enters this week's matchup ranking 10th nationally and second in the Big 12 by averaging 222.9 rushing yards per game, while the Cats are third in the country and tops in the Big 12 by averaging 6.22 rushing yards per carry.

• K-State's school record for rushing yards per game is 264.1 yards in 2002, while its record for average yards per rush is 5.27 yards in 2016.

• The average is driven by 55 rushes of at least 10 yards to tie for third in the nation, while K-State's eight rushing plays of 30 or more yards this season are tied for sixth in the country.

• The Cats have rushed for at least 200 yards in five games this year, one of only six teams in the nation (joining Army, Boise State, Iowa, Navy and Oregon State) to accomplish the feat.

ONE OF ONLY TWO• Four K-State players have had at least 10 rushing attempts and each average at least 6.0 yards per carry.

• Headlining that group is DJ Giddens, Avery Johnson and Dylan Edwards with 6.6 yards per rush, 6.0 and 6.4 yards per rush, respectively. K-State is one of just two programs to have three active players to average at least 6.0 yards on at least 35 attempts (Notre Dame: Jadarian Price, Jeremiyah Love, Riley Leonard).

• Giddens and Johnson are the only Power 4 teammates to each record 18 or more rushes of at least 10 yards.TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards of offense in 28 of the last 34 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.

• During that stretch, the Cats held a 10-game streak against Big 12 foes with 375 or more yards, the longest in school history.TWENTY-EIGHT IS GREAT• K-State has scored at least 28 or more points in 14 of its last 15 games, its most over a 15-game stretch since doing so over a 16-game streak that spanned the final eight games of 1998 and first eight games of 1999.RED ZONE SUCCESS• The 2024 season is a continuation of red-zone success under Chris Klieman, as the Wildcats rank first among active Big 12 programs by scoring on 90.6% (251-of-277) of their overall red-zone trips since 2019 with 188 touchdowns (67.9%).

• Last season, the Cats ranked second nationally by finding paydirt on 78.5% of their red-zone possessions (51-of-65), and they narrowly finished behind Oregon State by 0.11%. K-State would have led the nation last year had the Cats not been in the red zone when taking a knee to close out the Pop-Tarts Bowl win.

• K-State enters play this week ranked 20th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 in red zone scoring at 92.3% (24-of-26) with one of those failed attempts being a kneel down at the end of the West Virginia game.RED ZONE THREATS• Kansas State's tight end unit has combined for eight touchdown receptions this year, tied for the most in the nation.

• Four K-State tight ends have two scores apiece in as Will Anciaux, Brayden Loftin, Garrett Oakley and Will Swanson.OFFENSIVE LINE STEPPING UP• Although the offensive line lost four starters from a year, the current group is stepping up. In addition to its rushing rankings, K-State is also ninth nationally and leads the Big 12 with fewest tackles for loss allowed (3.43 per game).

• Despite limited starts at K-State entering the season, the current starting unit is experienced overall as the six players that have made start this year have combined for 108 starts and 7,518 career offensive snaps. The leaders in those departments are on the left side in tackle Easton Kilty (44 starts, 2,729 snaps) and guard Hadley Panzer (33 starts, 2,136 snaps).BY AIR AND GROUND• Quarterback Avery Johnson was the top dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2023, and he's putting that on display during his true sophomore season as he is one of only seven quarterbacks nationally and the only Big 12 player with at least 1,400 rushing yards and 300 passing yards.

• If he were to stay at his current averages, Johnson would end the regular season as just the 23rd quarterback in Big 12 history with at least 2,400 passing yards and 500 rushing yards. Three other Wildcats have hit those marks – Michael Bishop (1998), Ell Roberson (2003) and Collin Klein (2012).MULTIPLE TDs• Avery Johnson threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two others in K-State's 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State en route to Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.

• He was the first K-State signal caller to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a conference game since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012.

• A product of Wichita, Kansas, Johnson produced just the 30th such game against a ranked opponent since 1996, including just the ninth by a Big 12 player. Johnson and TCU quarterback Max Duggan (2022 vs. Oklahoma) are the only two Big 12 signal callers to accomplish the feat since 2018.

HIGHLY EFFICIENT• Avery Johnson put together a passing efficiency mark of 186.0 at West Virginia, the highest by a Wildcat (min. 25 att.) since Skylar Thompson against LSU in the 2021 Texas Bowl (188.1). It was also the highest by a K-State signal caller in a road game since Thompson at Oklahoma in 2020 (197.4), while it is the second-highest mark in a Big 12 road game this year.

• Johnson enters this week ranked fourth in the Big 12 and ninth in school history with a 148.8 pass efficiency rating. His 147.0 career mark currently ranks fourth in K-State history.

GIDDENS GETTING IT DONE• Running back DJ Giddens has averaged 120.4 rushing yards per game this season to rank 10th in the country, while he is seventh with 146.4 scrimmage yards per game.

• Giddens' current rushing average per game ranks third in school history, and that figure is buoyed by 10 rushes of at least 20 yards to tie for fourth in the nation.

• Additionally, Giddens is the only player in the country with two runs 50 or more yards and two receptions of at least 40 yards.

UP THE CAREER CHARTS• DJ Giddens enters this week's game with 2,587 career rushing yards, which ranks seventh in school history, while his 5.89 career yards per rush ranks second at K-State only behind Darren Sproles (6.11; 2001-04).

• A native of nearby Junction City, Kansas, Giddens also ranks in the top 10 in program history for a career in rushing yards per game (5th; 76.1), receiving yards by a running back (5th; 603) and 100-yard rushing games (T6th; 10).

