top of the page, couple good wins to wrap up the regular season, let's see if we can keep it rolling
The McAlary Effect
The McAlary Effect
OSU got smacked!
Avenge CSU for me, take Colorado down!
Avenge CSU for me, take Colorado down!
The McAlary Effect
No Staub no prob?
The McAlary Effect
Game Report
Kansas holds off Colorado in shootout to claim Big 12 title
49 | 52
10-3(8-2) | 12-1(9-1)
Saturday December 11th, 2027
AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas
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Arlington, Texas - In one of the most dramatic Big 12 Championship Games in recent memory, the Kansas Jayhawks edged the Colorado Buffaloes, 52-49, to capture their conference title in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. From explosive plays to late-game heroics, this game had it all.
Colorado wasted no time taking the lead on their first possession, as sophomore backup quarterback Branden Coat connected with Drelon Miller for a 31-yard touchdown pass. Coat, thrust into the starting role, immediately demonstrated that he would not be a liability, finishing the game with 451 yards passing and seven touchdowns.
Kansas, however, responded with a methodical 14-play, 77-yard drive, capped by quarterback Isaiah Marshall’s 4-yard touchdown run. On Colorado’s next possession, a sack by Kansas’ Marcus Calvin forced a three-and-out, and Kansas capitalized quickly. Johnny Thompson Jr.’s 3-yard touchdown run gave the Jayhawks their first lead, set up by Marshall’s pinpoint passes to Harry Stewart III and Damien Keo for gains of 17 and 31 yards, respectively.
Colorado answered emphatically. Coat unleashed a 75-yard touchdown bomb to Cordale Russell on the Buffaloes’ first play of the ensuing drive, tying the game as the first quarter ended.
Early in the second quarter, Kansas faced adversity. A third-and-one conversion by Terrelle Warren was negated by a holding penalty, leading to a shanked punt by Anthony Newson that set Colorado up at the Kansas 33-yard line. Coat scrambled for a 15-yard gain and then found Josh DeCicco for an 18-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead for the Buffaloes.
Kansas responded with resilience. Thompson Jr.’s second touchdown of the game capped another long drive to tie things at 21. After a defensive stop, Kansas capitalized on a 52-yard burst from Thompson Jr., with Marshall eventually scoring on a 1-yard run just before halftime to give the Jayhawks a 28-21 lead.
Kansas extended their advantage midway through the third quarter with a 43-yard field goal by Shaq Durham. Colorado answered with Coat’s third touchdown pass of the day, a 10-yard strike to Drelon Miller. Not to be outdone, Marshall delivered a perfect 20-yard touchdown pass to running back Avery Muamba, extending Kansas’ lead to 38-28 entering the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter turned into a rollercoaster. Coat found Asaad Waseem for a 7-yard touchdown to pull Colorado within three. Disaster struck Kansas when Marshall’s pass intended for a wide-open Keo was tipped and intercepted by Colorado’s Afa Choi. On the very next play, Coat hit Kam Mikell for a 67-yard touchdown, giving Colorado a 42-38 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
Marshall, however, proved why he’s the leader of this Kansas team as he put together a strong drive, however, facing a fourth-and-seven at Colorado’s 30-yard line, he connected with Keo who was stopped short of the sticks. With 1:37 left, Kansas’ defense stepped up, forcing a three-and-out aided by a crucial holding penalty on Colorado. After using all three timeouts, the Jayhawks got the ball back at their own 36-yard line with 1:09 to play.
Marshall orchestrated a surgical drive. He completed four straight passes, including a 22-yard strike to tight end Tre'Dez Green to reach Colorado’s 19-yard line with 42 seconds left. On the next play, Marshall stepped up in the pocket and delivered a laser to Keo on a post route for the go-ahead touchdown with 38 seconds left, giving Kansas a 45-42 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Kansas’ Jayvaun Russell delivered a massive hit on the returner, jarring the ball loose. Receiver Austin Dogins scooped up the fumble and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 52-42 with 31 seconds remaining.
Colorado’s Coat, refusing to go down quietly, completed passes of 10 and 17 yards before hitting Cordale Russell on a 51-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 52-49 with 12 seconds left. However, Kansas’ Keaton Kubecka recovered the onside kick, and Marshall took a knee to seal the victory.
Kansas rolled up an impressive 631 yards of total offense, with 309 coming on the ground and 322 through the air. Thompson Jr. was the engine, rushing for 192 yards and two scores. Marshall contributed 322 passing yards and two touchdowns while adding 13 rushing yards and two more scores. Muamba added 92 rushing yards and 54 receiving yards, including a touchdown. Keo led the team with 82 receiving yards and a score, while Green had a breakout game with 70 yards on five catches.
