KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Baseball Writers’ Association of America tonight announced that Royals Manager&nbsp;Matt Quatraro&nbsp;is a finalist for the American League Manager of the Year Award, right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;is a finalist for the AL&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award and infielder&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;is a finalist for AL MVP. The Manager of the Year winners will be announced on Nov. 19, with the Cy Young winners following on Nov. 20 and the MVP winners on Nov. 21, all of which will be revealed at 5:00 p.m. CT on MLB Network.

In his second season as Royals Manager, Quatraro led the club to a remarkable turnaround in 2024 with an 86-76 record, after matching a franchise record with 106 losses in 2023. The 2024 Royals were just the third team to make the postseason following a 100-loss season, according to&nbsp;Elias, joining the 2020 Marlins and 2017 Twins. The Royals 86 wins in 2024 marked the 3rd most by a team following a 100-loss season, only 1 shy of the 1967 Cubs and 1989 Orioles, who each won 87 games after 103 and 107-loss seasons, respectively.

With Quatraro at the helm, Kansas City swept the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series before losing in 4 games to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, marking the club’s first playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 2015.

Should he win the honor, Quatraro would become the second Royals Manager to win the AL Manager of the Year Award, following&nbsp;Tony Peña&nbsp;in 2003, when he led the team to an 83-79 record and their first winning season since 1994.

Lugo, who signed a two-year free agent contract with the Royals last December, established career highs this season with 33 starts and 206.2 innings, the latter of which ranked 2nd in the Majors behind only Seattle’s&nbsp;Logan Gilbert&nbsp;(208.2 IP). He also ranked among American League leaders in quality starts (T-1st, 22), wins (T-2nd, 16), ERA (6th, 3.00) and WHIP (7th, 1.09).

The right hander pitched to a 3.00 ERA (69 ER in 206.2 IP) spanning his 33 starts, which was the lowest single-season ERA by a Royals starter since&nbsp;Zack Greinke&nbsp;posted a 2.16 ERA in his 2009 Cy Young Award-winning season. Lugo’s impressive ERA was due in large part to his success in pitching with runners in scoring position, as his .212 opponents’ average in scoring situations ranked 3rd in the American League, behind only teammate&nbsp;Brady Singer&nbsp;(.192) and Houston’s&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(.197).

Lugo, who earned his first career All-Star selection in 2024 and pitched a scoreless 7th inning in the AL’s 5-3 victory on July 16 at Globe Life Field, is seeking his first career Cy Young Award. He would become the fourth Royals pitcher to earn the honor, following Greinke in 2009,&nbsp;David Cone&nbsp;in 1994 and&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;in 1985 and 1989.

Witt Jr., the recipient of a 2024&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award and finalist for a Silver Slugger Award—for which the winners will be announced tomorrow night—is seeking to become the just the second Royal to ever win the American League MVP Award, following&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;in 1980.

In just his third Major League season, the 24-year-old led the Majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average, becoming just the third Royal to lead the Major Leagues in average, following Brett in his 1980 MVP campaign (.390) and&nbsp;Willie Wilson&nbsp;in 1982 (.332). He was just the second player&nbsp;ever&nbsp;to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30-homer, 30-steal season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts, who went 32/30 and led MLB with a .346 batting average during his 2018 AL MVP season.

After recording 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases in 2023, Witt Jr. had 32 homers and 31 steals in 2024, becoming the first shortstop in Major League history with multiple 30/30 seasons. He’s also the first player in Major League history—regardless of position—with multiple 30/30 campaigns within his first three big league seasons.

Witt Jr. this year became the 10th player in Major League history to record at least 200 hits in a 30/30 season, following&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr.&nbsp;(2023),&nbsp;Jacoby Ellsbury&nbsp;(2011),&nbsp;Jimmy Rollins&nbsp;(2007),&nbsp;Vladimir Guerrero&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Álex Rodríguez&nbsp;(1998),&nbsp;Larry Walker&nbsp;(1997),&nbsp;Ellis Burks&nbsp;(1996) and&nbsp;Hank Aaron&nbsp;(1963). Three of the previous nine players to turn the trick won MVP honors.

Witt Jr. boasted a 10.4 fWAR this year, which was the 5th-best single-season mark ever by a shortstop, trailing&nbsp;Honus Wagner&nbsp;(11.8 in 1908). He ranked 3rd in the Majors with 88 extra-base hits this season, establishing a new Royals record as he surpassed&nbsp;Hal McRae’s&nbsp;86 extra-base hits in 1977.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Baseball Writers’ Association of America tonight announced that Royals Manager&nbsp;Matt Quatraro&nbsp;is a finalist for the American League Manager of the Year Award, right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;is a finalist for the AL&nbsp;Cy Young&nbsp;Award and infielder&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;is a finalist for AL MVP. The Manager of the Year winners will be announced on Nov. 19, with the Cy Young winners following on Nov. 20 and the MVP winners on Nov. 21, all of which will be revealed at 5:00 p.m. CT on MLB Network.In his second season as Royals Manager, Quatraro led the club to a remarkable turnaround in 2024 with an 86-76 record, after matching a franchise record with 106 losses in 2023. The 2024 Royals were just the third team to make the postseason following a 100-loss season, according to&nbsp;Elias, joining the 2020 Marlins and 2017 Twins. The Royals 86 wins in 2024 marked the 3rd most by a team following a 100-loss season, only 1 shy of the 1967 Cubs and 1989 Orioles, who each won 87 games after 103 and 107-loss seasons, respectively.With Quatraro at the helm, Kansas City swept the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series before losing in 4 games to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, marking the club’s first playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 2015.Should he win the honor, Quatraro would become the second Royals Manager to win the AL Manager of the Year Award, following&nbsp;Tony Peña&nbsp;in 2003, when he led the team to an 83-79 record and their first winning season since 1994.Lugo, who signed a two-year free agent contract with the Royals last December, established career highs this season with 33 starts and 206.2 innings, the latter of which ranked 2nd in the Majors behind only Seattle’s&nbsp;Logan Gilbert&nbsp;(208.2 IP). He also ranked among American League leaders in quality starts (T-1st, 22), wins (T-2nd, 16), ERA (6th, 3.00) and WHIP (7th, 1.09).The right hander pitched to a 3.00 ERA (69 ER in 206.2 IP) spanning his 33 starts, which was the lowest single-season ERA by a Royals starter since&nbsp;Zack Greinke&nbsp;posted a 2.16 ERA in his 2009 Cy Young Award-winning season. Lugo’s impressive ERA was due in large part to his success in pitching with runners in scoring position, as his .212 opponents’ average in scoring situations ranked 3rd in the American League, behind only teammate&nbsp;Brady Singer&nbsp;(.192) and Houston’s&nbsp;Hunter Brown&nbsp;(.197).Lugo, who earned his first career All-Star selection in 2024 and pitched a scoreless 7th inning in the AL’s 5-3 victory on July 16 at Globe Life Field, is seeking his first career Cy Young Award. He would become the fourth Royals pitcher to earn the honor, following Greinke in 2009,&nbsp;David Cone&nbsp;in 1994 and&nbsp;Bret Saberhagen&nbsp;in 1985 and 1989.Witt Jr., the recipient of a 2024&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award and finalist for a Silver Slugger Award—for which the winners will be announced tomorrow night—is seeking to become the just the second Royal to ever win the American League MVP Award, following&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;in 1980.In just his third Major League season, the 24-year-old led the Majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average, becoming just the third Royal to lead the Major Leagues in average, following Brett in his 1980 MVP campaign (.390) and&nbsp;Willie Wilson&nbsp;in 1982 (.332). He was just the second player&nbsp;ever&nbsp;to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30-homer, 30-steal season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts, who went 32/30 and led MLB with a .346 batting average during his 2018 AL MVP season.After recording 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases in 2023, Witt Jr. had 32 homers and 31 steals in 2024, becoming the first shortstop in Major League history with multiple 30/30 seasons. He’s also the first player in Major League history—regardless of position—with multiple 30/30 campaigns within his first three big league seasons.Witt Jr. this year became the 10th player in Major League history to record at least 200 hits in a 30/30 season, following&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr.&nbsp;(2023),&nbsp;Jacoby Ellsbury&nbsp;(2011),&nbsp;Jimmy Rollins&nbsp;(2007),&nbsp;Vladimir Guerrero&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Alfonso Soriano&nbsp;(2002),&nbsp;Álex Rodríguez&nbsp;(1998),&nbsp;Larry Walker&nbsp;(1997),&nbsp;Ellis Burks&nbsp;(1996) and&nbsp;Hank Aaron&nbsp;(1963). Three of the previous nine players to turn the trick won MVP honors.Witt Jr. boasted a 10.4 fWAR this year, which was the 5th-best single-season mark ever by a shortstop, trailing&nbsp;Honus Wagner&nbsp;(11.8 in 1908). He ranked 3rd in the Majors with 88 extra-base hits this season, establishing a new Royals record as he surpassed&nbsp;Hal McRae’s&nbsp;86 extra-base hits in 1977.

