Cancelled Event: Women's Swimming and Diving versus Crimson vs. Blue
Cancelled
Women's Swimming and Diving
vs Crimson vs. Blue
NORMAN, Okla. – Kansas freshman running back Pooka Williams Jr., rose to the occasion as the Jayhawks traveled to No. 6/6 Oklahoma, racking up 252 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while also adding a passing touchdown in the fourth quarter as KU fell to the Sooners, 55-40.
On Oklahoma’s first march down the field, Kansas’ defense did what it does best – take the ball away. The Sooners entered the red zone, but not for long as junior safety Mike Lee forced his Big 12-leading third fumble and recovered it to give Kansas possession and kept OU off the scoreboard.
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Once KU got possession, Williams went to work and recorded his best performance in a first half of the season. Williams rushed for 72 yards in the opening quarter, including a 23-yard rush into the end zone, which gave the Jayhawks an early lead.
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The Jayhawks didn’t relinquish the lead to the Sooners until the nine minute mark of the second quarter. Despite trailing 21-10 at the half, the Jayhawks came out of the locker room with a spark on defense. Kansas opened the second half with an interception by senior cornerback Shakial Taylor, setting up a three-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Khalil Herbert. Herbert’s score brought KU within four of the Sooners on its first drive of the second half.
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After KU came within a possession of the Sooners, Oklahoma charged ahead with back-to-back scores before the Jayhawks would strike again. Williams threw his first career touchdown to senior wide receiver Jeremiah Booker, giving Kansas’ offense a boost in the fourth quarter, but the potent Sooner offense was too much for the Jayhawks and gave Oklahoma the 15-point victory.
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NOTABLES // Complete Kansas Postgame Notes
- The Jayhawks’ 40 points against Oklahoma Saturday night is the most scored against the Sooners since 1996 when KU scored 52. It’s also the most points scored against a Big 12 opponent since 2010 when Kansas scored 52 points against Colorado. KU’s 40 points at Oklahoma is the most on the road against a Big 12 opponent since 2007 when the Jayhawks scored 43 at Oklahoma State.
- Freshman running back Pooka Williams Jr. rushed for 72 yards in the first quarter, the most in a first quarter this season by a Jayhawk. By halftime, Williams ran for 137 yards, the most by the freshman in a first half this season.
- Williams finished the night with a career-high 252 rushing yards, his third 100-yard rushing game of the season. His 252 rushing yards is the most by a freshman in Kansas history and the sixth most by a Jayhawk in a game.
- Williams’ 252 yards on the ground against Oklahoma brought his season rushing total to 1,022 yards, making him the first Jayhawk to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark on a season since James Sims ran for 1,110 in 2013.
- Williams is the 12th player in KU history to record a 1,000-yard season, and his year marks the 15th in KU history as three KU players have had two 1,000-yard seasons. Williams is just the third freshman to notch a 1,000-yard rushing season in KU history.
- Williams had four rushes for 20 or more yards against the Sooners. He now has 14 20-plus yard rushes on the season, which leads the Big 12.
- Senior linebacker Joe Dineen Jr. recorded his eighth double-digit tackle performance of the season after bringing down 14 Sooners Saturday night.
KEY PLAYS
- Freshman running back Pooka Williams Jr. put Kansas on the board first in the opening quarter after a 23-yard rush into the end zone.
- Senior kicker Gabriel Rui connected on a 45-yard field to start the second quarter, giving KU a 10-7 lead.
- Junior running back Khalil Herbert recorded his first rushing touchdown of the game, a 3-yard run in the third quarter. Prior to the touchdown drive, senior cornerback Shakial Taylor registered his second interception of the year.
- Williams connected with senior wide receiver Jeremiah Booker for a nine-yard touchdown reception.
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UP NEXT
Kansas will host Texas on Friday, Nov. 23, for Senior Day. KU will honor 30 seniors prior to kickoff. The game will kick off at 11 a.m., with a live broadcast on FOX Sports 1.
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