Defensively, Marcus Calvin’s first-quarter sack was a highlight, and David Tripp led the Jayhawks with seven tackles. Colorado’s offense was electric behind Coat’s 451 passing yards and seven touchdowns. Cordale Russell had a monster game, catching seven passes for 167 yards and two scores.
Kansas coach Jordan McAlary summed up the night: “This team showed incredible heart. It wasn’t perfect, but they found a way to win. That’s what champions do.”
The victory not only secured the Big 12 Championship but also gives Kansas’ a very strong case for the top seed heading into the College Football Playoff, where this resilient group will look to continue their magical season.
Additional Media
Scoring Summary
First Quarter:
(CU) Drelon Miller 31-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 6:11
(KU) Isaiah Marshall 4-yard run (Shaq Durham kick) – 3:15
(KU) Johnny Thompson Jr. 3-yard run (Shaq Durham kick) – 0:33
(CU) Cordale Russell 74-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 0:00
Second Quarter:
(CU) Josh DeCicco 18-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 6:06
(KU) Johnny Thompson Jr. 3-yard run (Shaq Durham kick) – 3:37
(KU) Isaiah Marshall 1-yard run (Shaq Durham kick) – 1:44
Third Quarter:
(KU) Shaq Durham 43-yard field goal – 4:36
(CU) Drelon Miller 10-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 1:52
(KU) Avery Muamba 20-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick) – 0:19
Fourth Quarter:
(CU) Asaad Waseem 7-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 6:30
(CU) Kam Mikell 67-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 3:22
(KU) Damien Keo 19-yard pass from Isaiah Marshall (Shaq Durham kick) – 0:37
(KU) Austin Dogins returned fumble 21 yards (Shaq Durham kick) – 0:30
(CU) Cordale Russell 51-yard pass from Branden Coat (Ahmad Wear kick) – 0:12
Key Statistics
Passing – I. Marshall 26/39 322Yds 2TD 1Int
Rushing – J. Thompson Jr 28Car 192Yds 2TD, A. Muamba 13Car 92Yds, I. Marshall 8Car 13Yds 2TD
Receiving – D. Keo 6Rec 82Yds 1TD, K. Kubecka 6Rec 61Yds, T. Green 5Rec 70Yds, A. Muamba 4Rec 54Yds 1TD
Tackles – D. Tripp 7, J. Todd 5, D. Cantrell 5, T. Davis 5
Sacks – M. Calvin 1.0
Takeaways – J. Russell 1FF, A. Dogins 1FR 1TD
Special Teams - S. Durham 1/1FG 7/7XP, M. Cooke 4KR 56Yds 7PR 53Yds, J. Marciano 2KR 49Yds, K. Kubecka 1KR 4Yds
Passing – B. Coat 27/38 451Yds 7TD
Rushing – M. Welch 8Car 39Yds, D. Miller 2Car 30Yds
Receiving – C. Russell 7Rec 167Yds 2TD, K. Mikell 5Rec 98Yds 1TD, D. Miller 4Rec 43Yds 2TD
Tackles – K. Garcia 15, S. Groves 14
Sacks – C. Brackney 1.0, B. Davis Swain 0.5, K. Taylor-Barrocks 0.5
Takeaways – A. Choi 1Int, C. Russell 1FF
Special Teams – A. Wear 7/7XP, O. Cheeks 4PT 157Yds, A. Dearth 3KR 72Yds, D. Miller 4KR 60Yds
Up Next
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
The McAlary Effect
Jayhawk Talk
Each week following their game Kansas Head Coach Jordan McAlary makes an appearance on KLWN to talk about the game, we'll include a few key points in this article.
On the resilience of his team:
“Man, these kids just don’t quit. There were so many moments in that game where things could’ve gone sideways, but they kept fighting. They believed in each other, and that belief carried us to the title.”
On Isaiah Marshall’s late-game heroics:
“Isaiah’s composure in that final drive was incredible. He made big throw after big throw, and when we needed a leader, he delivered. That’s what makes him special. He’s got ice in his veins.”
On the fumble recovery touchdown by Austin Dogins:
“That was one of those moments you dream about as a coach. Special teams can change a game in an instant, and Austin showed why you never stop playing until the whistle. It was a pure hustle play, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
On Branden Coat and the Colorado offense:
“I tip my hat to Branden Coat. That kid is a star in the making. He gave us everything we could handle, but our guys found a way to rise to the challenge. Sometimes, it’s about who makes the last play, and we made just one more.”
