Grading the Kansas football team after an upset victory over No. 17 Iowa State

For the first time in a while, Kansas football lived up to its expected level of play on Saturday.

Kansas defeated Iowa State 45-36 Saturday afternoon at GEHA Field in Arrowhead Stadium.

“It’s kind of like an NBA basketball game, where you know it’s going to get close at the end somehow, some way, and it did,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “But for us to find a way to make it happen and pull out the win was good to see. It’s good when you can take a knee to end the football game.”

The win kept KU’s bowl contention hopes alive. And it featured some history made by a Lawrence native.

Here are our grades for all three phases for KU (3-6, 2-4 Big 12), plus a player of the game:

Kansas offense: A

KU’s offense had its best outing of the season vs. Iowa State.

Quarterback Jalon Daniels finished 12-of-24 passing for 295 yards with two passing touchdowns. He added another touchdown on the ground.

Running back Devin Neal had a strong day overall. The Lawrence High alumnus ran for 116 yards with two scores. He also set KU’s all-time rushing record, which his coach and teammates celebrated with T-shirts postgame.

KU’s 45 points were the most allowed by Iowa State all season.

Kansas defense: B-

KU’s defense wasn’t perfect, but it played well in the moments that mattered on Saturday.

With Kansas leading 38-28 and just over six minutes left, cornerback Mello Dotson iced the game with a pick-six.

It was a crucial stop when Kansas needed it most. KU had three sacks and five tackles for loss.

Still, Kansas allowed 383 passing yards and 461 total. Kansas’ defense did just enough to secure the victory, but there’s still room for improvement.

Kansas special teams: C+

Special teams were a mixed bag vs. Iowa State.

Kansas kicker Tabor Allen went 1-of-2 of field goals, making a 47-yard attempt. Still, he missed a 30-yard field goal that could have proved costly as Iowa State made a late run.

Punter Damon Greaves averaged 32.7 yards per punt, with a long of 43.

Return man Trevor Wilson averaged 24 yards per return.

KU Player of the Game: Jalon Daniels

Daniels had his best game of the season vs. the Cyclones. He made it look effortless against one of the best defenses in the Big 12.

He picked apart ISU’s secondary with excellent throws in tight windows, which led to the Jayhawks taking a big lead early. Daniels has continued to trend up in recent weeks, a promising sign for this KU team.