Marshall's Late Drive Decides 25-24 Thriller Over Baylor

Final Minutes Decide Tight Duel

A desperate fourth-quarter surge by Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Isaiah Marshall proved decisive as the home team defeated the Baylor Bears 25-24 on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The game swung on a 15-yard touchdown run by Marshall in the closing seconds, followed by a failed two-point conversion attempt.

That sequence left Kansas up by one, and the game ended with Baylor's final field goal attempt being blocked, securing the Jayhawks' 3-4 record and extending Baylor's to 4-3.

Early Exchange and Midgame Shift

The contest began with rapid exchanges. Baylor struck first in the first quarter when Carson Bruhn caught a 22-yard pass from Marshall for a touchdown. Kansas answered immediately with a one-yard run by Dawson Pendergrass, tying the game at 7-7.

The second quarter was scoreless, leaving the teams even at halftime. In the third quarter, Baylor took control of the scoreboard. Devon Jordan returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown, and Martin Connington added a 40-yard field goal.

Baylor then extended their lead further when Jayden McGowan caught an eight-yard pass from DJ Lagway. By the end of the third period, the Bears led 21-10.

Stat Lines and Key Performers

Isaiah Marshall accounted for two touchdowns and 212 passing yards on 17 of 29 attempts, though he also threw two interceptions. Dylan Edwards provided a ground threat with 30 carries for 156 yards. On the receiving end, Nik McMillan hauled in two passes for 66 yards and a score.

For Baylor, DJ Lagway was the primary playmaker, throwing for 236 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 47 yards on 11 carries. Gavin Freeman was the top target, catching nine passes for 123 yards. The attendance was 32,000, witnessing a game defined by defensive stops and offensive resilience.

Outcome and Records

Kansas' ability to score in the fourth quarter, including a 34-yard pass to McMillan and a 42-yard field goal by Rhett Armstrong, brought them within striking distance. The final play was the defining moment, as Marshall's run put Kansas ahead 25-19. Baylor's subsequent 42-yard field goal by Connington narrowed the gap to 25-24, but Kansas' final block ensured the Jayhawks walked away with the win.

The result leaves Kansas at 3-4 and Baylor at 4-3 on the season.

Sources

ESPN