Kansas opens rebuilt stadium with 31-7 win over Fresno State

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas opened its rebuilt David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium Saturday night with a 31-7 victory over Fresno State, a season opener that showcased a healthy Jalon Daniels, a dominant Kansas defense and the Jayhawks returning to an on-campus home after a year away.

Daniels, a sixth-year senior and one of Kansas's team captains, completed 18 of 20 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns while adding 47 yards on the ground, coach Lance Leipold said. Newcomer Cam Pickett caught six passes for 77 yards and two scores, including a 21-yard touchdown early that set the tone. Iowa transfer Leshon Williams contributed a long rushing touchdown as Kansas totaled nearly 400 yards of offense, team statistics showed. The official attendance was listed at 41,525.

Fresno State, in its first season under coach Matt Entz, struggled to sustain offense after an efficient start. Quarterback E.J. Warner finished with 179 passing yards and two interceptions, and the Bulldogs were held to 37 yards rushing on the night, while Kansas was credited with 10 tackles for loss. Fresno State managed only one touchdown, a short run by Elijah Gilliam in the first quarter.