Matt Quatraro, Seth Lugo and Bobby Witt jr.  named finalists for 2024 bbwaa awards

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright so, I really don’t have any injuries for you. I think we came out of the game halfway decent, but I’ll get – the guys are just kind of coming in, so we’ll get all that taken care of here later in the afternoon. As far as the game goes, listen, the win was fantastic to get. We’ve got places that we’ve got to work on and make sure we get covered. The positive was that they didn’t score in the second half and we – for the most part – hunkered down defensively and then offensively, we’ve got to clean up a few things. We didn’t score as often in the red zone as we wanted to – penalties, a missed shot there – a couple of those things that don’t happen very often that happened down in there. We’re normally accurate with the throws and so on, so we’ve got to clean a little bit of that up but again, playing a good football team. They’ve got – both of their fronts are strong and we were tested in a couple (of) spots and it’ll help us grow is what it’ll help us do, particularly at that tackle position. We were young at the left tackle spot. We’ll keep getting better as we go and experience some of these things. I think Wanya (Morris) will end up being okay when it’s all said and done here as far as his leg goes and then he was able to come back in and play. Kingsley (Suamataia) will learn from what he had there and keep getting better. Then, likewise on the right side (right tackle), we’ll keep growing there. Then, from a defensive standpoint, they’ve got a good offensive line (and) they were physical (with) their run game. They got that going a little bit and teams hadn’t been able to do that quite as well as what they had rolling there early so we can learn from that and get better in that spot too. Again, I’m glad we came out with the win. I thought it was a heck of a play there at the end. We overloaded one side – it probably wouldn’t have mattered who they had in there blocking but we were able to get that overload, and we got off on the ball. I mean, if you wanted to pick on one thing there to say was a great job, Justin Reid, on the outside, is the fastest guy in the NFL on his get off on these field goals. Teams take and look at that and make sure that they take care of him first which allowed the inside three there to really come off and get an explosive. You saw (Derrick) Nnadi kind of went down and they weren’t quite sure how to handle that so there ended up being a separation and we were able to get through the cracks there. That was a spectacular way to end it. I’m not sure I’ve ever had that experience in my career with a walk-off blocked field goal, so it made it exciting but I’d rather us really focus in on taking care of business in the other part of the game and get that sinched up. My hat goes off to (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub for spending the time to make sure those things all fit together and for the players just executing and never giving up. Like I told you last night – or yesterday afternoon – that the thing that has impressed me with this team is (that) they don’t get down and they’re not that – that’s not what they are. They battle through stuff and if somebody’s not doing well, they try to pick them up and do well in their area. It’s worked to this point, but we’ve just got to keep getting better and growing as we go. With that, (the) time’s yours.”

Q:&nbsp;From a depth perspective, has there been any consideration to bring in Donovan Smith or another veteran as your two young left tackles develop?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, that’s (General Manager Brett) Veach’s area. He looks at everything so I’m not going to say no, but what we do as coaches – and we overemphasize – we’re going to focus in on these kids that are here and they’re getting better. I know it’s hard to see at times but there’s progress being made and we’re going to be okay as we go forward.”

Q:&nbsp;With a young player like Kingsley Suamataia, how much mental coaching does it take to make sure his confidence is up?

REID:&nbsp;“That’s all part of it, that’s all part of coaching. I’d probably say it’s the same way in your business. If you’re not confident, you’re probably not going to talk very well.”

Q:&nbsp;On the little things being practiced and emphasized to block a field goal.

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, the details of it become important. The players want that. They want you to detail it up for them. It helps them even more be able to show what their talents are and then as a result of that, hopefully you win a game or two. (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) spends a lot of time on that right there. You guys (the media) watch all that, so you know that there’s an emphasis put on special teams and the details of it. We needed it (laughter) yesterday. That was a big play for us.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there a focus going forward on trying to incorporate Kareem Hunt more in the passing game?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well we think touches for him (Kareem Hunt) end up being important, whether he’s carrying it or – he’s a good football player so you want to have him have an opportunity to show off those talents. He’s always been a good receiver. We weren’t getting as much out of the run game as we wanted to, so we started throwing it a little bit more and he became an important part of that.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you try to manage the workload for these guys and make sure they get enough rest after two physical games?

REID:&nbsp;“It’s not as much the maybe the physical part as it is the time in between games. That’s what you’re managing. Then, it comes down to how the guys are feeling because of the short week. That’s the way we did it last week. This is a normal week so it’s not going to be quite like that. It’ll be a normal week of practice, but you know Matt (Derrick), in this league, every game is physical. I mean, the parity in this league is crazy right now. You just check out some of these scores and you go, ‘Jeez, it’s nuts.’ There’s – any given Sunday. It's no more important than that is right now in this league. You better be on you’re a-game every week.”

Q: Are there any updates on Charles Omenihu, Isiah Pacheco and JuJu Smith-Schuster?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think they’re (Charles Omenihu, Isiah Pacheco and JuJu Smith-Schuster) all close. I’d probably tell you JuJu (Smith-Schuster is) closer than the other two, but I would tell you that – we might have them out there, we’ll just see how it goes here today and tomorrow. They’re very close, all three of them.”

Q: How do you explain how you have been able to remain undefeated and get to this point?

REID:&nbsp;“Yesterday, that was probably the epitome of it, coming down to that last second deal – literally – a block. We’ve been given opportunities and we’ve taken advantage of them and then we’ve made a few opportunities ourselves with some good plays. You’d probably say that they outplayed us yesterday and then they end up not winning the game. You see that throughout the league, I mean you just saw the Lions game last night, five turnovers, five interceptions or whatever it was and they find a way to win the game. You give credit to your locker room and your coaches, just for being mentally tough and sticking with it.”

Q: What is needed for Xavier Worthy and Patrick Mahomes to get the right connection on the deep passes?

