Kansas Falls to Nebraska 14-8

Oct. 2, 2004

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LINCOLN, Neb. – For the third consecutive week the Kansas Jayhawks battled in a close game that went down to the game’s final seconds. In front of a hostile Memorial Stadium crowd in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, the Crimson and Blue fell to the Cornhuskers 14-8.

KU struck first, recording a safety 12 seconds into the game to take a 2-0 lead. Johnny Beck added a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter to give the Jayhawks a 5-0 lead. Later in the quarter, Nebraska’s Cory Ross scored on an 18-yard touchdown run to give the Cornhuskers a 7-5 advantage at halftime.

Beck’s second field goal of the game at the 6:59 mark in the third quarter gave KU the lead back at 8-7. Nebraska would score on its ensuing possession, as Nebraska quarterback Joe Dailey hit Ross for a 14 yard score to give the Huskers a 14-8 lead that they would hold on to.

“I am very proud of our players, they played with great pride,” Kansas head coach Mark Mangino said. “I can’t say enough good things about our players to come in and compete like they did in an environment like this. Our defense continues to play great.”

The KU defense continued its impressive play recording four takeaways and a safety. Charles Gordon grabbed two interceptions and Nick Reid had a team-high eight tackles.

Offensively, Nebraska and Kansas were almost identical in an evenly matched game. John Randle rushed 23 times for 105 yards and Adam Barmann completed 24-49 passes for 200 yards and one interception. Brand Rideau (40 yards) and Lyonell Anderson (35 yards) both caught five passes to lead the team.

Nebraska quarterback Joe Dailey completed 16-24 passes for 183 yards, but had trouble with the KU secondary, throwing three interceptions. Running back Cory Ross had a big day on the ground for the Huskers, carrying the ball 19 times for 109 yards, scoring once on the ground and once through the air. Ross Pilkington caught 8 passes for 113 yards for the Huskers.

The Jayhawks (2-3, 0-2 Big 12) will return home next Saturday, Oct. 9, to face in-state rival Kansas State. Homecoming kick-off is scheduled for 6:20 p.m.