Big 12 Football: Texas Tech has KU on ropes, Jason Bean out at QB

The most notable game around the Big 12 football conference in the morning kickoff slate on Nov. 11 saw the Texas Tech Red Raiders and head coach Joey McGuire travel to Lawrence for a tough battle on the road against the No. 16 Kanas Jayhawks. Head coach Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks entered Week 11 looking for their third-straight victory after two big wins in Big 12 play in the previous two weeks.

Kansas upset the No. 6 Oklahoma Sooners at home in Lawrence on Oct. 28 before beating the Iowa State Cyclones on the road in Ames last weekend to remain in contention for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game next month.

But Kansas hit some speedbumps early in its Week 11 matchup at home against Texas Tech. Kansas came into this matchup against Texas Tech already missing starting quarterback Jalon Daniels, who missed the six games due to injury issues.

Big 12 football off to dramatic start to Week 11 with Jason Bean suffering an injury for KU vs. Texas Tech

Matters got worse at the quarterback position for the Jayhawks when senior Jason Bean suffered an apparent injury on a hit he took in the backfield against the Red Raiders in the second quarter. Bean was immediately taken to the injury tent to be evaluated further.

He reportedly stood on the sideline for a little longer in the second quarter before being taken to the locker room just before halftime. Bean has not since returned to the game.

With Bean sidelined due to injury, true freshman quarterback Cole Ballard is taking the starting reps under center for the Jayhawks down the stretch against Texas Tech. Ballard has never attempted a pass in his collegiate career. And he’s only taken 10 live-game snaps on offense, which mostly came in garbage time in Kansas’ opener against FCS Missouri State.

Before leaving the game due to an injury, Bean had completed 1-of-4 passing attempts for 13 yards. He also ran for 15 yards on three carries.

Texas Tech’s defense has stifled the Kansas ground attack on offense, shutting them out halfway into the third quarter. Tech scored a touchdown and a field goal to take a 10-point lead in the first quarter. And the score has remained 10-0 in favor of the Red Raiders in the two quarters since.