REID:&nbsp;“They’ve (Xavier Worthy and Patrick Mahomes) had a couple of them, we just have to keep it a little bit more consistent, Nick (Jacobs). They’ll keep working on it. They spend time working on it and we’ll just keep it going. Those things, they’ll come eventually here as we go with a little bit more consistency.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Q: On the fourth down attempt in the first half and at the end of the game.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesNovember 11, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright so, I really don’t have any injuries for you. I think we came out of the game halfway decent, but I’ll get – the guys are just kind of coming in, so we’ll get all that taken care of here later in the afternoon. As far as the game goes, listen, the win was fantastic to get. We’ve got places that we’ve got to work on and make sure we get covered. The positive was that they didn’t score in the second half and we – for the most part – hunkered down defensively and then offensively, we’ve got to clean up a few things. We didn’t score as often in the red zone as we wanted to – penalties, a missed shot there – a couple of those things that don’t happen very often that happened down in there. We’re normally accurate with the throws and so on, so we’ve got to clean a little bit of that up but again, playing a good football team. They’ve got – both of their fronts are strong and we were tested in a couple (of) spots and it’ll help us grow is what it’ll help us do, particularly at that tackle position. We were young at the left tackle spot. We’ll keep getting better as we go and experience some of these things. I think Wanya (Morris) will end up being okay when it’s all said and done here as far as his leg goes and then he was able to come back in and play. Kingsley (Suamataia) will learn from what he had there and keep getting better. Then, likewise on the right side (right tackle), we’ll keep growing there. Then, from a defensive standpoint, they’ve got a good offensive line (and) they were physical (with) their run game. They got that going a little bit and teams hadn’t been able to do that quite as well as what they had rolling there early so we can learn from that and get better in that spot too. Again, I’m glad we came out with the win. I thought it was a heck of a play there at the end. We overloaded one side – it probably wouldn’t have mattered who they had in there blocking but we were able to get that overload, and we got off on the ball. I mean, if you wanted to pick on one thing there to say was a great job, Justin Reid, on the outside, is the fastest guy in the NFL on his get off on these field goals. Teams take and look at that and make sure that they take care of him first which allowed the inside three there to really come off and get an explosive. You saw (Derrick) Nnadi kind of went down and they weren’t quite sure how to handle that so there ended up being a separation and we were able to get through the cracks there. That was a spectacular way to end it. I’m not sure I’ve ever had that experience in my career with a walk-off blocked field goal, so it made it exciting but I’d rather us really focus in on taking care of business in the other part of the game and get that sinched up. My hat goes off to (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub for spending the time to make sure those things all fit together and for the players just executing and never giving up. Like I told you last night – or yesterday afternoon – that the thing that has impressed me with this team is (that) they don’t get down and they’re not that – that’s not what they are. They battle through stuff and if somebody’s not doing well, they try to pick them up and do well in their area. It’s worked to this point, but we’ve just got to keep getting better and growing as we go. With that, (the) time’s yours.”Q:&nbsp;From a depth perspective, has there been any consideration to bring in Donovan Smith or another veteran as your two young left tackles develop?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, that’s (General Manager Brett) Veach’s area. He looks at everything so I’m not going to say no, but what we do as coaches – and we overemphasize – we’re going to focus in on these kids that are here and they’re getting better. I know it’s hard to see at times but there’s progress being made and we’re going to be okay as we go forward.”Q:&nbsp;With a young player like Kingsley Suamataia, how much mental coaching does it take to make sure his confidence is up?REID:&nbsp;“That’s all part of it, that’s all part of coaching. I’d probably say it’s the same way in your business. If you’re not confident, you’re probably not going to talk very well.”Q:&nbsp;On the little things being practiced and emphasized to block a field goal.REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, the details of it become important. The players want that. They want you to detail it up for them. It helps them even more be able to show what their talents are and then as a result of that, hopefully you win a game or two. (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) spends a lot of time on that right there. You guys (the media) watch all that, so you know that there’s an emphasis put on special teams and the details of it. We needed it (laughter) yesterday. That was a big play for us.”Q:&nbsp;Is there a focus going forward on trying to incorporate Kareem Hunt more in the passing game?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, well we think touches for him (Kareem Hunt) end up being important, whether he’s carrying it or – he’s a good football player so you want to have him have an opportunity to show off those talents. He’s always been a good receiver. We weren’t getting as much out of the run game as we wanted to, so we started throwing it a little bit more and he became an important part of that.”Q:&nbsp;How do you try to manage the workload for these guys and make sure they get enough rest after two physical games?REID:&nbsp;“It’s not as much the maybe the physical part as it is the time in between games. That’s what you’re managing. Then, it comes down to how the guys are feeling because of the short week. That’s the way we did it last week. This is a normal week so it’s not going to be quite like that. It’ll be a normal week of practice, but you know Matt (Derrick), in this league, every game is physical. I mean, the parity in this league is crazy right now. You just check out some of these scores and you go, ‘Jeez, it’s nuts.’ There’s – any given Sunday. It's no more important than that is right now in this league. You better be on you’re a-game every week.”Q: Are there any updates on Charles Omenihu, Isiah Pacheco and JuJu Smith-Schuster?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I think they’re (Charles Omenihu, Isiah Pacheco and JuJu Smith-Schuster) all close. I’d probably tell you JuJu (Smith-Schuster is) closer than the other two, but I would tell you that – we might have them out there, we’ll just see how it goes here today and tomorrow. They’re very close, all three of them.”Q: How do you explain how you have been able to remain undefeated and get to this point?REID:&nbsp;“Yesterday, that was probably the epitome of it, coming down to that last second deal – literally – a block. We’ve been given opportunities and we’ve taken advantage of them and then we’ve made a few opportunities ourselves with some good plays. You’d probably say that they outplayed us yesterday and then they end up not winning the game. You see that throughout the league, I mean you just saw the Lions game last night, five turnovers, five interceptions or whatever it was and they find a way to win the game. You give credit to your locker room and your coaches, just for being mentally tough and sticking with it.”Q: What is needed for Xavier Worthy and Patrick Mahomes to get the right connection on the deep passes?REID:&nbsp;“They’ve (Xavier Worthy and Patrick Mahomes) had a couple of them, we just have to keep it a little bit more consistent, Nick (Jacobs). They’ll keep working on it. They spend time working on it and we’ll just keep it going. Those things, they’ll come eventually here as we go with a little bit more consistency.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: On the fourth down attempt in the first half and at the end of the game.

Chiefs Quotes: 11-11-24

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;After extending his own school record in Kansas’ 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State, senior cornerback Mello Dotson has been named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week. The conference announced the weekly honors on Monday.

Dotson was KU’s highest graded defensive player against Iowa State, receiving an 85.1 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Statistically, he recorded one solo tackle and one pass breakup, and his interception with 5:58 to play sealed the victory after he returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, putting Kansas up 45-28 at the time.

The interception was historic for Dotson as it extended his own school record as his fourth career interception returned for a touchdown, which is also tops among all active FBS players. It was the fourth interception for Dotson this season, which is tied for the Big 12 lead, and the 11th of his career, which is tied for No. 4 in school history.

This is the first career Big 12 weekly honor for Dotson, who joins KU’s other senior cornerback, Cobee Bryant, in receiving conference recognition this season. Bryant was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 21 after tying the single-game school record with three interceptions in KU’s 42-14 victory over Houston.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;After extending his own school record in Kansas’ 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State, senior cornerback Mello Dotson has been named the Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Week. The conference announced the weekly honors on Monday.Dotson was KU’s highest graded defensive player against Iowa State, receiving an 85.1 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Statistically, he recorded one solo tackle and one pass breakup, and his interception with 5:58 to play sealed the victory after he returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, putting Kansas up 45-28 at the time.The interception was historic for Dotson as it extended his own school record as his fourth career interception returned for a touchdown, which is also tops among all active FBS players. It was the fourth interception for Dotson this season, which is tied for the Big 12 lead, and the 11th of his career, which is tied for No. 4 in school history.This is the first career Big 12 weekly honor for Dotson, who joins KU’s other senior cornerback, Cobee Bryant, in receiving conference recognition this season. Bryant was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 21 after tying the single-game school record with three interceptions in KU’s 42-14 victory over Houston.

Mello Dotson Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

nr/rv/rv&nbsp;Arizona State at&nbsp;19/20/19&nbsp;K-State

Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)

TV: ESPN (<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/12ee0ec5-04b5-4b2d-b91a-c9e2ff1cbc6e" target="_blank">watch</a>)

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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines)

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 106 or 199, 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

THE TOP 51)&nbsp;Coming off its second bye week of the season, 19th-ranked Kansas State begins its final three-game stretch of the regular season by hosting new Big 12 member Arizona State inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game, which kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday night, will be shown nationally on ESPN with Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst) and Stormy Buonantony (sidelines) on the call.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his 11th career start as he has thrown for 1,892 yards and 17 TDs on 153-of-251 aim while adding 391 rushing yards and four scores. He is one of only six players in the country and the only Big 12 quarterback with at least 1,875 passing yards and 375 rushing yards. He is one passing TD shy of tying the K-State sophomore record and entering the overall top-10 list.

3)&nbsp;Junior running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 995 yards and five touchdowns on 162 carries to go along with 17 receptions for 213 yards and another score. Giddens ranks 12th nationally by averaging 110.6 rushing yards per game, while he is ninth in the nation in scrimmage yards per game (134.2). He is looking to become the fourth player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

4)&nbsp;Kansas State has eight players with 30 or more tackles this season, led by linebacker Austin Romaine, whose 69 tackles are tied for seventh in the Big 12. Senior defensive end Brendan Mott has 9.5 TFLs and 8.0 sacks, the latter ranking 11th in the nation. Five Wildcats have carded an interception this season in Marques Sigle (3), VJ Payne (2), Jacob Parrish, Jack Fabris and Keenan Garber.

5)&nbsp;Chris Tennant has been true on 14-of-16 field goals, including a 51-yarder with 1:42 left to give the Wildcats a 29-27 win over Kansas. Simon McClannan ranks fourth in the Big 12 by averaging 41.6 yards per punt this season, while his 12 punts that have ended inside the opponent 20-yard line are tied for fifth in the Big 12. Dylan Edwards ranks fourth in the Big 12 with 310 total return yards.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS212&nbsp;– Opponents' lost yardage on K-State's 25 sacks this season, which ranks seventh the nation and tops in the Big 12.

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

15&nbsp;– Home wins by the Wildcats since the beginning of 2022, tied for 16th in the country and ranked first in the Big 12.

13&nbsp;– Consecutive CFP polls in which the Wildcats have been ranked, tied for fifth in the nation.

