LAWRENCE, Kan. _ Well, that momentum was short-lived.
Coming off an upset home victory over TCU last week, the Kansas football team no-showed the encore, falling, 27-3, to Iowa State on Saturday afternoon at Booth Memorial Stadium.
The first half, if nothing else, revealed a huge difference between the two programs at the receiver position.
Hakeem Butler dominated early, breaking free for an 83-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter before posting a more impressive play the next possession. The 6-foot-6 receiver adjusted back to an underthrown deep ball from quarterback Brock Purdy, going over the helmet of KU cornerback Hasan Defense for a Randy Moss-like circus catch. Butler then threw Defense to the ground with his off hand, taking a few steps before flipping into the end zone for a 51-yard score.
KU, meanwhile, struggled with even the simplest of plays on the outside.
After establishing the run, the Jayhawks went to play action, with quarterback Peyton Bender hitting Stephon Robinson in stride down the sideline for a potential touchdown. Robinson dropped it, though, lowering his head between his knees for a few seconds in shock.
KU would get no points on that drive, later turning it over on downs.
Later, in the second quarter, KU advanced to Iowa State territory before another miscue. Robinson, on a reception, had it stripped away by Iowa State's Brian Peavy before the Cyclones scooped the loose ball.
KU trailed 20-3 at the break, then didn't get any closer after halftime.
Though the Jayhawks' running game showed flashes of effectiveness, the team was not successful in the pass game. Through three quarters, Bender completed 9 of 20 passes for 49 yards, though those stats also were hurt by numerous receiver drops.
The big picture for KU? The Jayhawks fell to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in the Big 12, with a huge game looming next week at Kansas State. It will especially be significant for coach David Beaty, who faces long odds of keeping his job past this season if he isn't able to get that win over the Jayhawks' biggest rival.
Saturday also was another illustration of KU fan apathy, as Iowa State supporters dressed in cardinal-colored shirts made up more than half of the game's attendance.
