Kansas defeated BYU 17-13 in Week 12, covering the 2-point spread in a defensive struggle that saw six lead changes. The Jayhawks scored early with 7 first-quarter points, added a field goal in the second quarter, then sealed the victory with 7 fourth-quarter points.

BYU's offense showed early promise, with Jake Retzlaff throwing a 30-yard touchdown pass to Hinckley Ropati in the second quarter to give the Cougars a 10-3 halftime lead. However, Kansas' defense made crucial stops down the stretch. A Retzlaff interception returned for a touchback in the second period proved pivotal, and another critical defensive stand came when Retzlaff's pass to Chase Roberts advanced to the Kansas 8-yard line late in the game.

Retzlaff led BYU with 192 passing yards, while Luke Grimm paced Kansas receivers with 77 yards. Kansas receiver Grimm's 27-yard completion to the BYU 6-yard line in the second quarter was instrumental in Kansas' scoring drive.

The game finished well under the 56.5-point over/under, highlighting the defensive nature of the matchup.