4&nbsp;– DJ Giddens is looking to become the fourth player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

• K-State is looking to rebound from a 24-19 loss at Houston prior to its second bye week of the season. The Wildcats led the Cougars, 19-10, but two fourth-quarter touchdowns by UH proved to be the difference.

• The Wildcats entered the game at Houston off a dramatic 29-27 dramatic win over Kansas – its 16th-straight win over the Jayhawks – as linebacker Austin Romaine forced a fumble on defense before Chris Tennant nailed a 51-yard field goal with 1:42 left for the two-point win.

• The defense settled in and held the Jayhawks scoreless in their final four drives with the Romaine forced fumble and Brendan Mott recovery leading to the game-winning drive.

• Saturday's contest will be just the second home game for the Wildcats in a span of 49 days. K-State hosted Oklahoma State on September 28 and Kansas on October 26, while during that time the Wildcats had three road games and two byes.

• This weekend's game against ASU is the first of two-straight home games and the final two home contests of the year.

• Home games have been kind to K-State over the last three years as the Cats have 15 victories, tied for the 16th most home wins in the nation over that span. That figure is also the most among active Big 12 teams.

• With its sixth victory of the year 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 229 victories since 1996, which ranks 22nd nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind BYU (237), TCU (235) and Utah (232).

• Over the last 15 seasons – including 2024 – the Wildcats have won at least seven games on 13 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), and the Wildcats need one more victory to extend the current streak to four-straight years.

• Entering the season, K-State was the only returning Big 12 team with at least eight wins in each of the previous three seasons and one of 13 Power 4 programs to claim that feat.

• K-State has 34 wins since 2021, which is tied for 13th nationally and first among active Big 12 teams.

• Kansas State has totaled 143 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 60.2% (74-49), trailing only Oklahoma State (62.1%; 77-47).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 41-20 (67.2%) at home in Big 12 play and 33-29 (5.32%) on the road.

• K-State checks in at No. 20 in this week's Associated Press Top 25 as the Wildcats have been ranked in all 12 AP polls this year.

• It is the first time K-State has been ranked in the first 12 AP polls of a season since appearing in all 17 polls in 2014.

• K-State has been ranked in the AP Top 25 on 243 occasions since 1993, the most among active Big 12 teams and ranked 22nd nationally.

• Kansas State was ranked No. 19 in the initial College Football Playoff Top 25 of 2024, marking the 13th-straight time the Cats were ranked in the CFP Top 25. That figure is tied for the fifth-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 118-39 career record, as his 75.2% 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 46-26 since arriving at K-State, has led the Cats to five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25, 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 and ranking 93rd in the nation entering the Oklahoma State game, the Wildcats are now plus-2 on the year to rank 52nd.

• 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.

• Kansas State is 3-1 in one-possession games this season, with all three of its wins being in comeback fashion.

• The Wildcats' three wins this season when trailing in the fourth quarter are the most since 2017.

• K-State trailed Kansas, 27-26, until Chris Tennant's 51-yard field goal with 1:42 left sparked a K-State win.

• K-State trailed 28-24 at Colorado before the game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Jayce Brown with 2:14 left.

• In Week 2 at Tulane, K-State rallied from a 20-10 halftime deficit to take a 34-27 win, which included a Dylan Edwards touchdown run and a Jack Fabris fumble return to erase a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit.

• Of K-State's three one-possession victories this year, two were on the road against teams currently ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 (No. 18 Colorado and No. 25 Tulane).

• With the entire six-game 2024 home slate trending toward being sold out, K-State is currently riding a streak of 18-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 103.17% capacity.

• K-State enters this week's matchup ranking 19th nationally by averaging 208.3 rushing yards per game, while the Cats are seventh in the country by averaging 5.8 rushing yards per carry.

• K-State's school record for average yards per rush is 5.27 yards in 2016.

• The average is driven by 66 rushes of at least 10 yards to rank seventh in the nation, while K-State's 20 rushing plays of 20 or more yards this season are tied for 11th in the country.

• The Cats have rushed for at least 200 yards in six games this year, the most in the Big 12. The Wildcats have already equaled last year's regular-season total, which was the most since doing so in eight regular-season games in 2016.

ONE OF ONLY TWO• Four K-State players have had at least 20 rushing attempts and each average at least 5.4 yards per carry.

• Headlining that group is Dylan Edwards, DJ Giddens and Avery Johnson at 6.8, 6.1 and 5.4 yards per rush, respectively. K-State is one of just two Power 4 programs to have three active players to average at least 5.4 yards on at least 50 attempts (Notre Dame: Jadarian Price, Jeremiyah Love, Riley Leonard).

• Giddens and Johnson are the only Power 4 teammates to each record 22 or more rushes of at least 10 yards.TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards of offense in 29 of the last 36 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 15 of its last 17 games, its most over a 17-game stretch since doing so nine times over the final 11 games of 2007 and each of the first six games of 2008.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 90.8% (257-of-283) of their overall red-zone trips since 2019 with 192 touchdowns (67.8%).

• 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 ninth nationally and third in the Big 12 in red zone scoring at 93.8% (30-of-32) 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 10 touchdown receptions this year, tied for the most in the nation.

• The 10 touchdowns have come from four different players in Will Anciaux and Garrett Oakley with three apiece, while Brayden Loftin and Will Swanson each have two.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 also ranks in the top 25 nationally in fewest sacks allowed (21st; 1.11 per game) and fewest tackles for loss allowed (20th; 4.00 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 118 starts and 8,260 career offensive snaps. The leaders in those departments are on the left side in tackle Easton Kilty (46 starts, 2,877 snaps) and guard Hadley Panzer (35 starts, 2,281 snaps).A GREAT START• Quarterback Avery Johnson has started 10 career games under center with the Wildcats going 8-2 those games. Included in those victories are three wins over ranked teams – No. 19 NC State in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl in addition to No. 20 Arizona and No. 20 Oklahoma State this season – and a win at Colorado, which checks in at No. 20 in the most recent College Football Playoff Top 25.

• Johnson is the fifth K-State quarterback since 1990 to lead his team to victory at least eight times in his first 10 starts and the first since Collin Klein over the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The others are Johnathan Beasley (1999), Michael Bishop (1997), Brian Kavanagh (1996) and Matt Miller (1995).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 six quarterbacks nationally and the only Big 12 player with at least 1,875 rushing yards and 375 passing yards.

• If he were to stay at his current averages, Johnson would end the season as just the 18th quarterback in Big 12 history and just the second K-State quarterback ever with at least 2,700 passing yards and 550 rushing yards. The other Wildcat to hit those marks was Michael Bishop in 1998.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 has been responsible for 21 touchdowns this season as he needs three to tie for 10th in school history for a single season.

MULTIPLE 1,000-YARD SEASONS• Running back DJ Giddens has 995 rushing yards this season as he eyes his second-straight 1,000-yard rushing season.

Cats Begin Season's Stretch Run by Hosting Arizona State

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The first conference matchup between Kansas and Colorado since 2010 will be played on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m. CT and be televised on FOX, the Big 12 announced Monday. The game will be KU’s fourth and final home game played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

The game will mark the renewal of a longtime conference rivalry that spanned from 1948-2010. The Jayhawks and Buffaloes competed together in the Big Seven (1948-57), Big Eight (1958-96) and Big 12 Conference (1997-2010) before Colorado departed for the PAC-12 Conference. Colorado leads the all-time series 42-25-3, including a 17-16-3 advantage in KU home games. Kansas, however, won four of the last five meetings between the programs prior to Colorado leaving the Big 12, including a 52-45 victory in 2010 in Lawrence.

For Kansas, this will be the first appearance on FOX this season and first since defeating No. 6 Oklahoma 38-33 on Oct. 28, 2023. The Jayhawks are 2-0 when playing on FOX under head coach Lance Leipold, which also includes a 51-22 victory over UCF on Oct. 7, 2023.