DEFENSIVE NOTESLIMITED POINTS PER GAME• Since the K-State defense switched from a four-man front to a 3-3-5 alignment at the beginning of the 2021 season (46 games), the Cats are allowing just 21.2 points per game, which ranks 20th nationally and is third among active Big 12 teams.

• Additionally, the Wildcats have only allowed 111 offensive touchdowns over that time, which is tied for 18th in the nation.

• The Wildcats have finished each of the three previous seasons by allowing less than 22.0 points per game, their longest streak since going 13-straight year from 1991 through 2003.

K-State Returns Home for Sunflower Showdown

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes overcame two interceptions to deliver a few big plays with his feet and the Kansas City Chiefs remained the league's only undefeated team, beating the San Francisco 49ers 28-18 Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-chiefs-rematch-f22d71e88b568caf3792b782e48517e1">Super Bowl rematch</a>.

The stakes and the quality of play weren't at the same level as eight months ago when Mahomes and the Chiefs (6-0) beat the 49ers (3-4)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">25-22 in overtime</a>&nbsp;for their Super Bowl title in five seasons.

But the result was the same with Kansas City winning its fifth straight over San Francisco, including two Super Bowls.

The game came with a potentially heavy price for San Francisco with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">star receiver Brandon Aiyuk</a>&nbsp;getting carted off after getting hit on his right knee while making a catch late in the first half. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.

Aiyuk's absence proved crucial during a key point late in the third quarter when the 49ers were driving with a chance to erase a 14-12 deficit.

A miscommunication between backup receiver Ronnie Bell and Brock Purdy led to an interception by Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs then turned that into a touchdown thanks in part to a 33-yard scramble by Mahomes that was his longest regular-season run ever.

Mahomes then scored on a 1-yard scramble on fourth-and-goal for his first rushing touchdown since the 2022 season.

That was one of four TD runs on the day for Kansas City, with Kareem Hunt getting two in the first half and Mecole Hardman icing it with an 18-yarder in the fourth quarter. It was just the second time Kansas City ran for four TDs in a game started by Mahomes, with the other coming in the 2018 divisional playoff round against Indianapolis.

Mahomes finished 16 for 27 for 154 yards and has eight interceptions and six passing touchdowns this season. But that has been enough for Kansas City to become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season with six straight wins.

Purdy wasn't much better as the defenses had the better of this game. He went 17 for 31 for 212 yards with two TD runs and three interceptions. His third pick came in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter with San Francisco trying to mount a comeback.

Niners rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall made his debut exactly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">50 days after being shot</a>&nbsp;in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco. Pearsall was activated from the non-football injury list and came in for his first play on San Francisco’s opening drive. He caught his first career pass late in the second quarter.

His presence was needed since San Francisco played the second half without its top three receivers. Jauan Jennings missed the game with a hip injury, Deebo Samuel played only four plays because of an illness, and Aiyuk got hurt late in the first half.

Chiefs: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) left in the first half. ... CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) left in the second half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729468365102.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes overcame two interceptions to deliver a few big plays with his feet and the Kansas City Chiefs remained the league's only undefeated team, beating the San Francisco 49ers 28-18 Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-chiefs-rematch-f22d71e88b568caf3792b782e48517e1">Super Bowl rematch</a>.The stakes and the quality of play weren't at the same level as eight months ago when Mahomes and the Chiefs (6-0) beat the 49ers (3-4)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">25-22 in overtime</a>&nbsp;for their Super Bowl title in five seasons.But the result was the same with Kansas City winning its fifth straight over San Francisco, including two Super Bowls.The game came with a potentially heavy price for San Francisco with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">star receiver Brandon Aiyuk</a>&nbsp;getting carted off after getting hit on his right knee while making a catch late in the first half. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.Aiyuk's absence proved crucial during a key point late in the third quarter when the 49ers were driving with a chance to erase a 14-12 deficit.A miscommunication between backup receiver Ronnie Bell and Brock Purdy led to an interception by Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs then turned that into a touchdown thanks in part to a 33-yard scramble by Mahomes that was his longest regular-season run ever.Mahomes then scored on a 1-yard scramble on fourth-and-goal for his first rushing touchdown since the 2022 season.That was one of four TD runs on the day for Kansas City, with Kareem Hunt getting two in the first half and Mecole Hardman icing it with an 18-yarder in the fourth quarter. It was just the second time Kansas City ran for four TDs in a game started by Mahomes, with the other coming in the 2018 divisional playoff round against Indianapolis.Mahomes finished 16 for 27 for 154 yards and has eight interceptions and six passing touchdowns this season. But that has been enough for Kansas City to become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season with six straight wins.Purdy wasn't much better as the defenses had the better of this game. He went 17 for 31 for 212 yards with two TD runs and three interceptions. His third pick came in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter with San Francisco trying to mount a comeback.<h2>Pearsall's debut</h2>Niners rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall made his debut exactly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">50 days after being shot</a>&nbsp;in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco. Pearsall was activated from the non-football injury list and came in for his first play on San Francisco’s opening drive. He caught his first career pass late in the second quarter.His presence was needed since San Francisco played the second half without its top three receivers. Jauan Jennings missed the game with a hip injury, Deebo Samuel played only four plays because of an illness, and Aiyuk got hurt late in the first half.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) left in the first half. ... CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) left in the second half.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Visit Las Vegas next Sunday.

🏈 Chiefs stay undefeated, beat 49ers in Super Bowl rematch

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post Contributor

Southeast of Saline hosted the Halstead Dragons at Steve Fritz Field on Friday night, in a physical matchup.&nbsp;

After a scoreless first quarter, the Trojans got a needed spark from Grady Gebhardt, as he scampered for 40 yards on his first rush since coming back from injury, setting up a 12-yard Kanyon Douglas touchdown run to go 6-0.&nbsp;

Gebhardt then added two more touchdowns on a 40-yard reception in the second quarter and a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to extend the Trojan lead to 22-0, as they go on to win the game 38-15 on Senior Night.

