Kansas fans storm field after thrilling victory over Oklahoma

It took longer than expected — Mother Nature made sure of that — but on Saturday, Kansas did something it hasn’t done since 1997. The Jayhawks defeated Oklahoma, handing the No. 6-ranked Sooners their first loss of the season.

Then, the celebration began.

Fans stormed the field at a rain-soaked David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as Kansas pulled off a thrilling, 38-33 victory over Oklahoma. It was quite the way for the Jayhawks to clinch bowl eligibility and their first home win over an AP top-10 team since 1984.

IT'S A PARTY IN LAWRENCE! 🥳@KU_Football pic.twitter.com/V86Julh72E

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 28, 2023

Kansas quarterback Jason Bean was the key to the victory, leading a seven-play, 80-yard drive with less than two minutes to go to set up Devin Neal’s game-winning, 9-yard touchdown run. Bean finished the day with 218 passing yards on 15 of 32 passing along with 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Amid the celebration, Neal looked around and took in the moment.

“It means everything,” Neal told FOX’s Allison Williams. “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.