Another defeat for Kansas Jayhawks football? Let’s grade that Arizona State loss

KU football can’t stop losing.

The Jayhawks lost 35-31 to Arizona State on Saturday evening at Mountain America Field in Tempe, Ariz. — Kansas’ fifth straight defeat.

“We’re close, as you can keep seeing, but that’s a tiring old story,” KU coach Lance Leipold told reporters on hand after the game.

Here are our grades for all three phases for KU (1-5, 0-3 Big 12), plus a Jayhawk player of the game:

Kansas offense: B+

This was actually a solid all-around game for KU’s offense in spite of the loss.

In fact, quarterback Jalon Daniels put together the best game he’s had all season. He was 18-of-30 for 260 yards and two touchdowns as a passer and added a rushing touchdown.

After a rough start to the season, KU wide receiver Quentin Skinner had an excellent game. He finished with six catches for 130 yards.

Devin Neal had 71 yards on 14 carries and the Jayhawks’ other touchdown.

But it wasn’t a perfect day for the KU offense. The play-calling left a bit to be desired at times.

Kansas defense: D+

Another week, another rough showing by the Kansas defense. This time KU allowed 485 total yards — including a staggering 313 on the ground.

In critical moments, the Jayhawks’ defense failed to show up. Between penalties and boneheaded mistakes, it was an ugly game all around. To top it off, KU allowed a game-winning TD pass with 16 seconds left.

The only bright spot on defense was the interception and fumble caused by KU’s secondary.

KU special teams: B-

It was a mixed bag for the Jayhawks special teams on Saturday.

Kansas allowed a 36-yard punt return right before the end of the first half, which set up an eventual touchdown for ASU with 26 seconds remaining.

Kicker Tabor Allen went 1-for-1 on field goals with a long of 20 yards. KU’s return game struggled to average 9 yards per attempt, with a long of 18.

KU punter Damon Greaves averaged 41.8 yards per punt, with a long of 51

KU player of the game: Quentin Skinner

Skinner came into Saturday’s game with just eight catches for 105 receiving yards all season.

He had four catches for 79 yards in the first half alone. He made his presence felt on Saturday.