The Sunflower Showdown, an iconic college football rivalry between Kansas and Kansas State, is set for its 123rd matchup. The stakes are high as both teams are competing fiercely in the Big 12 Conference. Kansas holds a record of 4-3 with 2-2 in conference play, while Kansas State stands at 3-4 and also holds a 2-2 Big 12 record. A loss for either team would effectively eliminate their chances of competing for the conference title.
Kansas vs. Kansas State: Rivalry and Records
Historically, Kansas State has dominated this rivalry, winning 16 consecutive games. However, recent matchups have been closely contested. Kansas, for the first time since 2009, is regarded as the favorite heading into this showdown. This game will be held on their renovated campus stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, at 10 a.m. MDT, and it will be broadcast live on TNT.
Team Statistics: A Deep Dive
Analyzing the teams’ performance through the Game Grader statistics, Kansas ranks 27th out of 68 Power 4 teams, with a 3-year average of 53.4. Kansas State, comparatively, is higher at 66.1, ranked 11th. This discrepancy highlights the competitive nature of their recent performances.
- Kansas:
- Current Record: 4-3 (2-2 Big 12)
- Game Grader Average: 53.4
- Notable Wins: UCF, West Virginia
- Kansas State:
- Current Record: 3-4 (2-2 Big 12)
- Game Grader Average: 66.1
- Recent Performances: Separated by narrow margins in many games
Key Players to Watch
For Kansas, quarterback Jalon Daniels is leading the Big 12 in QB rating this season. His performance has been pivotal for the Jayhawks, especially in critical moments. Meanwhile, Kansas State’s quarterback Avery Johnson, who had shown promise, has faced challenges this season but recently bounced back with a strong performance against TCU.
- Jalon Daniels (Kansas):
- Leading QB Rating in Big 12
- Key to offensive success
- Avery Johnson (Kansas State):
- Regressed but recently improved
- Faced struggles but has significant potential
Game Prediction
Based on the analytical metrics, the teams are closely matched in terms of overall performance. However, Kansas appears to be the stronger contender in this upcoming game. Favoring the Jayhawks by a touchdown, a predicted score of Kansas 31, Kansas State 24 may see Kansas finally end the long-standing winning streak of their rivals.
The Sunflower Showdown not only carries local pride but also a significant impact on the Big 12 standings, making this matchup crucial for both teams as they aim for improvement in the second half of the season.
