KU Claims Third Straight Win Over Missouri, 13-3

Oct. 29, 2005

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| Two-Minute Drill

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

For the third straight year, the Marching Band Drum will stay in Lawrence. In the 114th meeting between the rivals, the University of Kansas (4-4, 1-3) defeated Missouri (5-3, 3-2), 13-3, in the 2005 Border Showdown Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The Kansas defense, which entered the game ranked first in the Big 12 and second in the nation in rush defense, held MU to a season-low 33 rushing yards on 30 carries and 180 yards of total offense. Despite two first quarter possessions that started in Kansas territory, the Jayhawks limited the Tigers to just a first quarter field goal.

Little changed in the second half, as the defense provided consistent pressure on Tiger quarterback Brad Smith. Senior defensive end Charlton Keith tallied two sacks and senior cornerback Theo Baines picked off a Smith pass late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

On offense, the Jayhawks were paced by a rushing attack that totaled 208 yards. Leading the way was senior running back Clark Green. The Tampa, Fla., native carried the ball 22 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. Junior running back Jon Cornish added another 54 yards on 10 carries and senior quarterback Jason Swanson chipped in an additional 32 yards on 13 carries. In his second start of the season, Swanson was 12-of-19 for 90 yards.

Midway through the first quarter, a 19-yard punt return by Charles Gordon moved the junior cornerback into 10th place all-time in Big 12 career punt return yards. Gordon also vaulted into 11th in all-time receptions at Kansas with a four-yard grab in the third quarter. Gordon finished with five catches for 29 yards.

The Jayhawks took the lead in the second quarter when Green scored his second rushing touchdown of the season. Green rushed for 26 yards on the drive and put the Jayhawks ahead 6-3 on a one-yard plunge with 6:05 left in the first half.

Near the end of the third quarter, redshirt cornerback Aqib Talib snared an option attempt by MU quarterback Brad Smith before the ball was able to reach its intended target and returned it to the Kansas 43-yard line.

On the ensuing possession, the Jayhawks found the end zone again as junior running back Jon Cornish rumbled for a 10-yard score with 12:59 remaining in the fourth quarter to put the Jayhawks ahead 13-3. The score, Cornish’s seventh on the season, was set up by a rushing attack that saw the Jayhawks carry the ball on all six plays of the drive for 43 yards.

The Jayhawks take on Nebraska (5-3, 2-3) Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is slated for noon.