Devin Neal: Kansas' upset victory over Oklahoma 'means everything'
Growing up in Lawrence, Devin Neal didn’t see many winning seasons from Kansas before committing to the program in March 2020. The Jayhawks went from 2008-21 without a six-win season before last year’s 6-7 record — Neal’s sophomore year.
Saturday, Kansas picked up its biggest win in a long time, upsetting No. 6-ranked Oklahoma at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Neal was a big reason why, totaling 112 rushing yards and scoring the game-winning touchdown with 55 seconds to play.
As he spoke with FOX’s Allison Williams amid the postgame celebration, he knows first-hand how much that type of victory means to the KU program.
“It means everything,” Neal said. “Look at these people right here. Look at them. This means a lot to me, just being from here, growing up in this program and coming here to make a change. This is a big win for our program. I’m ready to celebrate with the guys.”
Devin Neal: Kansas stayed ‘vigilant’ and ‘ready,’ confident in defense to keep Oklahoma quiet in final seconds
It wasn’t easy going for Kansas to get the victory. The Jayhawks saw an early 14-0 lead evaporate, even after lightning came into the area and halted play. But they battled back, trading leads with Oklahoma before the Sooners went out in front, 33-32 with 5:22 to go. Jason Bean then threw an interception to give the Sooners the ball back with 2:23 to play, but Kansas managed to get one more drive.
That’s when Bean led the Jayhawks down the field for a 7-play, 80-yard drive capped by Neal’s touchdown with less than a minute to go. The defense then had to turn around and get a stop, and Neal said he was more than confident it would happen.
“We just were focused on staying vigilant, staying ready,” Neal said. “We knew the defense was going to make a stop. They were making stops all game. Super proud of the entire group, man. I have no words at this point. Super excited.”
As for what a young Devin Neal would say, he knows exactly what he’d say.
“He’d be really proud of what we’re doing here,” Neal said, with a smile.
Kansas now finds itself bowl eligible once again with a 6-2 record. Next up for the Jayhawks is a trip to Ames to take on Iowa State next week as the final stretch of the season begins.