Kansas football vs UCF grades: KU’s report card from Big 12 matchup

Kansas football vs UCF photo gallery, our best images

LAWRENCE — Kansas football suffered a 33-32 loss on Saturday, Nov. 7 at home in a Big 12 Conference matchup against UCF.

Here's how the Jayhawks (3-6, 1-5 in Big 12) graded out in their defeat against the Knights (5-4, 3-3):

Offense: Kansas finds its form in 2nd half, but early struggles linger

Kansas put together just one scoring drive in the first half, and that touchdown came on a drive that needed four plays to go 3 yards. But while the Jayhawks were much improved in the second half, as sophomore quarterback Isaiah Marshall thrived, that effort came up short. It took them too long to get going, and that, along with a turnover in each half, helped sink KU's chances at a victory.

Defense: Kansas fails to get decisive final stop

All Kansas needed to do with little time remaining in the second half was get one more stop, but the Jayhawks weren't able to do that. Instead, they watched UCF drive for the go-ahead score with barely any time left in the fourth quarter. There was a lot to like, such as four sacks, 11 tackles for loss and a pair of turnovers. But at game's end, the Knights still finished with 33 points.

Special teams: Kansas has some success, but not enough

KU redshirt sophomore kicker Martin Connington did hit his lone field goal and all his extra points, but the Jayhawks didn't see a lot of success elsewhere. Kansas allowed too much on kick returns, and didn't do much itself when it had chances on returns. KU freshman punter Matt Gill did have a punt land inside the 20-yard line, but could have performed better overall.

When UCF took a 26-7 in the third quarter, it looked like Kansas was on its way to being blown out in front of the Jayhawks' home crowd. But while KU would go on to score 25 points unanswered and give fans a reason to believe, it wasn't able to complete the victory. It's yet another close loss for this Kansas program under coach Lance Leipold.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association's sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at JMGuskey@usatodayco.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.