On what this win means for the Kansas program:
“Winning the Big 12 means so much to this program, our fans, and the entire Jayhawk community. It’s been a long road, but this team has brought pride back to Kansas football. Now, we’re ready for the next challenge.”
On Johnny Thompson Jr.’s performance:
“Johnny was a workhorse out there. He ran with purpose, and you could see how much he wanted it. His energy and effort were contagious—it fired everyone up on the sideline.”
On the College Football Playoff:
“We’re excited about what’s next, but we’re going to enjoy this one for a bit first. These moments don’t come around every day, and this group deserves to soak it all in. That said, I think we’ve shown we belong.”
The McAlary Effect
Big 12 Update
Conference Championship Week
Kansas 52, Colorado 49
Big 12 Players of the Week
Defensive: Colorado DT Chase Brackney – 5Tkl, 1.0Sck
Offensive: Colorado QB Branden Coat – 451Yds 7TD
Big 12 Conference Standings
| Team | W-L | PCT | CONF | PF | PA | HOME | AWAY | STK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kansas | 12-1 | 0.923 | 8-1 | 488 | 280 | 7-0 | 4-1 | W8 |
| 8 Colorado | 10-3 | 0.769 | 8-1 | 457 | 296 | 5-2 | 5-0 | L1 |
| 13 Cincinnati | 9-3 | 0.750 | 6-3 | 350 | 290 | 4-1 | 5-2 | W2 |
| Baylor | 7-5 | 0.583 | 6-3 | 361 | 354 | 2-4 | 5-1 | W1 |
| No. 19 Texas Tech | 8-4 | 0.667 | 6-3 | 385 | 308 | 3-3 | 5-1 | W2 |
| Kansas State | 7-5 | 0.583 | 5-4 | 314 | 282 | 5-2 | 2-3 | L1 |
| Oklahoma State | 7-5 | 0.583 | 5-4 | 312 | 334 | 5-2 | 2-3 | L1 |
| Arizona | 8-4 | 0.667 | 5-4 | 430 | 352 | 3-2 | 5-2 | W2 |
| Iowa State | 5-7 | 0.417 | 4-5 | 320 | 342 | 2-3 | 3-4 | L3 |
| Arizona State | 5-7 | 0.417 | 4-5 | 323 | 335 | 2-4 | 3-3 | L3 |
| BYU | 4-8 | 0.333 | 3-6 | 335 | 374 | 2-5 | 2-3 | W1 |
| TCU | 5-7 | 0.417 | 3-6 | 281 | 392 | 3-4 | 2-3 | L1 |
| Utah | 5-7 | 0.417 | 3-6 | 316 | 338 | 3-5 | 2-2 | L4 |
| Houston | 3-9 | 0.250 | 2-7 | 210 | 322 | 2-4 | 0-5 | L2 |
| UCF | 3-9 | 0.250 | 2-7 | 330 | 359 | 2-4 | 1-5 | L1 |
| West Virginia | 3-9 | 0.250 | 2-7 | 316 | 372 | 2-4 | 1-5 | L2 |
The McAlary Effect
NCAA Update
Conference Championship Week
CUSA | Louisiana Tech 21, Jacksonville State 17
MAC | Ball State 38, Central Michigan 30
Big 12 | Kansas 52, Colorado 49
SBC | Arkansas State 49, Coastal Carolina 14
American | UAB 40, Tulane 37
SEC | Alabama 31, Tennessee 27
MWC | Boise State 41, Hawaii 17
ACC | Clemson 35, 3 North Carolina 21
Big Ten | Nebraska 41, Michigan 17
College Football Playoff Top 25 Rankings
| Rank | Team | W-L | Last Week | This Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas | 12-1 | 2 | --- |
| 2 | Pittsburgh | 11-1 | 1 | --- |
| 3 | Clemson | 11-2 | 3 | --- |
| 4 | Nebraska | 12-1 | 5 | --- |
| 5 | Washington | 10-2 | 6 | --- |
| 6 | Michigan | 11-2 | 4 | --- |
| 7 | Notre Dame | 10-2 | 8 | --- |
| 8 | Colorado | 10-3 | 7 | --- |
| 9 | Oregon | 9-3 | 9 | --- |
| 10 | UAB | 13-0 | 10 | --- |
| 11 | Ohio State | 9-3 | 11 | --- |
| 12 | Ole Miss | 9-3 | 12 | --- |
| 13 | Cincinnati | 9-3 | 15 | --- |
| 14 | Boise State | 12-1 | 16 | --- |
| 15 | Penn State | 9-3 | 17 | --- |
| 16 | North Carolina | 8-5 | 13 | --- |
| 17 | Florida State | 9-3 | 18 | --- |
