The McAlary Effect
The McAlary Effect
A preseason ranking? Impressive.
The McAlary Effect
That’s the McAlary Effect.
The McAlary Effect
Game Report
Kansas Dominates Texas Tech in Season Opener
24 | 49
1-1(0-1) | 1-0(1-0)
Saturday September4th, 2027
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium | Lawrence, Kansas
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|10|07|00|07|24
|07|28|14|00|49---
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Lawrence, Kansas - The Kansas Jayhawks, ranked 16th, made a bold statement with a dominant 49-24 victory over No. 20 Texas Tech in Lawrence. Powered by an explosive offensive performance and timely defensive plays, Kansas controlled the game after a tight first quarter.
The game began with a back-and-forth battle. Kansas struck first with Avery Muamba punching in an 8-yard touchdown run, but Texas Tech responded immediately with Ryan Niblett's electrifying 98-yard kickoff return for a score. By the end of the first quarter, Texas Tech held a slim 10-7 lead.
The second quarter, however, belonged entirely to the Jayhawks. Johnny Thompson Jr. capped off an early drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to give Kansas a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Texas Tech briefly threatened with Howie DiNapoli finding D.J. Crest for a 2-yard score, but Kansas responded with a barrage of touchdowns. Brad Matlock and Isaiah Marshall alternated at quarterback, leading an efficient offense that churned out 28 points in the quarter, including touchdowns by Glen Jue, Austin Dogins, and Marshall himself.
Brad Matlock orchestrated a nearly flawless passing attack, finishing 20-of-26 for 258 yards and two touchdowns, despite a single interception. His precision found multiple targets, including Damian Keo, who hauled in five receptions for 111 yards, and Keaton Kubecka, who contributed another 59 yards on five catches. Jaden Hamm and Austin Dogins both added touchdown receptions, showcasing Kansas' diverse aerial threat.
The Jayhawks’ rushing attack complemented Matlock perfectly. Johnny Thompson Jr. powered his way to 139 yards and two scores on 18 carries, while Avery Muamba added 105 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts. Even Marshall chipped in, scoring a 4-yard touchdown run despite a modest total of 6 rushing yards.
Kansas’ defense set the tone, holding Texas Tech to just 71 rushing yards and forcing two interceptions. Damani Maxson and Jeremiah Moses each picked off DiNapoli, while T.J. Harbor added a sack. The defensive unit was led by Taylor Davis, Seth Sahara, Jeremiah Moses, and Roddy Orr, who each recorded six tackles. Their relentless effort stifled any chance of a Texas Tech comeback.
Texas Tech quarterback Howie DiNapoli managed 172 passing yards with one touchdown but also threw two costly interceptions. Cameron Dickey was limited to 75 rushing yards, and Kelby Valsin’s four catches for 80 yards highlighted the receiving effort. Defensively, Peyton Morgan was a bright spot with 14 tackles and a sack, while Miles Thompson and Justin Horne grabbed interceptions.
Kansas blew the game open in the second quarter, scoring 28 points to take a commanding 35-17 halftime lead. Texas Tech’s inability to generate offensive consistency in the second half allowed the Jayhawks to cruise to victory.
Kansas outgained Texas Tech 544-243 in total offense and dominated time of possession, doubling up Texas Tech in that aspect. With this resounding season-opening win, the Jayhawks start the year 1-0, setting an early tone for what could be a promising campaign. Meanwhile, Texas Tech falls to 1-1, unable to match Kansas' intensity. Coach Jordan McAlary praised his team’s balanced attack postgame, saying, “When we play like this, we’re a tough team to stop.”
Additional Media
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
(KU) Avery Muamba, 8-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 4:11.
(TTU) Ryan Niblett, 98-yard kickoff return (Steve Sampson kick), 4:01.
(TTU) Steve Sampson, 48-yard field goal, 1:10.
Second Quarter
(KU) Johnny Thompson Jr., 2-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 7:08.
(TTU) D.J. Crest, 2-yard pass from Howie DiNapoli (Steve Sampson kick), 4:23.
(KU) Glen Jue, 1-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 2:20.
(KU) Austin Dogins, 6-yard pass from Brad Matlock (Shaq Durham kick), 1:50.
(KU) Isaiah Marshall, 4-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 0:21.
Third Quarter
(KU) Johnny Thompson Jr., 5-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 5:36.
(KU) Jaden Hamm, 3-yard pass from Brad Matlock (Shaq Durham kick), 2:05.
Fourth Quarter
(TTU) Caleb Largo, 1-yard run (Steve Sampson kick), 6:35.