Defensively, the Trojans used more of a bend but don’t break attitude, as the Dragons were able to move the ball at times, but tightened up when it mattered most.&nbsp;

The Southeast defense forced two turnovers, and only allowed Halstead into the red zone once.&nbsp;

“They’re [Halstead] a good football team. They’re always going to be physical and they’re always going to be big.” stated Head Coach, Mitch Gebhardt. “[Offense] I thought our guys up front did a good job. In the beginning of the year, that was one of our question marks, but I don’t believe that’s a fact anymore.

Gannon Jacobson threw for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns as Gebhardt led the Trojans in rushing with 129 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, while Tucker Thaxton had 5 catches for 65 yards.&nbsp;

Douglas also had a big night defensively as he led the Trojans in tackles with 10 tackles.

Southeast of Saline remains undefeated as they move to 7-0 on the season and will travel to Ellsworth next week for the regular season finale.&nbsp;

Halstead drops to 2-5 and will host Lyons.

By Jeremy Obermeyer Salina Post ContributorSoutheast of Saline hosted the Halstead Dragons at Steve Fritz Field on Friday night, in a physical matchup.&nbsp;After a scoreless first quarter, the Trojans got a needed spark from Grady Gebhardt, as he scampered for 40 yards on his first rush since coming back from injury, setting up a 12-yard Kanyon Douglas touchdown run to go 6-0.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Gebhardt then added two more touchdowns on a 40-yard reception in the second quarter and a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to extend the Trojan lead to 22-0, as they go on to win the game 38-15 on Senior Night.Defensively, the Trojans used more of a bend but don’t break attitude, as the Dragons were able to move the ball at times, but tightened up when it mattered most.&nbsp;The Southeast defense forced two turnovers, and only allowed Halstead into the red zone once.&nbsp;“They’re [Halstead] a good football team. They’re always going to be physical and they’re always going to be big.” stated Head Coach, Mitch Gebhardt. “[Offense] I thought our guys up front did a good job. In the beginning of the year, that was one of our question marks, but I don’t believe that’s a fact anymore.Gannon Jacobson threw for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns as Gebhardt led the Trojans in rushing with 129 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, while Tucker Thaxton had 5 catches for 65 yards.&nbsp;Douglas also had a big night defensively as he led the Trojans in tackles with 10 tackles.Southeast of Saline remains undefeated as they move to 7-0 on the season and will travel to Ellsworth next week for the regular season finale.&nbsp;Halstead drops to 2-5 and will host Lyons.

SES Fends off Dragons 38-15

Kansas Wesleyan's defense apparently loves coming home as much as it enjoys Homecoming.

The Coyotes harassed, hounded, and hogtied Avila's offense from start to finish in a 38-3 Kansas Conference and 2024 Homecoming victory Saturday afternoon at Gene Bissell Field at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

They were coming off a bye week and a 42-13 road loss to McPherson on October 5.

KWU held Avila to a paltry 180 total yards on 70 plays - just 2.6 yards per play - and forced four turnovers (three of them interceptions) and notched a school-record tying eight sacks. The Eagles had 176 yards passing but just four yards rushing on 31 attempts.

"We had a good gameplan defensively very similar to when we played Bethel three weeks ago with a quarterback that kind of makes their offense go and can extend plays," co-interim head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9d9c901-e195-4b75-953d-11c8bef262f3?elinkdata=13692">Chris Snyder</a> said on the postgame radio show.

"It helps that it was a beautiful day weather-wise, big crowd for Homecoming, lot of people here. You couldn't ask for a better way to come off of the week we had, to open at home with a lot of support and parents being here. That means a lot."

The Coyotes improved to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in their first game in the Gene Bissell Division. Avila fell to 1-6 and 0-1.

Wesleyan dominated the first half rolling to a 35-0 halftime lead and cruising behind the defense the rest of the way. The Coyotes intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble and sacked Avila quarterback Eli Williams five times during the first 30 minutes of the game.

The defense also tallied points when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e1b03b5e-92b6-491c-ad6c-bfa9601727ef?elinkdata=13692">Josh King-Bradley</a> strip-sacked Williams for a 15-yard loss. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/87e6680c-55b2-4be6-b32d-941eee676ab4?elinkdata=13692">Jordan Diggins</a> scooped up the loose ball and raced 46 yards for a touchdown that gave KWU a 35-0 lead with 36 seconds left in the opening half.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21d38e9f-ec5a-4292-844b-bc080578a16c?elinkdata=13692">Richard Lara</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31991a70-af14-4385-b8de-4a567ee8fbe1?elinkdata=13692">Byron McNair</a> shared the quarterback duties, McNair returning after missing the two previous games with an injury. Lara started and was 7 of 11 passing for 66 yards and two touchdowns; McNair was 4 of 8 for 30 yards. Neither quarterback threw an interception.

"We had a good gameplan," Snyder said. "Coach (James) Bauer (offensive coordinator) and I talked about having a plan for playing both. Playing that position it's hard to come back after missing weeks of not having the bodies sliding around.

"I pitched to the quarterbacks ever since I've been here 'use your feet, take the four-yard scramble so we have second-and-6' and I really felt they did a good job of keeping us in positive plays."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e6a36104-4bcc-450a-8211-8f3d68f1c94f?elinkdata=13692">Luke Armstrong</a> led the rushing attack with 93 yards rushing on 11 carries that included a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that extended the Coyotes' lead to 21-0.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f6eaad1-8963-433e-81d7-2ed7616efc78?elinkdata=13692">Earl Gray</a> was the top receiver with four catches for 43 yards and a touchdown - a 16-yarder from Lara with 9:06 left in the first quarter that accounted for KWU's first points.

