The Dillon's Sunflower Showdown pits the two biggest schools in the state that's geographically in the direct middle of the continental U.S., in Kansas and Kansas State, and a rivalry in its 100th year.
Historically, Kansas has dominated K-State, but in recent years, except for Mark Mangino and Todd Reesing's magical run with the Jayhawks a few years back, the Sunflower Showdown has been all Wildcats. Last year was a laugher in Lawrence, with K-State winning 59-7 against 3-9 Kansas.
This year, the Wildcats are the 12th-ranked team in the country, they're undefeated (with a quality win over RGIII and Baylor) and the Jayhawks are once again, shall we say, substandard. They're 2-4 and 0-3 in the Big 12. It's shaping up to be a repeat of last year's catastrophe, but the Jayhawks lucked out, as they'll host the Wildcats again this year. Thanks, realignment!
The Wildcats will love to have this win in the bag because after this, they face four straight teams in the Top 25: in order, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Texas. Things are either going to go really well or really badly for K-State, so enjoy it while you can 'Cats fans.
Series record: Kansas leads, 57-37
Last year’s result: Kansas State won, 59-7
Current streak: Kansas State has won the last two
Longest-ever streak: Kansas State won 11 from 1993-2003
First meeting: 10/26/1912
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Kansas State blog Bring On The Cats and Kansas blog Rock Chalk Talk. Stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub for more.