Kansas football: 6 quick takeaways from the Jayhawks victory vs. Missouri State
![LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks is lifted into the air by offensive lineman Dominick Puni #67 after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) LAWRENCE, KANSAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Running back Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks is lifted into the air by offensive lineman Dominick Puni #67 after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b13af44fe149ba669a428b2967e4f356b078b316883c1772e96bc0e7039d2b3.jpg)
2. It’s nice to have competent special teams play
When was the last time you watched a Kansas football game and there wasn’t a missed field goal or muffed punt? I felt practically spoiled watching the special teams unit not throw away the game like they usually do.
Seth Keller, thank you. Jacob Borcila, I apologize in advance if you are reading this, but watching you line up for a field goal last season still haunts me to this day. We’re talking about a guy who hit less than 60% of his tries during his four years in Lawrence. On the other hand, Keller is one of the most accurate returning kickers in the FBS and boasts an 86% lifetime percentage.
An improved special teams can be accredited to Sean Snyder, the son of former K-State head coach Bill. He is widely recognized as one of the best position coaches at the NCAA level. I also saw a few big tackles on kick returns, which was encouraging. We didn’t see any punts from the Australian native Damon Greaves, but you have to figure he’s an upgrade over Reis Vernon.