Key Statistics
Passing – B. Matlock 20/26 258Yds 2TD 1Int, I. Marshall 1/5 11Yds 1Int
Rushing - J. Thompson Jr. 18Car 139Yds 2TD, A. Muamba 13Car 105Yds 1TD, G. Jue 3Car 12Yds 1TD, I. Marshall 8Car 6Yds 1TD
Receiving – D. Keo 5Rec 111Yds, K. Kubecka 5Rec 59Yds, T. Green 2Rec 27Yds, A. Dogins 2Rec 22Yds 1TD, J. Thompson Jr 3Rec 21Yds, J. Hamm 2Rec 15Yds 1TD
Tackles – T. Davis 6, S. Sahara 6, J. Moses 6, R. Orr 6
Sacks – T. Harbor 1.0
Takeaways – D. Maxson 1Int, J. Moses 1Int
Special Teams - S. Durham 0/1FG 7/7XP
Passing – H. DiNapoli 15/27 172Yds 1TD 2Int
Rushing – C. Dickey 16Car 75Yds
Receiving – K. Valsin 4Rec 80Yds, T. Merling 3Rec 49Yds, T. West 3Rec 27Yds, D. Crest 1Rec 2Yds 1TD
Tackles – P. Morgan 14, J. Curry 13, E. Ayers 10
Sacks – B. Rigsby 1.0, M. Dingle 1.0, A. Rainey 1.0, P. Morgan 1.0, E. Ayers 1.0
Takeaways – M. Thompson 1Int, J. Horne 1Int
Special Teams – S. Sampson 1/1FG 3/3XP, R. Niblet 3KR 138Yds 1TD
Up Next
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.
Jordan McAlary on the team’s performance:
"I thought we came out and executed our game plan almost to perfection. Offensively, we were balanced, and defensively, we made the plays we needed to win. Starting the season with a win like that against a ranked opponent is exactly the kind of momentum we wanted."
On the offensive explosion in the second quarter:
"That second quarter was something special. Our guys just found a rhythm. Brad [Matlock] was in complete control of the offense, Johnny [Thompson Jr.] and Avery [Muamba] were running downhill, and the receivers made some big-time catches. It felt like everything was clicking."
On the defense forcing two turnovers:
"Defense wins championships, and our guys showed why. Damani Maxson and Jeremiah Moses came up huge with those interceptions, and T.J. Harbor got to the quarterback at a crucial moment. Those plays shift momentum, and we need more of that as the season goes on."
On the five sacks allowed:
"Look, we can’t ignore the fact that five sacks is unacceptable. I know our offensive line takes pride in protecting the quarterback, and they’re already working on cleaning that up. Losing Carter Lavrusky, who’s not just one of our best offensive linemen but one of the true leaders on this team, was a tough blow. He’s been a rock on that line, and his absence is felt not just in his play, but in his ability to keep the group cohesive.
That said, injuries are part of football, and it’s an opportunity for someone else to step up. We have confidence in the guys behind Carter, and it’s on the whole group to gel, adjust, and rise to the challenge. We’ve got to get back to playing disciplined, assignment-sound football, and that starts with communication and fundamentals. If we can clean up the protection and give our quarterbacks time, I’m confident this offense can be as explosive as we all believe it can be."
On starting the season with a win:
"There’s nothing better than starting 1-0, especially against a quality team like Texas Tech. It sets the tone for the rest of the year. But as I told the guys after the game, it’s one game. We’ve got to stay hungry and keep getting better every week."
The McAlary Effect
Jayhawk Talk Tua with hawk tua
The McAlary Effect
Big 12 Update
Week 1
Kansas Rolls Over Texas Tech in Season Opener, 49-24
North Carolina Survives Thriller Against UCF, 31-29
West Virginia Dominates Ohio, 48-27
BYU Edges Kennesaw State in Shootout, 48-46
TCU Outlasts Stanford in Offensive Showcase, 44-34
Cincinnati Stuns Louisville, 37-24
Utah Holds Off Wyoming for a Close Victory, 34-28