After Gray's touchdown the Coyotes were back in the end zone 54 seconds later when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/572e5d85-78c2-4b53-9ccb-b0e12da1cb34?elinkdata=13692">Zarek Fewell</a> scored from the 1 making it 14-0. The touchdown came four plays after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b242d0d5-e326-4ab9-8d29-0c750146d330?elinkdata=13692">Jordan Trice</a> intercepted a Williams pass.

Wesleyan went 71 yards on just four plays on its next possession, McNair throwing a 30-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/854275f9-8ed9-41c7-9931-f3b7c717215c?elinkdata=13692">Woody Banks</a> and Armstrong scoring two plays later that upped the advantage to 21-0.

The lead became 28-0 on Lara's seven-yard touchdown pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ef50c52-37ed-4a3f-9e05-62eb9dc077fb?elinkdata=13692">Kajuan Casey</a> with 2:00 left in the half. KWU's 13-play drive covered 86 yards.

Diggins' touchdown was the final points of the half.

Avila scored its points on Juan Delgado-Medina's 46-yard field goal with 8:48 left in the third quarter. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/085f4e48-5cc0-4cc0-a7b4-d5dda37c4dff?elinkdata=13692">Talon Cope</a> booted a 46-yard field goal of his own with 10:49 left for the game's final points.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/816fde25-a0d1-4849-b34f-c4478b7f784e?elinkdata=13692">Keyon Baccus</a> had two sacks and King-Bradley 1.5 while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/50715f11-0383-44ad-9926-348fc4c85694?elinkdata=13692">Daren Hawkins</a> and King-Bradley each had 2.5 tackles for loss for KWU's swarming defense.

While pleased with the team's performance overall Snyder was dismayed by 15 penalties for 168 yards.

"Personal fouls are not a culture we want to be part of," Snyder said. "It's something that we will be addressing first thing Tuesday. We'll definitely get it cleaned up.

"But the effort and how we played was great. I couldn't ask for anything more from the kids and the coaches."

Kansas Wesleyan's defense apparently loves coming home as much as it enjoys Homecoming.The Coyotes harassed, hounded, and hogtied Avila's offense from start to finish in a 38-3 Kansas Conference and 2024 Homecoming victory Saturday afternoon at Gene Bissell Field at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.They were coming off a bye week and a 42-13 road loss to McPherson on October 5.KWU held Avila to a paltry 180 total yards on 70 plays - just 2.6 yards per play - and forced four turnovers (three of them interceptions) and notched a school-record tying eight sacks. The Eagles had 176 yards passing but just four yards rushing on 31 attempts."We had a good gameplan defensively very similar to when we played Bethel three weeks ago with a quarterback that kind of makes their offense go and can extend plays," co-interim head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9d9c901-e195-4b75-953d-11c8bef262f3?elinkdata=13692">Chris Snyder</a> said on the postgame radio show."It helps that it was a beautiful day weather-wise, big crowd for Homecoming, lot of people here. You couldn't ask for a better way to come off of the week we had, to open at home with a lot of support and parents being here. That means a lot."The Coyotes improved to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in their first game in the Gene Bissell Division. Avila fell to 1-6 and 0-1.Wesleyan dominated the first half rolling to a 35-0 halftime lead and cruising behind the defense the rest of the way. The Coyotes intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble and sacked Avila quarterback Eli Williams five times during the first 30 minutes of the game.The defense also tallied points when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e1b03b5e-92b6-491c-ad6c-bfa9601727ef?elinkdata=13692">Josh King-Bradley</a> strip-sacked Williams for a 15-yard loss. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/87e6680c-55b2-4be6-b32d-941eee676ab4?elinkdata=13692">Jordan Diggins</a> scooped up the loose ball and raced 46 yards for a touchdown that gave KWU a 35-0 lead with 36 seconds left in the opening half.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/21d38e9f-ec5a-4292-844b-bc080578a16c?elinkdata=13692">Richard Lara</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31991a70-af14-4385-b8de-4a567ee8fbe1?elinkdata=13692">Byron McNair</a> shared the quarterback duties, McNair returning after missing the two previous games with an injury. Lara started and was 7 of 11 passing for 66 yards and two touchdowns; McNair was 4 of 8 for 30 yards. Neither quarterback threw an interception."We had a good gameplan," Snyder said. "Coach (James) Bauer (offensive coordinator) and I talked about having a plan for playing both. Playing that position it's hard to come back after missing weeks of not having the bodies sliding around."I pitched to the quarterbacks ever since I've been here 'use your feet, take the four-yard scramble so we have second-and-6' and I really felt they did a good job of keeping us in positive plays."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e6a36104-4bcc-450a-8211-8f3d68f1c94f?elinkdata=13692">Luke Armstrong</a> led the rushing attack with 93 yards rushing on 11 carries that included a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that extended the Coyotes' lead to 21-0.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8f6eaad1-8963-433e-81d7-2ed7616efc78?elinkdata=13692">Earl Gray</a> was the top receiver with four catches for 43 yards and a touchdown - a 16-yarder from Lara with 9:06 left in the first quarter that accounted for KWU's first points.After Gray's touchdown the Coyotes were back in the end zone 54 seconds later when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/572e5d85-78c2-4b53-9ccb-b0e12da1cb34?elinkdata=13692">Zarek Fewell</a> scored from the 1 making it 14-0. The touchdown came four plays after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b242d0d5-e326-4ab9-8d29-0c750146d330?elinkdata=13692">Jordan Trice</a> intercepted a Williams pass.Wesleyan went 71 yards on just four plays on its next possession, McNair throwing a 30-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/854275f9-8ed9-41c7-9931-f3b7c717215c?elinkdata=13692">Woody Banks</a> and Armstrong scoring two plays later that upped the advantage to 21-0.The lead became 28-0 on Lara's seven-yard touchdown pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ef50c52-37ed-4a3f-9e05-62eb9dc077fb?elinkdata=13692">Kajuan Casey</a> with 2:00 left in the half. KWU's 13-play drive covered 86 yards.Diggins' touchdown was the final points of the half.Avila scored its points on Juan Delgado-Medina's 46-yard field goal with 8:48 left in the third quarter. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/085f4e48-5cc0-4cc0-a7b4-d5dda37c4dff?elinkdata=13692">Talon Cope</a> booted a 46-yard field goal of his own with 10:49 left for the game's final points.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/816fde25-a0d1-4849-b34f-c4478b7f784e?elinkdata=13692">Keyon Baccus</a> had two sacks and King-Bradley 1.5 while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/50715f11-0383-44ad-9926-348fc4c85694?elinkdata=13692">Daren Hawkins</a> and King-Bradley each had 2.5 tackles for loss for KWU's swarming defense.While pleased with the team's performance overall Snyder was dismayed by 15 penalties for 168 yards."Personal fouls are not a culture we want to be part of," Snyder said. "It's something that we will be addressing first thing Tuesday. We'll definitely get it cleaned up."But the effort and how we played was great. I couldn't ask for anything more from the kids and the coaches."

