Host Kansas, TCU clash in critical early conference game

Kansas and TCU both really need a win when they meet in Saturday’s conference game in Kansas City.The loser drops to 0-2 in the 16-team Big 12 and would have to stack wins in the second half of their schedule to ensure postseason bowl eligibility.With Kansas’ home stadium under construction, the teams are playing at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s the first time since 2011 the Jayhawks will play at the home of the Kansas City Chiefs.”They’re in a spot kind of like we are,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “It’s tough to win on the road in this conference. There are a lot of close games.”Last week, the Jayhawks (1-3, 0-1 Big 12) blew an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead in a 32-28 loss at West Virginia. Devin Neal rushed for 110 yards, the fourth straight game he’s surpassed the century mark, and had a touchdown, Jalon Daniels passed for 184 yards, a touchdown and an interception.TCU coach Sonny Dykes said the Horned Frogs need to control the Jayhawks’ running game and force third-and-long situations.”I would run the ball until we stop them,” Dykes said. “And they are very good at doing it. I’ve never seen a team run the ball as well as they do in third and medium.”Kansas has a three-game losing streak and in each game had had a fourth-quarter lead. All three losses were by one score and Leipold said the Jayhawks have to improve their four-minute offense and make plays as time drips from the clock.

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