Oregon Flexes Against Baylor, Wins 45-6
Marshall Sneaks by Iowa State, 24-23
Arizona Dominates Colorado State, 48-17
LSU Outclasses Houston, 28-14
Arizona State Crushes Illinois, 43-21
Big 12 Scores
North Carolina 31, UCF 29
Kennesaw State 48, BYU 46
West Virginia 48, Ohio 27
TCU 44, Stanford 34
Cincinnati 37, Louisville 24
Kansas State 28, Georgia Southern 9
Utah 34, Wyoming 28
Kansas 49, Texas Tech 24
Arizona State 43, Illinois 21
Oregon 45, Baylor 6
Marshall 24, Iowa State 23
LSU 28, Houston 14
Arizona 48, Colorado State 17
Big 12 Players of the Week
Defensive: Arizona DE Carter Matlock 6Tkl, 5Sck
Offensive: Cincinnati WR Kale Woodburn 7Rec 149Yds 4TD
Big 12 Conference Standings
| Team | W-L | PCT | CONF | PF | PA | HOME | AWAY | STK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 1-0 | 1.000 | 1-0 | 49 | 24 | 1-0 | 0-0 | W1 |
| Arizona | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 48 | 17 | 1-0 | 0-0 | W1 |
| Arizona State | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 43 | 21 | 1-0 | 0-0 | W1 |
| Baylor | 0-1 | .000 | 0-0 | 6 | 45 | 0-1 | 0-0 | L1 |
| BYU | 0-1 | .000 | 0-0 | 46 | 48 | 0-1 | 0-0 | L1 |
| Cincinnati | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 37 | 24 | 0-0 | 1-0 | W1 |
| Colorado | 0-0 | .000 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 |
| Houston | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 28 | 14 | 0-0 | 1-0 | W1 |
| Iowa State | 0-1 | .000 | 0-0 | 23 | 24 | 0-0 | 0-1 | L1 |
| Kansas State | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 28 | 9 | 1-0 | 0-0 | W1 |
| Oklahoma State | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 39 | 35 | 1-0 | 0-0 | W1 |
| TCU | 1-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 44 | 34 | 1-0 | 0-0 | W1 |
| UCF | 0-1 | .000 | 0-0 | 29 | 31 | 0-0 | 0-1 | L1 |
| Utah | 2-0 | 1.000 | 0-0 | 72 | 48 | 1-0 | 1-0 | W2 |
| West Virginia | 1-1 | .500 | 0-0 | 62 | 65 | 1-0 | 0-1 | W1 |
| Texas Tech | 1-1 | .500 | 0-1 | 62 | 71 | 1-0 | 0-1 | L1 |
The McAlary Effect
Don’t let Marshall throw the ball anymore.
The McAlary Effect
NCAA Update
Week 1
- Miami Takes Over No. 1: Hurricanes surge to the top spot after a 35-21 win over Oklahoma.
- Kansas Opens with Authority: Jayhawks dominate Texas Tech 49-24 to climb to No. 15.
- Utah Stays Undefeated: Utes edge Wyoming 34-28 and enter the Top 25 at No. 25.
- Heisman Watch: LSU’s Caden Durham and Utah’s John Randle Jr. lead early race for college football’s most prestigious award.
National Players of the Week
Defensive: Carter Matlock (Arizona) vs. Colorado State — 6 tackles, 5 sacks.
Offensive: Kale Woodburn (Cincinnati) vs. Louisville — 7 receptions, 149 yards, 4 touchdowns.
Top 25 Rankings
| Rank | LW | Team | W-L | Last Week | This Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Miami | 1-0 | W 35-21 vs Oklahoma | vs Virginia |
| 2 | 5 | Nebraska | 1-0 | W 47-21 vs Northern Illinois | at FCS East |
| 3 | 11 | SMU | 1-0 | W 33-14 vs Tennessee | at Oklahoma |
| 4 | 7 | Michigan | 1-0 | W 38-17 vs Buffalo | vs FCS Southeast |
| 5 | 18 | NC State | 1-0 | W 28-21 vs Alabama | vs FCS West |
| 6 | 9 | Kansas State | 1-0 | W 28-9 vs Georgia Southern | vs West Virginia |
| 7 | 10 | Notre Dame | 2-0 | W 24-13 vs Purdue | vs FCS West |
| 8 | 1 | Georgia | 0-1 | L 17-14 vs Florida State | vs Louisville |
| 9 | 12 | Clemson | 0-0 | --- | at BYU |
| 10 | 2 | Oklahoma | 0-1 | L 35-21 vs Miami | at SMU |
| 11 | 4 | Alabama | 1-1 | L 28-21 vs NC State | --- |
| 12 | 13 | Duke | 1-0 | W 26-24 vs Wake Forest | vs FCS West |
| 13 | 14 | Colorado | 0-0 | --- | at Northwestern |