Outstanding defensive effort leads KWU to 38-3 win to open division play on Homecoming

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes, Marques Sigle returned an interception for a touchdown and No. 17 Kansas State beat West Virginia 45-18 on Saturday night.

The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) are off to their best start since 2014.

Kansas State's DJ Giddens scored on runs of 1 and 18 yards. The Big 12 rushing leader was held to a season-low 57 yards. But Johnson picked apart West Virginia’s injury-depleted secondary, finishing 19 of 29 for a career-high 298 yards.

Johnson slipped from the grasp of West Virginia defensive lineman Sean Martin and threw an 11-yard pass to Ty Bowman on fourth down to keep a third-quarter drive alive that ended with Johnson finding Garrett Oakley for a 16-yard score.

On Kansas State’s next series, Johnson and Giddens combined on a 53-yard pass play to the West Virginia 1, and Johnson hit tight end Will Anciaux in the end zone for a 31-10 lead, sending Mountaineer fans streaming for the exits.

West Virginia (3-4, 2-2) lost its third game at home and fell to a ranked opponent for the ninth consecutive time.

West Virginia’s Garrett Greene threw two interceptions that led to touchdowns for the second straight week. Sigle stepped in front of a pass and returned it 43 yards for a score to put the Wildcats ahead 17-3 early in the second quarter.

Greene finished 9 of 19 for 85 yards and one TD along with the two interceptions. The Big 12’s top rushing quarterback had 88 yards on the ground. But Greene, West Virginia running back Jahiem White and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum did not play in the second half. A press box announcement did not give a reason. West Virginia was limited to 63 total yards in the second half.

Backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol went 6 of 13 for 58 yards and a touchdown in Greene's absence.

Kansas State: The Wildcats adapted on offense after West Virginia shut down Giddens from the start. Johnson, who also had a 60-yard TD pass in the first quarter to Jadon Jackson in blown coverage, had eight completions of at least 15 yards.

West Virginia: The Mountaineers are 34-33 under sixth-year coach Neal Brown. That’s on pace to be the worst six-year stretch under one coach at West Virginia since Gene Corum went 29-30 from 1960-65.

Kansas State could move up a few spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25 poll</a>&nbsp;after the convincing win.

Kansas State: Hosts Kansas next Saturday.

West Virginia: Plays at Arizona next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729394099597.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes, Marques Sigle returned an interception for a touchdown and No. 17 Kansas State beat West Virginia 45-18 on Saturday night.The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) are off to their best start since 2014.Kansas State's DJ Giddens scored on runs of 1 and 18 yards. The Big 12 rushing leader was held to a season-low 57 yards. But Johnson picked apart West Virginia’s injury-depleted secondary, finishing 19 of 29 for a career-high 298 yards.Johnson slipped from the grasp of West Virginia defensive lineman Sean Martin and threw an 11-yard pass to Ty Bowman on fourth down to keep a third-quarter drive alive that ended with Johnson finding Garrett Oakley for a 16-yard score.On Kansas State’s next series, Johnson and Giddens combined on a 53-yard pass play to the West Virginia 1, and Johnson hit tight end Will Anciaux in the end zone for a 31-10 lead, sending Mountaineer fans streaming for the exits.West Virginia (3-4, 2-2) lost its third game at home and fell to a ranked opponent for the ninth consecutive time.West Virginia’s Garrett Greene threw two interceptions that led to touchdowns for the second straight week. Sigle stepped in front of a pass and returned it 43 yards for a score to put the Wildcats ahead 17-3 early in the second quarter.Greene finished 9 of 19 for 85 yards and one TD along with the two interceptions. The Big 12’s top rushing quarterback had 88 yards on the ground. But Greene, West Virginia running back Jahiem White and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum did not play in the second half. A press box announcement did not give a reason. West Virginia was limited to 63 total yards in the second half.Backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol went 6 of 13 for 58 yards and a touchdown in Greene's absence.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats adapted on offense after West Virginia shut down Giddens from the start. Johnson, who also had a 60-yard TD pass in the first quarter to Jadon Jackson in blown coverage, had eight completions of at least 15 yards.West Virginia: The Mountaineers are 34-33 under sixth-year coach Neal Brown. That’s on pace to be the worst six-year stretch under one coach at West Virginia since Gene Corum went 29-30 from 1960-65.<h2>Poll implications</h2>Kansas State could move up a few spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25 poll</a>&nbsp;after the convincing win.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: Hosts Kansas next Saturday.West Virginia: Plays at Arizona next Saturday.

