Kansas defeats Louisiana Tech, 13-10, on a game-winning field goal

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Back in April 2012, Kansas’ newest head coach, Charlie Weis had the Jayhawks practice celebrate winning after nailing a field goal. Weis, who was unimpressed with the fake celebration, gave a speech to the Jayhawks.

“I can tell you guys aren’t used to winning,” Weis half-joked. “Winning a football game is not supposed to be an uncommon occurrence. I know that’s a novel concept around here.”

On Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas beat a FBS team for the first time in 742 days on a game-winning field goal from sophomore Matthew Wyman to make it 13-10 and doubled Weis’ win total of the previous season.

The Jayhawks, who outscored the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 13-3 after the first quarter, finally got to celebrate the way Weis wanted them to:

“Winning a game like that might be the best thing for our team,” said Weis following the game.

The defense made two huge defensive stops in the fourth quarter to give Kansas a chance. The first came with 12:50 left in the fourth quarter. The Jayhawks were able to force Louisiana Tech’s quarterback Ryan Higgins fumbled the ball into the endzone for a touchback.

“That play was a gift from God,” said Kansas lineman Keon Stowers.

Jake Heaps led the Jayhawks on a flawless eight-play 80-yard touchdown drive. Heaps was 4-for-4 on the drive completing three passes for over 18-yards, including a 22-yard touchdown pass to tightend Jimmay Mundine to tie the game at 10.

View the touchdown below:

With Louisiana Tech running out the clock on their final drive, the Kansas defense again came up big for the Jayhawks. Kenneth Dixon fumbled and Keon Stowers recovered the ball with 1:47 left in the game.

Heaps again led the Jayhawks down the field, going 3-for-4 on pass attempts. The biggest play of the game came when Heaps completed a pass to Tony Pierson for 29-yards to get it to the Kansas 36 with 43 seconds remaining.

After running out some clock, Matthew Wyman kicked a 52-yard field goal to give Kansas the win.

Despite two interceptions, Heaps was able to make passes when it mattered in the fourth quarter. Heaps was 28-of-46 passes on the day, completing passes to eight different Jayhawks.

Kansas was absolutely dismal in the first quarter going 0-2 on fourth down conversions and missing a 28-yard field goal but somehow, Kansas was able to stay in the game thanks to a great defensive performance. Louisiana Tech’s kicker missed two field goals, as well. Kansas won the turnover game, forcing two fumbles and Ben Heeney picked up his first career interception (video below).

Photos