| 18 | Tennessee | 9-4 | 14 | --- |
| 19 | Texas Tech | 8-4 | 19 | --- |
| 20 | Texas A&M | 8-4 | 21 | --- |
| 21 | USF | 9-3 | 20 | --- |
| 22 | Fresno State | 9-3 | 23 | --- |
| 23 | Oregon State | 9-3 | 25 | --- |
| 24 | Nevada | 9-3 | NR | --- |
| 25 | Tulane | 9-4 | 24 | --- |
Players of the Week
Defensive: Nebaska MLB Ronnie Durbin – 5Tkl 2Sck
Offensive: Colorado QB Branden Coat – 451Yds 7TD
Heisman Watch
| Player | POS | Team | Season Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christopher Vizzina | QB | Clemson | 4190Yds 50TD 11Int, 390RYds 2TD |
| Eli Holstein | QB | Pittsburgh | 2773Yds 28TD 4Int, 694RYds 4TD |
| Kenny Minchey | QB | Notre Dame | 3633Yds 38TD 6Int, 295RYds 1TD |
| Kam Shanks | WR | UAB | 1327Yds 17TD, 53RYds 1TD |
| Diondre Wheat | WR | Arizona | 1066Yds 14TD, 150RYds 4TD |
The McAlary Effect
Recruiting Update
Kansas has closed out the early signing period with three key signings.
Defensive end Stephen Clarke of Kewaunee, Wisconsin has signed. The nearly 300 pound Clarke is a versatile player that could contribute as an interior linesman or an edge player for Kansas next season. Clarke played the last two seasons at Dodge City Community College in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference, leading the conference in tackles for loss this past season.
Muncie, Indiana's Jacques Butt is a monster of an offensive tackle, listed at 6'7” and 331 pounds. Butt excels as a run blocker.
Spencer Fantuz has played multiple positions during his time at Lakin High in Lakin, Kansas. Fantuz had a growth spurt over the summer and shifted from TE and DE to LT and DT this past season. He still contributed in multiple ways, catching three touchdown passes while leading the conference in sacks.
Kansas lost out on LBs Damarr Payne who chose BYU and J.J. McQuaide who elected to stay close to home at Miami.
| Committed Players (Listed by National Ranking) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POS | NAME |  | Class | NATL | STATE | POS | Home | HT | WT |
| MLB | B.J. Chase |  | HS | 280 | 4 | 14 | Kamas, UT | 6'2" | 242 |
| CB | Clay Ealy | | HS | 314 | 3 | 41 | Hopkinsville, KY | 6'2" | 181 |
| QB | Tavaris Lanovoi |  | HS | 479 | 47 | 35 | Watkinsville, GA | 6'4" | 201 |
| RE | Stephen Clarke | | JUCO (JR) | 537 | 3 | 38 | Kewaunee, WI | 6'4" | 289 |
| RG | Shakir Penn | | HS | 542 | 13 | 23 | Ruston, LA | 6'1" | 296 |
| RT | Jacques Butt | | HS | 576 | 10 | 30 | Muncie, IN | 6'7" | 331 |
| ATH | Spencer Fantuz | | HS | 694 | 2 | 19 | Lakin, KS | 6'4" | 306 |
| Recruiting Targets (Listed by National Ranking) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ## | POS | NAME | | Class | NATL | STATE | POS | Home | HT | WT | Stage | Interest |
| 01 | ATH | Dallas Walters | | HS | 508 | 5 | 60 | Hamden, CT | 6'3" | 210 | Top 5 | 1st |
| 02 | MLB | Rick Felix | | HS | 523 | 9 | 26 | Irwin, PA | 6'2" | 243 | Top 10 | --- |
| 03 | RG | Jamie Redman | | HS | 538 | 14 | 22 | Flowood, MS | 6'3" | 294 | Top 5 | 1st |
| 04 | RT | Lyle Rooks | | HS | 597 | 26 | 31 | Indian Trail, NC | 6'7" | 326 | Top 5 | 1st |
| 05 | TE | Courtland Stafford | | HS | 745 | 25 | 33 | Irvington, NJ | 6'5" | 243 | Top 5 | 1st |