Oct 26, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels (6) drops again to cross in the course of the fourth quarter towards the Kansas State Wildcats at Invoice Snyder Household Soccer Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Scott Sewell-Imagn Photos For the previous 16 seasons, Kansas State and Kansas have squared off on the gridiron with the very same consequence — a Kansas State victory. However for the primary time in current reminiscence, Kansas is favored within the “Sunflower Showdown,” which the Jayhawks will host on Saturday.
Kansas State (3-4, 2-2 Huge 12) comes into the competition off a bye, however there is not any benefit as a result of Kansas (4-3, 2-2) is in the identical state of affairs.
Kansas State loved perhaps its greatest recreation of the season two weekends in the past because the Wildcats simply dealt with TCU. The Wildcats used three Avery Johnson landing passes and two defensive scores to defeat the Horned Frogs, 41-28. The Wildcats scored 28 straight factors within the center quarters and by no means noticed their lead dip beneath 13 the remainder of the sport.
However identical to coaches wish to say “do not let a workforce beat you twice,” referring to permitting disappointment to have an effect on the subsequent recreation, Kansas State coach Chris Klieman is aware of his squad cannot relaxation on the laurels of their final victory — or the 16-game profitable streak towards their archrival.
“They’re actually gifted,” Klieman stated. “As I’ve watched them, it actually begins with (Jalon) Daniels. I have been actually impressed with him for quite a few years now. I have been impressed with how he performs. He is the chief of the group. The factor that impressed me essentially the most is that he stayed within the combat.”
Daniels leads a balanced Kansas offense. The Jayhawks are averaging 263.3 yards per recreation by way of the air and 155 yards per recreation on the bottom.
Kansas ran right into a buzzsaw two weekends in the past when the Jayhawks suffered a 42-17 loss to No. 9 Texas Tech because the Crimson Raiders scored the ultimate 21 factors of the sport. Daniels completed 27 of 33 for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
Head coach Lance Leipold is aware of his gamers might be prepared for Saturday.
“Guys know if it is a rival recreation and why,” he stated. “Whether or not they received right here six months in the past or six years in the past, they know that. If guys get further fired up for these video games, does it imply they are not fired up for different video games? You may have a routine, and you ought to be enjoying at your fullest for every snap, no matter who you are enjoying towards.”
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