| 14 | 15 | Oregon | 2-0 | W 45-6 at Baylor | vs Purdue |
| 15 | 16 | Kansas | 1-0 | W 49-24 vs Texas Tech | at Washington State |
| 16 | 6 | Tennessee | 0-1 | L 33-14 vs SMU | vs Texas |
| 17 | 19 | Pittsburgh | 1-0 | W 20-17 vs Wisconsin | at Florida International |
| 18 | 22 | Texas A&M | 2-0 | W 52-10 vs Texas State | at Arizona State |
| 19 | 21 | Oregon State | 1-0 | W 24-21 vs Hawaii | vs New Mexico |
| 20 | 23 | Arizona | 1-0 | W 48-17 at Colorado State | vs FCS Northwest |
| 21 | NR | Florida State | 1-0 | W 17-14 vs Georgia | vs FCS Southeast |
| 22 | 8 | Washington | 0-1 | L 15-10 vs Fresno State | at Minnesota |
| 23 | NR | Nevada | 1-0 | W 24-23 at South Alabama | vs Wyoming |
| 24 | NR | TCU | 1-0 | W 44-34 vs Stanford | vs FCS Midwest |
| 25 | NR | Utah | 2-0 | W 34-28 vs Wyoming | at Texas Tech |
Dropped from Rankings: Iowa State 17, Texas Tech 20, USF 24, South Carolina 25
Heisman Watch
| Player | POS | School | Last Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caden Durham | HB | LSU | L vs Houston 28-14, 12 carries, 31 yards, 4 receptions, 40 yards |
| John Randle Jr. | HB | Utah | W vs Wyoming 34-28, 18 carries, 97 yards, 2 TDs, 4 receptions, 27 yards |
| Tyler Brown | WR | Clemson | --- |
| Nick Marsh | WR | Michigan State | W vs South Carolina 24-22, 5 receptions, 73 yards |
| Jalen Brown | WR | Florida State | W vs Georgia 17-14 |
The McAlary Effect
Recruiting Update
| Recruiting Targets (Listed by National Ranking) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ## | POS | NAME |  | Class | NATL | STATE | POS | Home | HT | WT | Stage | Interest |
| 01 | SS | Rudy Glennon | | HS | 10 | 2 | 1 | Lawrenceville, GA | 6'0" | 199 | Top 8 | 3rd |
| 02 | MLB | Eric Fredrickson | | HS | 12 | 2 | 1 | Duncanville, TX | 6'3" | 234 | Top 8 | 2nd |
| 03 | DT | Tavares Sands | | HS | 13 | 3 | 2 | Wylie, TX | 6'5" | 329 | Top 8 | 5th |
| 04 | LT | Josh Pianalto | | HS | 26 | 8 | 1 | Arlington, TX | 6'7" | 314 | Top 8 | 5th |
| 05 | RE | Dell Mangold |  | HS | 57 | 1 | 7 | Green Bay, WI | 6'1" | 246 | Top 8 | 3rd |
| 06 | ROLB | Connor O'Neal | | HS | 89 | 2 | 4 | Oklahoma City, OK | 6'4" | 238 | Top 8 | 2nd |
| 07 | RG | Robert Kumah | | HS | 99 | 2 | 4 | Bloomington, IN | 6'1" | 305 | Top 8 | 1st |
| 08 | ATH | Chase Sobieski | | HS | 190 | 3 | 21 | Slidell, LA | 5'11" | 229 | Top 5 | 3rd |
| 09 | RT | Clarence Reaves | | HS | 212 | 1 | 13 | Ankeny, IA | 6'7" | 326 | Top 8 | 3rd |
| 10 | ATH | Alan Boulware | | HS | 278 | 2 | 14 | Loveland, CO | 6'3" | 202 | Top 8 | 1st |
| 11 | MLB | B.J. Chase | | HS | 280 | 4 | 14 | Kansas, UT | 6'2" | 242 | Top 8 | 1st |
| 12 | FS | Deacon Fries | | HS | 283 | 3 | 20 | Maumelkle, AR | 6'4" | 253 | Top 5 | 3rd |
| 13 | FS | Vernon Studivant | | HS | 337 | 40 | 18 | Long Beach, CA | 5'11" | 196 | Top 8 | 2nd |
| 14 | SS | Earl Ramsay | | HS | 380 | 7 | 9 | Fort Wayne, IN | 6'3" | 218 | Top 8 | 2nd |
| 15 | RG | Calvin Capps | | HS | 414 | 9 | 15 | West Bloomfield, MI | 6'4" | 280 | Top 8 | 3rd |
| 16 | RT | Diondre Tolbert |  | HS | 478 | 5 | 24 | Saint Peters, MO | 6'4" | 299 | Top 8 | 1st |
| 17 | QB | Tavaris Lanovoi | | HS | 479 | 47 | 35 | Watkinsville, GA | 6'4" | 201 | Top 8 | 1st |
| 18 | RG | Shakir Penn | | HS | 542 | 13 | 23 | Ruston, LA | 6'1" | 296 | Top 10 | 1st |
| 19 | FB | Theo Cantrell | | HS | 587 | 14 | 6 | Alexandria, LA | 6'0" | 231 | Top 8 | 1st |
| 20 | TE | Courtland Stafford | | HS | 745 | 25 | 33 | Irvington, NJ | 6'5" | 243 | Top 10 | 1st |
| 21 | RG | Kevin DeMarco | | HS | 787 | 76 | 26 | Marietta, GA | 6'3" | 291 | Top 5 | 2nd |