What Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said after defeating BYU

Published: Nov 17, 2024, 12:56 a.m. MST

Kansas Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold and Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake shake hands after the Jayhawks handed BYU their first loss of the season at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News since 2023.

Lance Leipold has won 167 games as a collegiate head coach, but few have been as impressive as toppling No. 6 BYU Saturday night in Provo.

Leipold’s Kansas Jayhawks, fighting to keep their bowl eligibility hopes alive, came into an intimidating LaVell Edwards Stadium setting and handed the Cougars their first loss of the season to complicate the home team’s Big 12 championship chances.

KANSAS UPSETS NO. 6 BYU TO END THEIR UNDEFEATED STREAK 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9YavqJYItF
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 17, 2024

“We had heard ... that this is one of the more difficult environments in our conference, and I think it truly played out to be that way,” Leipold told reporters following his team’s 17-13 win.

“It’s a great environment, and I tip my hat to the fan base and the atmosphere that they create and the energy that they bring. It makes it a very difficult place to communicate and operate at times. It was truly a factor, and it makes it even more pleasing that we were able to overcome it.”

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Keanu Hill (1) is hit hard by Kansas Jayhawks safety Marvin Grant (4) jarring the ball free as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU students cheer and pose for a photo as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, watches the screen during a pause in play as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fan students watch the game as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fans watch as time ticks closer to a Cougar loss as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A fan holds her face and watches as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Quentin Skinner (0) makes a catch makes a catch between Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Jakob Robinson (0) and Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Marque Collins (2) as they play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Marque Collins (2) is swarmed by teammates after making an interception as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is hit by Kansas Jayhawks defensive tackle Caleb Taylor (53) as he passes the ball as they play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fans stand and watch as BYU falls to Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The ball bounces off of Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Evan Johnson (21) on a pooch kick by Kansas Jayhawks and it was recovered by \Kansas Jayhawks wide receiver Quentin Skinner (0) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars players react to loosing the live ball on a pooch kick as they and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A fan holds up a sign as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A BYU fan reacts as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A fire dancer performs between the 3rd and 4th quarters as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) throws the ball past Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle John Nelson (94) BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A BYU fans watches the game as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) shows his frustration after the BYU loss to Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A fan gestures to the Cougars as they exit the field after falling to Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fans react as BYU falls to Kansas as they play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fans hold a sign as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU fans stand as watch as BYU falls to Kansas as they play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU fans cheer as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) passes the ball around Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Dean Miller (45) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) runs through the line as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A BYU motions at the camera as the Cougars and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A BYU fan cheers as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Hinckley Ropati (7) is flipped around after being hit by Kansas Jayhawks linebacker JB Brown (1) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, questions a call as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Dancers perform prior to kickoff as BYU and Kansas prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A fan holds up a sign in the student section as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) passes the ball as they and BYU play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas fans cheer after their first touchdown as they and BYU play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Mata'ava Ta'ase (88) is brought down by Kansas Jayhawks defensive lineman Ronald McGee (99) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU fans pose for a photo as they cheer as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) celebrates a touchdown run as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Students hold and shake a large banner just before kickoff as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU fans stand dejected as BYU’s hopes of a perfect season are crushed by Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU players walk off the field as their hopes of a perfect season are crushed by Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks up at the big screen as he and his teammates walk off the field as their hopes of a perfect season are crushed by Kansas at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. Kansas won 17-13. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Hinckley Ropati (7) turns toward the end zone as he makes a catch down the sideline as as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Mello Dotson (3) makes an interception in the end zone over Brigham Young Cougars tight end Mata'ava Ta'ase (88) just before the half as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) loses the ball as he his hit by Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Tyler Batty (92) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs out of a tackle attempt by Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Cornell Wheeler (44) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) gets into the secondary on a run as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle John Nelson (94) tries to disrupt a pass attempt by Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) makes a catch with Kansas Jayhawks linebacker JB Brown (1) defending on the play as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Hinckley Ropati (7) reaches up for a pass ahead of Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Taiwan Berryhill Jr. (6) as BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) warms up prior to BYU and Kansas playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU players warm up as they and Kansas prepare to play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up prior to BYU and Kansas play at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) leads some of his teammates out onto the field prior to BYU and Kansas playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday Nov. 16, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

While the extreme crowd noise did lead to a few Kansas penalties on the night, the Jayhawks seemed largely calm and unaffected by the hostile environment, with Leipold crediting his players’ preparation for that.

“We’ve got a pretty good veteran group offensively, starting at the quarterback position,” Leipold said. “(Jalon Daniels) doesn’t get rattled and he just keeps battling. I thought he handled it all pretty well.”

Lance Leipold says that during his entire head coaching career his teams have practiced pooch punts every Thursday.

By his count, tonight was the third time he’s called for one in a game.

“We didn’t expect it to work out as well as it did for us, but it was huge” pic.twitter.com/17qWVnPvmY
— Jackson Payne (@jackson5payne) November 17, 2024

Comments

With the win over BYU, Kansas has now earned ranked victories in consecutive weeks for the first time in program history, having vanquished No. 17 Iowa State just seven days ago.

Though his Jayhawks humbled the Cougars Saturday night, Leipold still had plenty of praise for BYU, believing Kalani Sitake’s squad to have improved greatly from 2023 and still have a real shot at the Big 12 title.

Highlights, key plays and photos from BYU’s 17-13 loss to Kansas

‘Overrated and exposed’: BYU fans and others react to the Cougars’ first loss of the season

“I have such great respect for the BYU program and (Kalani Sitake) and the job he’s done,” Leipold said. “They’re still in the thick of playing for a conference championship, and I can see why they’ve had the year that they’ve had.

“Compared to where they were last year, with just the improvements they’ve made holistically, I think he’s got this program in a great spot.”

Looking for comments?

Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.