The Kansas Jayhawks are facing off against the Texas Longhorns in a battle of undefeated ranked teams. And Kansas backup quarterback Jason Bean got the attention of the CFB world with an unbelievable option play that was run to perfection.
The Jayhawks came into the game with some adversity after starting quarterback Jalon Daniels was unexpectedly ruled out for the game just before kickoff.
According to Pete Thamel, Daniels experienced back tightness before the game, an injury that has plagued him throughout this season. He was able to warm up before the game, but Kansas ultimately decided that Bean would get the start with Daniels being ruled doubtful to play in the game.
For those wondering why Kansas’ Jalon Daniels isn’t playing. He experienced back tightness before the game, which had limited him earlier this year. He warmed up and went to locker room. He hasn’t come out and is working with a trainer. He’s doubtful, per Lance Leipold to…
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 30, 2023
It’s obviously not great for Kansas to be without their starting quarterback against the No. 3 ranked Texas Longhorns. But early on in Saturday’s game, Jason Bean has kept the Jayhawks in it, particularly with his rushing ability.
Bean showed off that rushing ability with an unbelievable run on an option play in the second quarter. He was able to make a Texas defender miss and take the ball all the way down to the Texas 18-yard line. As Bean was about to be tackled, he finally pitched the ball to his running back, Daniel Hishaw Jr., who was able to take it the rest of the way for the touchdown.
Kansas QB Jason Beam pitches it at the perfect time to his teammate on the option play for a 45-yard touchdown.🔥pic.twitter.com/hItSYS5tty
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 30, 2023
It was officially ruled a fumble instead of a pitch from Bean, but it seemed pretty clear that his intention on the play was to lateral to his teammate.
Fans took notice of the terrific play and praised Beam for the terrific effort.
https://twitter.com/EliHershkovich/status/1708217232126255484
We’ll take it.
— jhawk4life 🇺🇸 (@jhawk4life) September 30, 2023
Can someone explain to us what is going on?! 😅
The @jasonbean24 & @DeuceHishaw combo for the TD to pull within 3! https://t.co/VxfnVHrQjf— Tailgate Twelve Podcast (@tailgate12pod) September 30, 2023
This play looks like Kansas magic. https://t.co/3m0vU4avh2
— soonergal (@soonergal4) September 30, 2023
That was pretty https://t.co/4JGouLJjiF
— JoVan L. Kearse (@KansasBelle9) September 30, 2023
Whether it was a fumble or a pitch can be debated, but either way it was a massive play for Kansas to keep them in this game. They went into the half facing a 13-7 deficit, a commendable effort considering they are down to their backup quarterback in this big matchup.