🏈 Avery Johnson throws for 3 TDs, K-State beats West Virginia

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jalon Daniels had three passing touchdowns, plus one on the ground, as Kansas broke a five-game losing streak with a 42-14 victory over Houston on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The game marked Kansas' 112th Homecoming, though it wasn't played in-state because of reconstruction of KU's home stadium.

“We were able to put pressure on the quarterback,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said of the difference between Saturday's game and the five previous games. “We were able to create a few turnovers and get some momentum.

"Offensively, we were able to take some shots and get the ball down the field.

"This team has been very fragile for a while, because we've been so close. For us to have a win of this margin is something we've been waiting for.”

Cobee Bryant tied a Kansas record, set by Bill Crank in 1958, with three interceptions.

“I was like, ‘Are you really throwing the ball to me?’,” Bryant said with a big smile on his face after the game. “He was just donating the ball to me.”

Daniels was 16-of-21 passing for 247 yards for Kansas (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).

“We probably played our best ball of the season, but I don't think we've played to our fullest potential,” Daniels said. “I still think there's a lot more to show.”

Donovan Smith went 15 of 24 through the air for 173 yards, with two touchdowns and three picks for Houston (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).

After a scoreless third quarter, Daniels' 8-yard touchdown put Kansas up 35-14 early in the fourth. Devin Neal scored his second touchdown for Kansas' final points.

Kansas scored touchdowns on its first four drives to assume control. The Jayhawks took the opening kickoff and marched on a 15-play drive that took nearly 9 minutes to take an early 7-0 lead. The Jayhawks converted a fourth-and-1 at the Houston 4-yard line before Daniels hit Jared Casey on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

“That nine-minute drive to start was about as good a start as we've had in a while,” Leipold said. “We were very methodical to start the game, especially after they deferred and gave us the football.”

On the first play following an interception by Bryant, Daniels hit Quentin Skinner with a 48-yard bomb to extend the lead.

“The Houston defense came out and tried to double team or triple team Luke Grimm a few times today,” Daniels said. “They were leaving a lot of one-on-ones with my other receivers. I'm always happy when one of my receivers gets to get out there and make a play.”

On its third drive, KU went 84 yards on six plays, capped by a 2-yard run by Neal.

Houston finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter when Smith hit Stacy Sneed on a screen and Sneed ran untouched for a 23-yard score.

Daniels' third touchdown pass was a 3-yard strike to Casey to give Kansas a 28-7 lead. Smith hit Mekhi Mews on a 52-yard catch-and-run score right before halftime.

Houston: The Cougars' first-half defense let them down. They came into the game third in the Big 12 in total yards allowed per game at 295.0, and they gave up 284 of their 467 total yards allowed in the first half.

Kansas: The Jayhawks badly needed this victory to reach a third straight bowl game for the first time in program history. With games against No. 17 Kansas State, No. 9 Iowa State and No. 13 BYU in the next three games, they can afford just one more loss and achieve bowl eligibility.

Houston: The Cougars will host Utah Oct. 26.

Kansas: The Jayhawks travel to in-state rival Kansas State Oct. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729379869313.jpeg" alt="Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm (11) gets past Houston defensive back Jalen Emery (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm (11) gets past Houston defensive back Jalen Emery (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jalon Daniels had three passing touchdowns, plus one on the ground, as Kansas broke a five-game losing streak with a 42-14 victory over Houston on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.The game marked Kansas' 112th Homecoming, though it wasn't played in-state because of reconstruction of KU's home stadium.“We were able to put pressure on the quarterback,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said of the difference between Saturday's game and the five previous games. “We were able to create a few turnovers and get some momentum."Offensively, we were able to take some shots and get the ball down the field."This team has been very fragile for a while, because we've been so close. For us to have a win of this margin is something we've been waiting for.”Cobee Bryant tied a Kansas record, set by Bill Crank in 1958, with three interceptions.“I was like, ‘Are you really throwing the ball to me?’,” Bryant said with a big smile on his face after the game. “He was just donating the ball to me.”Daniels was 16-of-21 passing for 247 yards for Kansas (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).“We probably played our best ball of the season, but I don't think we've played to our fullest potential,” Daniels said. “I still think there's a lot more to show.”Donovan Smith went 15 of 24 through the air for 173 yards, with two touchdowns and three picks for Houston (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).After a scoreless third quarter, Daniels' 8-yard touchdown put Kansas up 35-14 early in the fourth. Devin Neal scored his second touchdown for Kansas' final points.Kansas scored touchdowns on its first four drives to assume control. The Jayhawks took the opening kickoff and marched on a 15-play drive that took nearly 9 minutes to take an early 7-0 lead. The Jayhawks converted a fourth-and-1 at the Houston 4-yard line before Daniels hit Jared Casey on a 2-yard touchdown pass.“That nine-minute drive to start was about as good a start as we've had in a while,” Leipold said. “We were very methodical to start the game, especially after they deferred and gave us the football.”On the first play following an interception by Bryant, Daniels hit Quentin Skinner with a 48-yard bomb to extend the lead.“The Houston defense came out and tried to double team or triple team Luke Grimm a few times today,” Daniels said. “They were leaving a lot of one-on-ones with my other receivers. I'm always happy when one of my receivers gets to get out there and make a play.”On its third drive, KU went 84 yards on six plays, capped by a 2-yard run by Neal.Houston finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter when Smith hit Stacy Sneed on a screen and Sneed ran untouched for a 23-yard score.Daniels' third touchdown pass was a 3-yard strike to Casey to give Kansas a 28-7 lead. Smith hit Mekhi Mews on a 52-yard catch-and-run score right before halftime.THE TAKEAWAYHouston: The Cougars' first-half defense let them down. They came into the game third in the Big 12 in total yards allowed per game at 295.0, and they gave up 284 of their 467 total yards allowed in the first half.Kansas: The Jayhawks badly needed this victory to reach a third straight bowl game for the first time in program history. With games against No. 17 Kansas State, No. 9 Iowa State and No. 13 BYU in the next three games, they can afford just one more loss and achieve bowl eligibility.UP NEXTHouston: The Cougars will host Utah Oct. 26.Kansas: The Jayhawks travel to in-state rival Kansas State Oct. 26.

