It wasn’t just their first time defeating Oklahoma since 1997 that turned heads with the Jayhawks 38-33 victory in Lawrence, Kansas. The Jayhawks broke numerous losing streaks in knocking off Oklahoma.
Jason Bean etches his name in the Kansas record books as the first QB to defeat Oklahoma in the past three decades.
The victory marked the following:
- Kansas’ first win at home vs. AP Top 10 since 1984
- Kansas’ first win against Oklahoma since 1997
- Kansas’ first win vs. AP top 10 team since 2008
The victory knocked Oklahoma from the list of undefeated FBS teams in 2023 and all but squashed the Big 12’s chances of having a College Football Playoff contender.
It also opened up the capability for calamity for the Big 12 Championship Game this season. Oklahoma, the odds-on favorites to make the championship, now has to continue their winning ways in order to make the championship game.
Kansas has two losses in conference play, likely pushing them out of the title picture, but they’re technically still alive. The Jayhawks reached bowl eligibility with the win.
Bean finished the game with 218 yards passing and another 62 yards on the ground. Together, Bean ushered in a rushing attack that ran for 225 yards and four scores, being aided by their defense in the process.
Kansas’ defense added a touchdown of their own on a pick-six by Mello Dotson, limiting Oklahoma’s passing attack to just 167 yards in a rain-soaked affair.
The Last Time Kansas Beat Oklahoma
With history being made for Kansas, the question remains: When was the last time Kansas beat Oklahoma?
Kansas last defeated Oklahoma in Week 6 of the 1997 season, 20-17, just their fifth win of the season in 1997. Oklahoma was coached by John Blake and finished 4-8 on the season, whereas Kansas was led by Terry Allen and finished 5-6 on the season.
