Kansas Jayhawks Have Received a Major Boost Ahead of Saturday's Matchup with UCF

Kansas received a major boost ahead of Saturday's matchup with UCF, as ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Isaiah Marshall will return to the starting lineup. After missing last week's game against TCU with a lower-leg injury, the Jayhawks will have their starting quarterback back under center for a pivotal Big 12 matchup.

Kansas football is getting an important piece of its offense back at the right time. ESPN's Pete Thamel has reported that Isaiah Marshall will start Saturday against UCF, giving the Jayhawks a significant boost as they look to bounce back from last week's disappointing loss to TCU.

Marshall missed Kansas' 22-16 defeat against the Horned Frogs after dealing with a lower-leg injury. The redshirt sophomore had started the Jayhawks' first seven games before being held out, forcing Cole Ballard into the starting role.

Ballard finished with 285 passing yards and a touchdown, but Kansas struggled to finish drives and committed costly turnovers in the second half. The Jayhawks let a 13-0 halftime lead slip away, making the return of their starting quarterback especially important heading into Saturday.

Head coach Lance Leipold initially remained uncertain about Marshall's availability when speaking with reporters earlier in the week. Leipold explained that Marshall had shown improvement in his movement compared with the previous week, but the coaching staff would continue monitoring his health.

"Moved around better last night than he did a week ago," Leipold said, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal's report.

Leipold also discussed how Marshall's injury affected the things that make him effective as a quarterback. Following the TCU game, the coach explained that the injury prevented Marshall from doing some of the things he does best, making the decision to hold him out easier for the staff.

That is an important factor for Kansas because Marshall's ability to make plays with his legs adds another dimension to offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki's offense. His mobility can create opportunities for the running game, extend plays and put additional pressure on opposing defenses.

The latest news also comes after Marshall was upgraded to probable on Thursday's injury report, an encouraging sign that his recovery was progressing. The Kansas City Star's injury update also listed Ballard as questionable heading into the weekend.

Kansas enters Saturday at 3-5 overall and 1-4 in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks desperately need a victory to keep their bowl hopes alive, while UCF arrives at 4-4 after a 41-9 loss to Baylor.

The KU Sports preview also notes that Kansas will need better execution offensively, particularly after wasting opportunities against TCU.

Marshall's return gives the Jayhawks a chance to get back on track. Now, Kansas needs to turn that encouraging quarterback news into a much-needed conference victory. Jayhawks Roundtable.