Kansas improved to 3-6 on the year and 2-4 in Big 12 play with a 45-36 victory over No. 17 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Jayhawks are now headed to Provo, Utah for the first time to face league-leading No. 7 BYU on Saturday, Nov. 16.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The first conference matchup between Kansas and Colorado since 2010 will be played on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m. CT and be televised on FOX, the Big 12 announced Monday. The game will be KU’s fourth and final home game played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.The game will mark the renewal of a longtime conference rivalry that spanned from 1948-2010. The Jayhawks and Buffaloes competed together in the Big Seven (1948-57), Big Eight (1958-96) and Big 12 Conference (1997-2010) before Colorado departed for the PAC-12 Conference. Colorado leads the all-time series 42-25-3, including a 17-16-3 advantage in KU home games. Kansas, however, won four of the last five meetings between the programs prior to Colorado leaving the Big 12, including a 52-45 victory in 2010 in Lawrence.For Kansas, this will be the first appearance on FOX this season and first since defeating No. 6 Oklahoma 38-33 on Oct. 28, 2023. The Jayhawks are 2-0 when playing on FOX under head coach Lance Leipold, which also includes a 51-22 victory over UCF on Oct. 7, 2023.Kansas improved to 3-6 on the year and 2-4 in Big 12 play with a 45-36 victory over No. 17 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Jayhawks are now headed to Provo, Utah for the first time to face league-leading No. 7 BYU on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Jayhawks to Host Colorado at 2:30 p.m. on FOX

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks will look to beat ranked opponents in back-to-back games for the first time in program history Saturday when they travel to Provo, Utah to take on No. 7 BYU at 9:15 p.m., CT, on ESPN. Mark Jones, Roddy Jones and Quint Kessenich will have the call.

In a game where Devin Neal became KU's all-time leading rusher, the Jayhawks handed No. 17 Iowa State a 45-36 defeat last Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to improve to 3-6 (2-4 Big 12) on the season. Neal rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries to break June Henley's school career rushing record of 3,841 yards. Neal enters Saturday night's game against BYU with 3,951 yards.

Neal also surpassed Henley's school record of 41 career rushing touchdowns with his two scores. The running back wasn't the only one to shine against the Cyclones as quarterback Jalon Daniels threw for 295 yards, two touchdowns with no interceptions, while adding 68 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The win gave the Jayhawks a victory over a ranked opponent for the third straight season, marking the first time the program has accomplished that since 1976-1978. Kansas beat No. 6 Oklahoma last season and No. 18 Oklahoma State in 2022.

The Jayhawks will now face a Top 10 opponent for the first time since that win over the Sooners last year when they face BYU. The Cougars stayed perfect and improved to 9-0 on the season last week with a thrilling 22-21 win at Utah. BYU is led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who has thrown for 2,091 yards with 18 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Darius Lassiter, the younger brother of former Jayhawks Kwamie Lassiter II and Kwinton Lassiter and the son of Kwamie Lassiter, is enjoying a strong senior season for the Cougars with 35 catches for 550 yards and four touchdowns.

Kansas and BYU have met just twice before as this week's matchup will mark the first time the two teams have ever played in Provo. The Jayhawks beat the Cougars last year in Lawrence, 38-27. Kansas also beat BYU in the 1992 Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawai'i 23-20.

Saturday's game will feature three of the most accomplished cornerbacks in college football In Kansas' Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson and BYU's Jakob Robinson. Bryant is third in the nation with 13 career interceptions, while Dotson and Robinson are both tied for fourth with 11 career picks. Dotson notched his 11th interception of the season against Iowa State and returned it 25 yards for his fourth career pick-six, which extended his previously set school record.

Bryant shined in KU's win over BYU last year, forcing a fumble and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown. He also had an interception and a tackle-for-loss in the win. Daniels threw for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the matchup, while Neal rushed for 91 yards and wide receiver Luke Grimm caught two touchdown passes.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks will look to beat ranked opponents in back-to-back games for the first time in program history Saturday when they travel to Provo, Utah to take on No. 7 BYU at 9:15 p.m., CT, on ESPN. Mark Jones, Roddy Jones and Quint Kessenich will have the call.In a game where Devin Neal became KU's all-time leading rusher, the Jayhawks handed No. 17 Iowa State a 45-36 defeat last Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to improve to 3-6 (2-4 Big 12) on the season. Neal rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries to break June Henley's school career rushing record of 3,841 yards. Neal enters Saturday night's game against BYU with 3,951 yards.Neal also surpassed Henley's school record of 41 career rushing touchdowns with his two scores. The running back wasn't the only one to shine against the Cyclones as quarterback Jalon Daniels threw for 295 yards, two touchdowns with no interceptions, while adding 68 yards and a touchdown on the ground.The win gave the Jayhawks a victory over a ranked opponent for the third straight season, marking the first time the program has accomplished that since 1976-1978. Kansas beat No. 6 Oklahoma last season and No. 18 Oklahoma State in 2022.The Jayhawks will now face a Top 10 opponent for the first time since that win over the Sooners last year when they face BYU. The Cougars stayed perfect and improved to 9-0 on the season last week with a thrilling 22-21 win at Utah. BYU is led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who has thrown for 2,091 yards with 18 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. Darius Lassiter, the younger brother of former Jayhawks Kwamie Lassiter II and Kwinton Lassiter and the son of Kwamie Lassiter, is enjoying a strong senior season for the Cougars with 35 catches for 550 yards and four touchdowns.Kansas and BYU have met just twice before as this week's matchup will mark the first time the two teams have ever played in Provo. The Jayhawks beat the Cougars last year in Lawrence, 38-27. Kansas also beat BYU in the 1992 Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawai'i 23-20.Saturday's game will feature three of the most accomplished cornerbacks in college football In Kansas' Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson and BYU's Jakob Robinson. Bryant is third in the nation with 13 career interceptions, while Dotson and Robinson are both tied for fourth with 11 career picks. Dotson notched his 11th interception of the season against Iowa State and returned it 25 yards for his fourth career pick-six, which extended his previously set school record.Bryant shined in KU's win over BYU last year, forcing a fumble and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown. He also had an interception and a tackle-for-loss in the win. Daniels threw for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the matchup, while Neal rushed for 91 yards and wide receiver Luke Grimm caught two touchdown passes.

Kansas Jayhawks Look for Back-to-Back Ranked Wins at No. 7 BYU

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has been named as one of the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 quarterbacks and listed as one of the Manning Award’s eight Stars of the Week for Week 11 of the college football season.

The Great 8 is a weekly selection of the eight top-performing QBs by the Davey O'Brien Award, which honors the nation's top quarterback annually. The Davey O'Brien Award National Quarterback of the Week will be selected on Tuesday from the Great 8 List.

The Manning Award has announced its eight Stars of the Week and college football fans can vote on social media for what they think was the best performance from this past weekend. After voting closes on Wednesday at 9 a.m. CT, the top vote-getter will be announced as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week.

Daniels guided the Jayhawks to a 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, marking KU’s third-straight win over the Cyclones. He completed 12-of-24 passes for a season-high 295 yards and two touchdowns, completing passes to eight different receivers in the game. Daniels also had a season high with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per rush. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Daniels’ performance a score of 91.8, which is the highest grade among power four quarterback in Week 11.

For the year, Daniels has completed 56.1 percent (133-237) of his passes for 1,816 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 201.8 yards per game. He’s also KU’s third-leading rusher, with 72 carries for 315 yards and six scores. Daniels ranks No. 2 in school history for career touchdown passes (44) and No. 3 in career passing yards (6,113).

Prior to the 2024 season, Daniels was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List for the second-straight year. Semifinalists for the award will be selected on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 26). The 2024 Davey O'Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 12, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

The Davey O’Brien Foundation was created in 1977, and the National Quarterback Award, the oldest and most prestigious college quarterback award, was first issued in 1981. Over its time, the Davey O’Brien Foundation has given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has been named as one of the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 quarterbacks and listed as one of the Manning Award’s eight Stars of the Week for Week 11 of the college football season.The Great 8 is a weekly selection of the eight top-performing QBs by the Davey O'Brien Award, which honors the nation's top quarterback annually. The Davey O'Brien Award National Quarterback of the Week will be selected on Tuesday from the Great 8 List.The Manning Award has announced its eight Stars of the Week and college football fans can vote on social media for what they think was the best performance from this past weekend. After voting closes on Wednesday at 9 a.m. CT, the top vote-getter will be announced as the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week.Daniels guided the Jayhawks to a 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, marking KU’s third-straight win over the Cyclones. He completed 12-of-24 passes for a season-high 295 yards and two touchdowns, completing passes to eight different receivers in the game. Daniels also had a season high with 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per rush. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Daniels’ performance a score of 91.8, which is the highest grade among power four quarterback in Week 11.For the year, Daniels has completed 56.1 percent (133-237) of his passes for 1,816 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 201.8 yards per game. He’s also KU’s third-leading rusher, with 72 carries for 315 yards and six scores. Daniels ranks No. 2 in school history for career touchdown passes (44) and No. 3 in career passing yards (6,113).Prior to the 2024 season, Daniels was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List for the second-straight year. Semifinalists for the award will be selected on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Foundation will announce the three finalists two weeks later (Tuesday, Nov. 26). The 2024 Davey O'Brien Award winner will be unveiled live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 12, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.The Davey O’Brien Foundation was created in 1977, and the National Quarterback Award, the oldest and most prestigious college quarterback award, was first issued in 1981. Over its time, the Davey O’Brien Foundation has given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.

