How Kansas football QB Jason Bean stepped up in the biggest moment of the season

The word of the day is resilient.

In a homecoming weekend classic for Kansas football, the Jayhawks outlasted No. 6 Oklahoma 38-33 ... down to the last second.

Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s incomplete pass to the end zone sealed the first Kansas win over the Sooners since 1997, and the first top-10 win for the program at home since 1984.

But it wasn’t always easy — especially for quarterback Jason Bean.

Particularly in what he called the craziest fourth quarter he’s been a part of.

With Kansas ahead 32-27 in the final period, Bean was intercepted by Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman, a costly turnover that led to a Gabriel rushing touchdown to put Oklahoma back on top 33-32.

The Jayhawks began their march down the field to respond — just for Bean to find Oklahoma D-lineman Ethan Downs for another pick with just over two minutes on the clock.

The box score will tell you about those interceptions, but it’ll also tell you about his bounce-back game-winning drive.

“I’ve made mistakes in the past,” Bean said, “and I’ve learned from those mistakes and try not to repeat those same dumb mistakes I’ve had.”

Those words became action on Saturday.

The Kansas defense held Oklahoma to a three-and-out, setting Bean up with one more potential winning drive.

He ran for 13 yards and a first down on the first play. Later, facing a fourth down at midfield, he connected with Lawrence Arnold on a 37-yard reception that put the Jayhawks inside the Oklahoma 10-yard line.

Running back and Lawrence native Devin Neal scored the go-ahead rushing touchdown on the next play.

“There’s no more room to make mistakes in that moment, and you’ve got to just drop down to win the game,” Bean said.

He was emotional on the sideline and teammates celebrated with him on the field.

“I think I’ve been here long enough for y’all to understand what that means to me,” Bean said. “The things I’ve been through, the things this team has been through, this program has been through, this school and this state — it just means everything to get that win and against that school in that fashion. (It) is huge for us.”

In his time at Kansas, Bean has been no stranger to adversity on the biggest stages, especially in the absence of starter Jalon Daniels. But head coach Lance Leipold spoke postgame on what Bean has meant to the program and how that culminated in Saturday’s win.

“Sometimes you have to step out of your role as a coach, sometimes you let your emotions get to you a little bit,” Leipold said. “But as disappointed and bad (as) I feel for Jalon not being able to play at this particular time, I’m happy and probably pulling for Jason in ways that I don’t always because he’s been unselfish.

“He could have left like a lot of guys do today in college football, a lot of the things he’s been through, a lot of ups and downs. And he just keeps coming back. ... Even in the fourth quarter, he throws those interceptions and there’s some things there. But he just kept fighting and that’s all we can ask for him. (To) see him make some plays like he did today, I thought it was really special.”

Following the win, Bean delivered a locker-room speech to his teammates who have supported him during his time in Lawrence.

“I’ve been through so much, and for this team to have my back like they do and for them to allow me to come back and be a part of this team this year — (that) is kind of what I said to them,” Bean said. “First of all, I wanted to thank them, because without them I wouldn’t be here. And I think that’s the main thing ... that I’m proud to be in those situations.”

Running back Daniel Hishaw, who scored two touchdowns in the win, called Bean “a strong person” for his performance Saturday.

“I think it shows everybody that’s outside of this locker room,” Hishaw said. “He’s a strong leader, a great leader. You know, we all thank him for being here with us. ... I think it really shows us how strong-minded he is.”

Saturday’s win propelled Kansas to bowl eligibility for the second consecutive season, and Bean played a pivotal role in getting that coveted sixth win in both seasons.

In last year’s 37-16 win against Oklahoma State, Bean led the Jayhawks to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2008, throwing for 203 yards with two passing touchdowns on top of his 93 rushing yards and one rushing score. In Saturday’s contest against Oklahoma, Bean finished with 280 total yards (218 passing) and a rushing touchdown.

Both wins came over ranked teams, with Oklahoma State slotted at No. 18 in that 2022 meeting.

“That has to do with the players, especially the ones that stuck around to lead in the direction (of the program), to our staff, support staff, administration,” Leipold said. “All those things that allow you to try to make progress like we have and become bowl eligible.

“Last year, we beat a ranked team to get the sixth win, we did it again this year. I think it’s extra special, but we love football. And now we’ve got to continue this; you know, that’s the way I am.”