🏈 Jalon Daniels, Cobee Bryant lead Kansas past Houston 

The Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball team pulled off an upset for the ages on Friday night as the Coyotes upset No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University in four sets in front of a wild and raucous crowd inside Mabee Arena.

The Coyotes won the opening set 25-21, then dropped the second 25-20. The third set was a battle as the Coyotes came away with a 28-26 win, and then capped the victory with a 25-21 win.

KWU set the tone early jetting out to a 6-0 lead in the first set, capping the run with a service ace by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d94c933b-8dc1-4cee-9a64-8c4d2835249f?elinkdata=13669">Josie Deckinger</a>. The Eagles got back into the set, tying it at 12 on a kill by Evelyn Rohrberg. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f94baa79-7151-47d4-a894-af68eaebd1bc?elinkdata=13669">Rylee Serpan</a> put down a kill to give KWU a 13-12 lead. The Coyotes stretched the lead out to 17-14 on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7ee7fa92-cb2f-429a-b0c6-4b683fe26fa6?elinkdata=13669">Gianna Adriaanse's</a> kill. OKWU got back within two at 23-21 before the Coyotes closed it out, winning the set on a solo block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ab8db7c-bc3d-4699-8a62-1e7b035adde9?elinkdata=13669">Gianna Adriaanse</a>.

OKWU turned the tables early in the second set, taking a 4-0 lead to start. The Coyotes got back within a point at 7-6 on a block from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04cd90a3-b0ab-40bc-b64e-00d06dba09db?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72b34d7a-806f-429d-8396-2ff183016e8c?elinkdata=13669">Josie Deckinger</a>, but the Eagles pushed out to an 11-7 lead in the set. KWU fell behind by five at 16-11, but got back within two point at 21-19 on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25e639a1-7142-4c29-ab76-962485325917?elinkdata=13669">Kori Arnold's</a> service ace.

KWU jumped out to a 4-0 lead to start the third set, but a 5-point run in the set gave OKWU a 17-14 lead in the set. Back came the Coyotes, scoring the next four to take an 18-17 lead on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c450bd1-a5bd-4376-bf0c-c8016df68a21?elinkdata=13669">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill. The teams traded the lead several times from there, with OKWU taking a 23-22 lead and then led again at 24-23 on a Rohrberg kill. A kill by Serpan tied it up at 24-all, but the Eagles again had a set point at 25-24. A kill by Adriaanse tied it at 25, and then the Eagles took the lead again at 26-25. After that it was all Coyotes. Back to back hitting errors by the Eagles gave KWU set point, and then a huge block by Adriaanse and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df8fb158-5063-49df-83f1-854fbe2c6716?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout</a> closed the set out in KWU's favor in volleyball overtime 28-26.

The Coyotes led wire-to-wire in the final set, taking an early 4-1 lead and pushing the difference out to 10-4 on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28561d0c-9b2b-4824-b428-96eb602eb2bc?elinkdata=13669">Kylee Harris</a>. OKWU got within a point at 15-14 but three straight points from the Coyotes capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d0997a8-0db1-4f40-9e4c-049fded3d5a6?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout's</a> service ace made it 18-14 KWU. A block by Serpan and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e0f087a-514d-41e2-84f5-539363e9cc0d?elinkdata=13669">Kyla Moore</a> extended Wesleyan's lead to 22-16. It was 24-19 Coyotes after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c3c7eed-9b94-4950-88ab-4c0bceabd6a3?elinkdata=13669">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill and after two OKWU points, the Coyotes closed it out with a kill from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fc95149-fe45-44f7-965e-c65c4f452ebf?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout</a>.

Five Coyotes reached double figures in kills as Adriaanse and Serpan had 16 each. Bebout and Harris had 12 each and Moore added 11. KWU hit .317 as a team. Deckinger finished with 54 assists and had 19 digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04eb82b8-5334-4a87-9961-fa259019ea27?elinkdata=13669">Kori Arnold</a> had 17 digs. Deckinger also had four service aces. Bebout had three blocks.

The Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball team pulled off an upset for the ages on Friday night as the Coyotes upset No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University in four sets in front of a wild and raucous crowd inside Mabee Arena.The Coyotes won the opening set 25-21, then dropped the second 25-20. The third set was a battle as the Coyotes came away with a 28-26 win, and then capped the victory with a 25-21 win.KWU set the tone early jetting out to a 6-0 lead in the first set, capping the run with a service ace by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d94c933b-8dc1-4cee-9a64-8c4d2835249f?elinkdata=13669">Josie Deckinger</a>. The Eagles got back into the set, tying it at 12 on a kill by Evelyn Rohrberg. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f94baa79-7151-47d4-a894-af68eaebd1bc?elinkdata=13669">Rylee Serpan</a> put down a kill to give KWU a 13-12 lead. The Coyotes stretched the lead out to 17-14 on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7ee7fa92-cb2f-429a-b0c6-4b683fe26fa6?elinkdata=13669">Gianna Adriaanse's</a> kill. OKWU got back within two at 23-21 before the Coyotes closed it out, winning the set on a solo block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ab8db7c-bc3d-4699-8a62-1e7b035adde9?elinkdata=13669">Gianna Adriaanse</a>.OKWU turned the tables early in the second set, taking a 4-0 lead to start. The Coyotes got back within a point at 7-6 on a block from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04cd90a3-b0ab-40bc-b64e-00d06dba09db?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72b34d7a-806f-429d-8396-2ff183016e8c?elinkdata=13669">Josie Deckinger</a>, but the Eagles pushed out to an 11-7 lead in the set. KWU fell behind by five at 16-11, but got back within two point at 21-19 on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25e639a1-7142-4c29-ab76-962485325917?elinkdata=13669">Kori Arnold's</a> service ace.KWU jumped out to a 4-0 lead to start the third set, but a 5-point run in the set gave OKWU a 17-14 lead in the set. Back came the Coyotes, scoring the next four to take an 18-17 lead on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c450bd1-a5bd-4376-bf0c-c8016df68a21?elinkdata=13669">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill. The teams traded the lead several times from there, with OKWU taking a 23-22 lead and then led again at 24-23 on a Rohrberg kill. A kill by Serpan tied it up at 24-all, but the Eagles again had a set point at 25-24. A kill by Adriaanse tied it at 25, and then the Eagles took the lead again at 26-25. After that it was all Coyotes. Back to back hitting errors by the Eagles gave KWU set point, and then a huge block by Adriaanse and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df8fb158-5063-49df-83f1-854fbe2c6716?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout</a> closed the set out in KWU's favor in volleyball overtime 28-26.The Coyotes led wire-to-wire in the final set, taking an early 4-1 lead and pushing the difference out to 10-4 on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28561d0c-9b2b-4824-b428-96eb602eb2bc?elinkdata=13669">Kylee Harris</a>. OKWU got within a point at 15-14 but three straight points from the Coyotes capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d0997a8-0db1-4f40-9e4c-049fded3d5a6?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout's</a> service ace made it 18-14 KWU. A block by Serpan and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e0f087a-514d-41e2-84f5-539363e9cc0d?elinkdata=13669">Kyla Moore</a> extended Wesleyan's lead to 22-16. It was 24-19 Coyotes after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c3c7eed-9b94-4950-88ab-4c0bceabd6a3?elinkdata=13669">Rylee Serpan's</a> kill and after two OKWU points, the Coyotes closed it out with a kill from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fc95149-fe45-44f7-965e-c65c4f452ebf?elinkdata=13669">Kate Bebout</a>.Five Coyotes reached double figures in kills as Adriaanse and Serpan had 16 each. Bebout and Harris had 12 each and Moore added 11. KWU hit .317 as a team. Deckinger finished with 54 assists and had 19 digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04eb82b8-5334-4a87-9961-fa259019ea27?elinkdata=13669">Kori Arnold</a> had 17 digs. Deckinger also had four service aces. Bebout had three blocks.

Women's Volleyball stuns No. 6 Oklahoma Wesleyan in four sets

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

Sacred Heart was back on the road Friday night to face Herington on its senior night. The Knights scored on their opening drive, never trailed in the game, and held on for a 22-16 win.

Sacred Heart didn't waste any time taking an early lead. Two carries from Dom Matteucci totalling 50 yards put the Knights ahead 6-0. The 2-point conversation attempt was also successful.

Trailing 8-0 late in the opening quarter, the Railers took advantage of a Knights turnover and excellent field position to even the score at 8-8.

Sacred Heart reclaimed the advantage with two second quarter touchdowns. Bryson Gotti hauled in the first touchdown reception to make score 14-8 although the two-point conversation was no good. Maddox Wells and Noah Hines hooked up for another score through the air for the Knights to extend the lead to two possessions.

The score was 22-8 at halftime and the third quarter was scoreless. Herington got its second score late in the game to cut the deficit to 22-16. In the end, a Railers onside kick was unsuccessful and the Knights held on for a 6-point road win.

Sacred Heart improves to 2-4 overall while Herington falls to 0-7.

The Class 1A, District 5 standings are as follows: Valley Heights 4-0 Republic County 2-1 Sacred Heart 2-1 Bennington 0-3 Herington 0-3

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post ContributorSacred Heart was back on the road Friday night to face Herington on its senior night. The Knights scored on their opening drive, never trailed in the game, and held on for a 22-16 win.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sacred Heart didn't waste any time taking an early lead. Two carries from Dom Matteucci totalling 50 yards put the Knights ahead 6-0. The 2-point conversation attempt was also successful.Trailing 8-0 late in the opening quarter, the Railers took advantage of a Knights turnover and excellent field position to even the score at 8-8.Sacred Heart reclaimed the advantage with two second quarter touchdowns. Bryson Gotti hauled in the first touchdown reception to make score 14-8 although the two-point conversation was no good. Maddox Wells and Noah Hines hooked up for another score through the air for the Knights to extend the lead to two possessions.The score was 22-8 at halftime and the third quarter was scoreless. Herington got its second score late in the game to cut the deficit to 22-16. In the end, a Railers onside kick was unsuccessful and the Knights held on for a 6-point road win.Sacred Heart improves to 2-4 overall while Herington falls to 0-7.The Class 1A, District 5 standings are as follows: Valley Heights 4-0 Republic County 2-1 Sacred Heart 2-1 Bennington 0-3 Herington 0-3Sacred Heart will host Republic County in the final regular season game for both teams. The winner will get no worse than an 8-seed in their 16-team bracket and will play their opening playoff game at home. The losing team will start the postseason on the road.Kickoff is set for 7pm next Friday from JRI Stadium with live streaming audio and video at <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.