Jalon Daniels Listed Among Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 and Manning Award Stars of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following a record-setting performance in Kansas’ 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State on Saturday, senior running back Devin Neal has been chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl’s Breakout Offensive Player of the Week.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on January 30, 2025. Players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level.

Neal set a trio of school records in the KU win, as he rushed 18 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns. On his first carry of the game, Neal ran for 14 yards and surpassed June Henley’s career rushing record of 3,841 yards, which had stood since 1996. Later in the first quarter, Neal scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown, the 42nd of his career, to break a tie with Henley for the most rushing touchdowns in program history. Neal would find the endzone a second time to up his career touchdown total to 43. By topping the century mark, Neal recorded his 18th career 100-yard rushing game, breaking a tie with Tony Sands for the most in program history.

One of 11 Jayhawks named to the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List before the season, Neal is having another stellar season for the Jayhawks. He has rushed for 874 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 97.1 yards per game on the ground. Neal ranks in the top 25 nationally in rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns, while running for more than 100 yards six times in KU’s nine games.

At the conclusion of the Iowa State game, Neal has career totals of 3,951 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns and 46 total touchdowns – each of which represents a school record. He is also second in school history in career all-purpose yards (4,567).

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following a record-setting performance in Kansas’ 45-36 win over No. 17 Iowa State on Saturday, senior running back Devin Neal has been chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl’s Breakout Offensive Player of the Week.The East-West Shrine Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on January 30, 2025. Players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level.Neal set a trio of school records in the KU win, as he rushed 18 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns. On his first carry of the game, Neal ran for 14 yards and surpassed June Henley’s career rushing record of 3,841 yards, which had stood since 1996. Later in the first quarter, Neal scored a 10-yard rushing touchdown, the 42nd of his career, to break a tie with Henley for the most rushing touchdowns in program history. Neal would find the endzone a second time to up his career touchdown total to 43. By topping the century mark, Neal recorded his 18th career 100-yard rushing game, breaking a tie with Tony Sands for the most in program history.One of 11 Jayhawks named to the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List before the season, Neal is having another stellar season for the Jayhawks. He has rushed for 874 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 97.1 yards per game on the ground. Neal ranks in the top 25 nationally in rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns, while running for more than 100 yards six times in KU’s nine games.At the conclusion of the Iowa State game, Neal has career totals of 3,951 rushing yards, 43 rushing touchdowns and 46 total touchdowns – each of which represents a school record. He is also second in school history in career all-purpose yards (4,567).

Devin Neal Named East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Offensive Player of the Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have won just about every way imaginable during a perfect 15-game run that dates to last season: Patrick Mahomes leading last-second touchdown drives, their defense making a stand, and Harrison Butker kicking game-winning field goals.

They added a walk-off block to the list against the Broncos on Sunday.

<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1855715685764407408">Leo Chenal was part of a red wave</a>&nbsp;that crashed through the center of the Denver field goal unit, and the Chiefs linebacker got his hand on Wil Lutz's 35-yard attempt as time expired, allowing Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sports/denver-broncos-kansas-city-chiefs-e0c70031bac895819e5b83d347f168ba">to escape with a 16-14 victory</a>.

“It's a complete shock, you know? Not much I can say about it," Chenal said. “I was really praying for something to happen. That moment is so heavy. There's a second on the clock, they're going to kick a field goal and you feel the weight of the moment.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid indicated they took advantage of something they had seen in the Broncos' field-goal operation.

“We did,” Reid said, “but it's also something we work on like crazy. It normally doesn't work quite like that one.”

The Chiefs had taken the lead on Butker's field goal with 5:57 remaining, but Bo Nix and the Broncos converted a trio of third downs while marching right back down the field. They proceeded to set up Lutz for the winner, but Chenal came up the middle amid a big push by the Kansas City defensive line to get his hand on the kick.

The ball squibbed away toward the Denver sideline as the Chiefs rushed onto the field to celebrate.

“I felt like we outplayed them but we didn't finish,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “That one will take a while. It'll sting.”

Mahomes finished with 266 yards passing and a touchdown for the Chiefs, who became only the fifth Super Bowl champion to win its first nine games the next season. That also matches the best start to a season in franchise history, and their 15-game win streak dating to last season is the longest in the NFL since the Packers won 19 in a row from 2010-11.

Travis Kelce had eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown for Kansas City. DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 56 yards, and Kareem Hunt was held to 35 yards rushing but also caught seven passes for 65 yards.

“Any way you win is good in this league,” Mahomes said. “You live for these moments. When you grow up playing football, you live for the walk-off whatever-it-is. And I'm glad we get to experience it together.”

Nix finished with 215 yards passing and two touchdowns for the Broncos (5-5). Courtland Sutton had six catches for 60 yards and a score. And their 13-yard hookup on third-and-6 with 1:45 left is what gave&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1855715047949193510">Denver a chance to kick as time expired</a>.

“They just made one extra play. When we thought it was in our hands, it wasn't,” Nix said. “It's tough. And again, it's two good football teams out there playing against each other, and one day it will go our way.”

The Broncos stunned the Chiefs a year ago, forcing five turnovers in a 21-9 win at Denver that ended a 16-game losing streak in the series. And they clearly had the same intention in mind as the AFC West rivals met again Sunday.

Their defense harassed Mahomes throughout the first half, particularly when an injury to Wanya Morris forced rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia into the game. And the Broncos capitalized on offense with two long scoring drives, the first ending with Nix finding Devaughn Vele wide open and the second with Sutton's 32-yard TD catch for a 14-3 lead.

It was Mahomes who got the Chiefs on track, going 7 for 7 for 62 yards on the ensuing drive. When it looked as if it had stalled at the Denver 2, Reid went against his conservative nature on fourth down, and Mahomes hit Kelce for the score.

The Chiefs still trailed 14-10 at the break, meaning they had Denver right where they wanted them.

Unflappable in winning its last eight games when trailing in the second half, Kansas City closed within 14-13 on Butker's chip-shot field goal late in the third quarter. The Chiefs defense then forced back-to-back punts, and Mahomes and the offense drove to the Denver 2, where Butker added the go-ahead kick with just under six minutes remaining.

Plenty of time for the Broncos to drive down the field. Not enough time for them to win.

“I told our team I was proud of the way they fought. I thought we outplayed them," Payton said. “But nonetheless, you have to beat a champion and we weren't able to do it, so obviously gut-wrenching.”

