Sunflower Showdown: Kansas Aims to End 16-Game Losing Streak Against Rival Kansas State

The Kansas Jayhawks football team prepares for a critical in-state battle. They host the Kansas State Wildcats this Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The game is a pivotal moment for Lance Leipold’s program. Kansas seeks to snap a painful 16-game losing streak in the series. The matchup kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Kansas Has Made the Sunflower Showdown Competitive

The Jayhawks have been on the brink of snapping the streak in each of the last two seasons. They lost on a late field goal in 2022. They fell by just one possession in 2023. The major sticking point has been an inability to finish close games. This has been a point of emphasis dating back to the offseason. Lance Leipold said just being competitive is no longer good enough.

“I don’t know if it’s much of a rivalry unless it’s just based on locality if the game’s not competitive,” Leipold said. “We’ve made the game competitive again. Now we’ve had some opportunities that we’ve let slip away. Our full intention is to find a way to close it out.”

Everyone involved knows about the 16-game skid. Leipold acknowledged the extra pressure. He stated the streak has been a direct talking point with his team this week. “They can’t change what was done in the past,” Leipold told reporters. “What you can change is what you do today and the work you put in.”

Kansas State Presents a Significant Challenge

Preseason talks tabbed the Wildcats as a Big 12 contender. They have not lived up to those expectations with a 3-4 start. However, all four of Kansas State’s losses have been one-score affairs. This makes them a dangerous opponent despite their record.

Leipold highlighted the trio of Avery Johnson, Jayce Brown, and Dylan Edwards. He called them one of the most explosive groups in the Big 12 when healthy. The Wildcats, also coming off a bye week, have built some positive momentum. They have won two of their last three games. According to ESPN analysis, their offense remains a threat.

“Avery Johnson is dangerous to score at any time,” Leipold said. “His throwing is very underrated. You can continue to see the evolution of an outstanding quarterback.” The Wildcats have a new offensive coordinator in Matt Wells. This has led to some schematic adjustments throughout the season.

Leipold Calls for a Raucous Home Atmosphere

The head coach complimented the atmospheres at the team’s recent road stops. He called Texas Tech’s stadium the loudest place they played this year. He also praised the game day environment at UCF. Now, he wants that same energy in Lawrence for this rivalry game.

Leipold compared the desired football atmosphere to Allen Fieldhouse. He noted the basketball arena’s fame stems from its created environment. “Fans are, in college football, more impactful than sometimes we can realize,” Leipold stated. He hopes for a special and loud crowd on Saturday morning.

As of Monday, the game was not yet sold out. Leipold made a direct appeal to the fanbase. “In a state rivalry game like this, we need it to be special,” he said. A strong home-field advantage could provide the final push needed to end the long streak.

The upcoming Sunflower Showdown represents more than just a game for the Kansas Jayhawks. It is an opportunity to reverse years of frustration and take a monumental step forward for the program. Ending the 16-game losing streak would cement the team’s progress under Lance Leipold.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Sunflower Showdown?

The Sunflower Showdown is the name for the athletic rivalry between the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. It encompasses all sports, but the football game is a major annual event. The series has been dominated by Kansas State in recent decades.

How long is Kansas’s current losing streak to Kansas State?

Kansas has lost 16 consecutive football games to Kansas State. The last Jayhawks victory in the series came in 2008. The streak is a major storyline heading into every matchup between the two schools.

Who is the starting quarterback for Kansas State?

Avery Johnson is the starting quarterback for the Kansas State Wildcats. He is a dynamic dual-threat player. Coach Leipold specifically highlighted Johnson’s running ability and underrated passing skill.

What time does the Kansas vs. Kansas State game start?

The game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. local time kickoff this Saturday. It will be televised nationally on ESPN. The early start time places an emphasis on fan energy from the opening whistle.

Why is this game so important for Kansas?

This game is a benchmark for the progress of the Kansas football program under Lance Leipold. A victory would validate their competitive rise. It would also end a long-standing negative narrative surrounding the rivalry.