KU's Grimes meets with offense to discuss moving forward

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - The first few weeks of the 2024 season have been uncharacteristic for Lance Leipold's Jayhawks.

After winning its season opener against Lindenwood, KU football has lost its most recent two games, despite outgaining both opponents in yardage and production. Quarterback Jalon Daniels has turned the ball over six times in the span.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes met with the media Tuesday afternoon, saying the offensive shortcomings and frustrations need to be addressed at a deeper level, something he's currently trying to do.

"I met with a specific group of [offensive] leaders yesterday and talked with a specific group of individuals," Grimes said. "I don't know if Illinois was rock bottom for us, and sometimes you've got to hit all the way to the bottom before you recognize what level of commitment you're willing to make to get it right."

Grimes added that increasing Daniels' comfortability, and finding a solution that both he and Daniels feel good about could spark more continuity within the offense.

Senior running back Devin Neal was one of the offensive leaders in Monday's meeting with Coach Grimes.

"When you can have those types of talks, it shows a lot of growth, a lot of maturity," Neal said. "Really, you just lay everything out there. There's mistakes all over the field from different position groups, we understand that, we accept that. Like I said, it's on us to fix those things."

Neal said he, and other veteran players on offense, are trying to adjust how the team responds to different situations and lead the way for younger players.

Kansas opens Big 12 conference play on the road at West Virginia. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m.