Taylor Swift was back at Arrowhead Stadium to watch Kelce and the Chiefs just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-kansas-city-1aca48cb971d6d232186c5d73a2c4244">six days after turning up</a>&nbsp;to see their win over Tampa Bay on Monday night. The pop superstar resumes her Eras Tour on Thursday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Chiefs: Morris hurt his knee in the first half but returned early in the fourth quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731272059485.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs have won just about every way imaginable during a perfect 15-game run that dates to last season: Patrick Mahomes leading last-second touchdown drives, their defense making a stand, and Harrison Butker kicking game-winning field goals.They added a walk-off block to the list against the Broncos on Sunday.<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1855715685764407408">Leo Chenal was part of a red wave</a>&nbsp;that crashed through the center of the Denver field goal unit, and the Chiefs linebacker got his hand on Wil Lutz's 35-yard attempt as time expired, allowing Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/sports/denver-broncos-kansas-city-chiefs-e0c70031bac895819e5b83d347f168ba">to escape with a 16-14 victory</a>.“It's a complete shock, you know? Not much I can say about it," Chenal said. “I was really praying for something to happen. That moment is so heavy. There's a second on the clock, they're going to kick a field goal and you feel the weight of the moment.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid indicated they took advantage of something they had seen in the Broncos' field-goal operation.“We did,” Reid said, “but it's also something we work on like crazy. It normally doesn't work quite like that one.”The Chiefs had taken the lead on Butker's field goal with 5:57 remaining, but Bo Nix and the Broncos converted a trio of third downs while marching right back down the field. They proceeded to set up Lutz for the winner, but Chenal came up the middle amid a big push by the Kansas City defensive line to get his hand on the kick.The ball squibbed away toward the Denver sideline as the Chiefs rushed onto the field to celebrate.“I felt like we outplayed them but we didn't finish,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “That one will take a while. It'll sting.”Mahomes finished with 266 yards passing and a touchdown for the Chiefs, who became only the fifth Super Bowl champion to win its first nine games the next season. That also matches the best start to a season in franchise history, and their 15-game win streak dating to last season is the longest in the NFL since the Packers won 19 in a row from 2010-11.Travis Kelce had eight catches for 64 yards and a touchdown for Kansas City. DeAndre Hopkins caught four passes for 56 yards, and Kareem Hunt was held to 35 yards rushing but also caught seven passes for 65 yards.“Any way you win is good in this league,” Mahomes said. “You live for these moments. When you grow up playing football, you live for the walk-off whatever-it-is. And I'm glad we get to experience it together.”Nix finished with 215 yards passing and two touchdowns for the Broncos (5-5). Courtland Sutton had six catches for 60 yards and a score. And their 13-yard hookup on third-and-6 with 1:45 left is what gave&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1855715047949193510">Denver a chance to kick as time expired</a>.“They just made one extra play. When we thought it was in our hands, it wasn't,” Nix said. “It's tough. And again, it's two good football teams out there playing against each other, and one day it will go our way.”The Broncos stunned the Chiefs a year ago, forcing five turnovers in a 21-9 win at Denver that ended a 16-game losing streak in the series. And they clearly had the same intention in mind as the AFC West rivals met again Sunday.Their defense harassed Mahomes throughout the first half, particularly when an injury to Wanya Morris forced rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia into the game. And the Broncos capitalized on offense with two long scoring drives, the first ending with Nix finding Devaughn Vele wide open and the second with Sutton's 32-yard TD catch for a 14-3 lead.It was Mahomes who got the Chiefs on track, going 7 for 7 for 62 yards on the ensuing drive. When it looked as if it had stalled at the Denver 2, Reid went against his conservative nature on fourth down, and Mahomes hit Kelce for the score.The Chiefs still trailed 14-10 at the break, meaning they had Denver right where they wanted them.Unflappable in winning its last eight games when trailing in the second half, Kansas City closed within 14-13 on Butker's chip-shot field goal late in the third quarter. The Chiefs defense then forced back-to-back punts, and Mahomes and the offense drove to the Denver 2, where Butker added the go-ahead kick with just under six minutes remaining.Plenty of time for the Broncos to drive down the field. Not enough time for them to win.“I told our team I was proud of the way they fought. I thought we outplayed them," Payton said. “But nonetheless, you have to beat a champion and we weren't able to do it, so obviously gut-wrenching.”<h2>Swift returns</h2>Taylor Swift was back at Arrowhead Stadium to watch Kelce and the Chiefs just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-taylor-swift-kansas-city-1aca48cb971d6d232186c5d73a2c4244">six days after turning up</a>&nbsp;to see their win over Tampa Bay on Monday night. The pop superstar resumes her Eras Tour on Thursday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: Morris hurt his knee in the first half but returned early in the fourth quarter.

🏈 Chiefs block Broncos potential winner as time expires to remain perfect

IRVING, Texas --&nbsp;In accordance with the Big 12 Conference sportsmanship policies, the Conference has issued a public reprimand of University of Utah’s Director of Athletics Mark Harlan for his actions at the conclusion of the game against BYU and his comments following the game.

Additionally, he will be issued a $40,000 fine.&nbsp;Harlan has been informed that a repeat of such behavior will result in a more serious penalty.“Mark’s comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. 

“There is a right way and a wrong way to voice concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong way. Accordingly, this violation warrants a public reprimand and financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes professionalism, integrity, and fairness, and will continue to do so.”The Big 12 Conference will have no further comment on this issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731281166247.png" alt="Mark Harlan photo University of Utah Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Mark Harlan photo University of Utah Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas --&nbsp;In accordance with the Big 12 Conference sportsmanship policies, the Conference has issued a public reprimand of University of Utah’s Director of Athletics Mark Harlan for his actions at the conclusion of the game against BYU and his comments following the game.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Utah AD Mark Harlan fined $40,000 by Big 12 for these comments after BYU game <a href="https://t.co/0VQdAKCv6j">pic.twitter.com/0VQdAKCv6j</a>&mdash; Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1855734457921155195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Additionally, he will be issued a $40,000 fine.&nbsp;Harlan has been informed that a repeat of such behavior will result in a more serious penalty.“Mark’s comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “There is a right way and a wrong way to voice concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong way. Accordingly, this violation warrants a public reprimand and financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes professionalism, integrity, and fairness, and will continue to do so.”The Big 12 Conference will have no further comment on this issue.

Big 12 announces public reprimand, fine of Utah AD Mark Harlan

Benjamin Franklin famously said only death and taxes are certain. The Kansas Wesleyan football team would add a third item to his list - tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6afed738-cf4b-4653-aa3f-851aee413acb?elinkdata=15094">Luke Armstrong</a>.

On a day when offensive yards were difficult to come by, he rose to the occasion once again. Armstrong rushed for 181 yards on 23 carries (7.9 yards average) and a touchdown in leading the Coyotes to a 23-20 Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division victory over Ottawa on Saturday at Gene Bissell Field at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

KWU (6-4) clinched the division title with the Senior Day victory (4-0) and as a result will play in the first round of the NAIA Championship Series that begins November 23. The regular season ends next Saturday with a game at Sterling.

The victory, their fourth in a row, avenged the Coyotes' 27-24 overtime loss to OU a year ago in Ottawa - a setback that cost them a postseason berth.

Playing on his birthday Armstrong had 105 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown in the first half - the score coming on a two-yard run with 1:04 remaining before intermission that gave KWU a 13-3 lead.

His 50-yard run with 6:01 left in the half led to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05908390-5f53-4077-85b7-f8fc088dacc1?elinkdata=15094">Cole Segraves'</a> game-tying 50-yard field goal. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/093df1f4-a0d3-4fef-842e-f459fda85fcc?elinkdata=15094">Talon Cope</a> followed with a 28-yard field goal with 3:40 remaining gave the Coyotes a 6-3 lead. It came six plays after linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/544509f9-e377-48ae-b086-75c6c4bf33b7?elinkdata=15094">Ricardo Garcia</a> recovered a fumble at the OU 21-yard line.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1dc6307-fd3a-4ba3-8f26-552ea3ca2187?elinkdata=15094">Byron McNair's</a> 41-yard touchdown pass to Buck Taylor with 4:56 left in the third quarter capped a quick three-play, 39-yard drive that gave the Coyotes a seemingly safe 20-3 lead. Ottawa, though, made it interesting with two fourth quarter touchdowns sandwiched around a 36-yard Cope field goal.

Ottawa's second touchdown came with 1:26 remaining but KWU secured the onsides kick. Armstrong sealed the deal by gaining 40 yards on four carries - the game ending with the ball at the Ottawa 2.

Armstrong ranks eighth in the NAIA with 1,123 yards on the season.

"Luke does a great job," KWU interim co-head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c427bf63-9993-43fe-91f3-63d27064f943?elinkdata=15094">Chris Snyder</a> said on the postgame show. "It's a collaborative effort with the O-line and Z (tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a965163-9ab0-4ac3-a687-71f148ba3e60?elinkdata=15094">Zarek Fewell</a>). You know what you get with Luke and Z with how well they run the ball."

Ottawa (1-9, 1-3 Bissell) finished with 443 total yards - 244 rushing and 199 passing. The Coyotes had 285 total yards, 205 on the ground.

Quarterbacks <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23451f0d-f785-4db4-a599-7f0f38f7fe07?elinkdata=15094">Richard Lara</a> and McNair were both 3 of 7 passing, McNair with 41 yards and Lara 21. Neither threw an interception.

Linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f7bed4fe-6337-4234-9ef7-0413e6c2d606?elinkdata=15094">Myles Elam</a> spearheaded the defense once again finishing with 10 tackles, seven of them solo. Garcia and linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9512a98-6599-42ea-9c61-88f4bfed4392?elinkdata=15094">Daniel Cabrera</a> had seven tackles apiece. Garcia also blocked a punt in the fourth quarter that led the Cope's second field goal that proved to be the difference.

"It starts with the kids but also the effort that the coaches have put in," Snyder said. "Everybody has bought in and invested. I think the kids see that and we're getting their best effort. I'm not saying we're perfect, we've always got things to clean up."

Sterling (2-8, 2-2 Bissell) lost to Avila 20-7 Saturday in Sterling. The Coyotes and Warriors game will kickoff at 1 p.m. at Smisor Stadium in Sterling.

Benjamin Franklin famously said only death and taxes are certain. The Kansas Wesleyan football team would add a third item to his list - tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6afed738-cf4b-4653-aa3f-851aee413acb?elinkdata=15094">Luke Armstrong</a>.On a day when offensive yards were difficult to come by, he rose to the occasion once again. Armstrong rushed for 181 yards on 23 carries (7.9 yards average) and a touchdown in leading the Coyotes to a 23-20 Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division victory over Ottawa on Saturday at Gene Bissell Field at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.KWU (6-4) clinched the division title with the Senior Day victory (4-0) and as a result will play in the first round of the NAIA Championship Series that begins November 23. The regular season ends next Saturday with a game at Sterling.The victory, their fourth in a row, avenged the Coyotes' 27-24 overtime loss to OU a year ago in Ottawa - a setback that cost them a postseason berth.Playing on his birthday Armstrong had 105 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown in the first half - the score coming on a two-yard run with 1:04 remaining before intermission that gave KWU a 13-3 lead.His 50-yard run with 6:01 left in the half led to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05908390-5f53-4077-85b7-f8fc088dacc1?elinkdata=15094">Cole Segraves'</a> game-tying 50-yard field goal. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/093df1f4-a0d3-4fef-842e-f459fda85fcc?elinkdata=15094">Talon Cope</a> followed with a 28-yard field goal with 3:40 remaining gave the Coyotes a 6-3 lead. It came six plays after linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/544509f9-e377-48ae-b086-75c6c4bf33b7?elinkdata=15094">Ricardo Garcia</a> recovered a fumble at the OU 21-yard line.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1dc6307-fd3a-4ba3-8f26-552ea3ca2187?elinkdata=15094">Byron McNair's</a> 41-yard touchdown pass to Buck Taylor with 4:56 left in the third quarter capped a quick three-play, 39-yard drive that gave the Coyotes a seemingly safe 20-3 lead. Ottawa, though, made it interesting with two fourth quarter touchdowns sandwiched around a 36-yard Cope field goal.Ottawa's second touchdown came with 1:26 remaining but KWU secured the onsides kick. Armstrong sealed the deal by gaining 40 yards on four carries - the game ending with the ball at the Ottawa 2.Armstrong ranks eighth in the NAIA with 1,123 yards on the season."Luke does a great job," KWU interim co-head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c427bf63-9993-43fe-91f3-63d27064f943?elinkdata=15094">Chris Snyder</a> said on the postgame show. "It's a collaborative effort with the O-line and Z (tailback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a965163-9ab0-4ac3-a687-71f148ba3e60?elinkdata=15094">Zarek Fewell</a>). You know what you get with Luke and Z with how well they run the ball."Ottawa (1-9, 1-3 Bissell) finished with 443 total yards - 244 rushing and 199 passing. The Coyotes had 285 total yards, 205 on the ground.Quarterbacks <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/23451f0d-f785-4db4-a599-7f0f38f7fe07?elinkdata=15094">Richard Lara</a> and McNair were both 3 of 7 passing, McNair with 41 yards and Lara 21. Neither threw an interception.Linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f7bed4fe-6337-4234-9ef7-0413e6c2d606?elinkdata=15094">Myles Elam</a> spearheaded the defense once again finishing with 10 tackles, seven of them solo. Garcia and linebacker <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9512a98-6599-42ea-9c61-88f4bfed4392?elinkdata=15094">Daniel Cabrera</a> had seven tackles apiece. Garcia also blocked a punt in the fourth quarter that led the Cope's second field goal that proved to be the difference."It starts with the kids but also the effort that the coaches have put in," Snyder said. "Everybody has bought in and invested. I think the kids see that and we're getting their best effort. I'm not saying we're perfect, we've always got things to clean up."Sterling (2-8, 2-2 Bissell) lost to Avila 20-7 Saturday in Sterling. The Coyotes and Warriors game will kickoff at 1 p.m. at Smisor Stadium in Sterling.

🏈 KWU claims Bissell Division Championship with 23-20 win over Ottawa

LEAVENWORTH - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Cross Country finished in second place at the KCAC Men's Cross Country Championships held on Saturday at the Saint Mary cross country course.

It's the second straight year for the Coyotes to finish second and will now await official confirmation of qualifying as a team in the NAIA National Championships in two weeks in Columbia, Mo.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/379554d3-f82f-4d04-bbc8-82ad09fd9cee?elinkdata=15068">Damion Jackson</a> led the way for the Coyotes with a second place finish, earning All-KCAC honors finishing the 8K course with a time of 25:09.8. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d12a5b3f-3676-47d1-b5e0-2a0259f031bb?elinkdata=15068">Austin Hess</a> was also All-KCAC with a fourth place finish with a time of 25:21.2.

LEAVENWORTH - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Cross Country finished in second place at the KCAC Men's Cross Country Championships held on Saturday at the Saint Mary cross country course.It's the second straight year for the Coyotes to finish second and will now await official confirmation of qualifying as a team in the NAIA National Championships in two weeks in Columbia, Mo.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/379554d3-f82f-4d04-bbc8-82ad09fd9cee?elinkdata=15068">Damion Jackson</a> led the way for the Coyotes with a second place finish, earning All-KCAC honors finishing the 8K course with a time of 25:09.8. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d12a5b3f-3676-47d1-b5e0-2a0259f031bb?elinkdata=15068">Austin Hess</a> was also All-KCAC with a fourth place finish with a time of 25:21.2.Four others were named honorable mention All-KCAC with Top 20 finishes, led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6d44278c-cbf5-4a2b-8f4b-db07566cc08f?elinkdata=15068">Julian Avila</a> in 11th with a time of 25:45.6. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/26bb1899-5bd7-407b-9bcd-1fe79a19f5e9?elinkdata=15068">Giovanni Rios</a> was 12th in 25:46.1, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb58e5f2-e198-4d2e-bb2b-9eb7141fe52f?elinkdata=15068">Brenden Ellis</a> was 13th in 25:51.2 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/24e9e0bd-c3aa-4d43-9c2f-660ac6e943bc?elinkdata=15068">Jake Cruz</a> was 18th in 26:01.7.Also finishing for the Coyotes was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43a7e6b5-789c-4221-a251-0cab39cf7ae2?elinkdata=15068">Austin Schaeffer</a> in 21st in 26:20.3, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d8ebd89-2df5-415a-ad01-ffeffd1377da?elinkdata=15068">Tytus Reed</a> in 23rd in 26:29.1, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6298117c-d805-4f76-8a13-8639ef171679?elinkdata=15068">Wyatt Johnson</a> in 26:40.7, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8b06e49f-9d3f-43e4-90f0-eedb4a7c0262?elinkdata=15068">Nicolas Martinez</a> in 37th in 27:19, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/663f5d7d-ad38-4bb3-afde-2f6d35167655?elinkdata=15068">Triston Cottone</a> in 44th in 27:41.6, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/725a2a72-6144-45d7-958f-24e425a0c677?elinkdata=15068">Evan Pearce</a> in 47th in 27:49.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3a33165-959a-459a-bfb8-4c43f1f6857d?elinkdata=15068">Tim Parish</a> in 50th in 28:02.9, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/752ab4ce-f64f-4ce7-9375-14bcd7d55e51?elinkdata=15068">Ian Doss</a> in 51st in 28:04.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3994a4f0-1587-4d76-9fcc-a4c753c58e2f?elinkdata=15068">Cisco Alvarez</a> in 55th in 28:16.6, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/860e23ea-0488-46b2-8823-1c49a1802db7?elinkdata=15068">Nate Chavez</a> in 60th in 28:23.5, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/308758df-6450-4d42-a2bc-babf1a081796?elinkdata=15068">Brodie Bradshaw</a> in 63rd in 28:30.7, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86fdba65-9f91-481f-853d-375f6da000f8?elinkdata=15068">Jack Horacek</a> was 67th in 28:39.2, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9c3b235f-f2da-4c9e-a448-323dde6db000?elinkdata=15068">Landon Steeger</a> was 68th in 28:40.6, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/16c82c12-0df3-400c-ae81-1697e333426d?elinkdata=15068">Will Childers</a> was 87th in 29:59.7, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdc3d28b-9511-41e2-9ed3-f2749da46a33?elinkdata=15068">Roman Mai</a> in 96th in 31:30.7.The Coyotes were second in the standings behind Saint Mary. USM had 22 points and the Coyotes had 42 points. Evangel was third, Tabor fourth and Friends fifth to round out the top five teams.