TheGreatestRivalryInTheMidwest: KU Vs. KState - A Football Showdown for the Ages

When it comes to college football rivalries, few matchups can match the intensity and passion of the Kansas University (KU) versus Kansas State University (KState) contest. This high-stakes showdown has been a staple of the Big 12 Conference schedule for decades, with each team bringing their A-game to the table in an effort to emerge victorious. As the two teams take to the gridiron, the stakes are high, and the crowd is electric. In this article, we'll delve into the history of this iconic rivalry, explore its current state, and examine what makes it so special.

The Kansas-Kansas State rivalry is more than just a sporting event – it's a cultural phenomenon that spans the entire state of Kansas. For fans of both teams, the rivalry is often described as a "blood feud" or a "war of the midwestern kind." This animosity towards each other has been fueled by a variety of factors, including geographic proximity, differences in lifestyle, and, of course, a healthy dose of competitiveness.

A History of Intensity

The KU-KState rivalry dates back to 1897, when the two schools first met on the football field. Since then, the teams have clashed a staggering 104 times, with KU holding a slight edge in the all-time series. However, the rivalry has been anything but stagnant over the years. In the 1960s and 1970s, the two teams were often evenly matched, with the outcome of the game hanging precariously in the balance. This tension culminated in 1976, when KU and KState played one of the greatest games in Big 12 Conference history, with KU ultimately emerging victorious 55-29.

A Changing Landscape

In recent years, the Kansas-Kansas State rivalry has undergone a significant transformation. The 2011 season saw KState return to the top of the Big 12 Conference, as they captured the championship with a 11-1 record. This unexpected turn of events injected a newfound sense of confidence into the Wildcats, and they went on to beat KU 47-42 in one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory.

On the other hand, KU has struggled to find consistency under the leadership of Head Coach Bill Self. Despite their perennially strong basketball program, the football team has lagged behind in terms of performance. However, this lack of success has fueled the flames of rivalry, as KU fans have become increasingly vocal in their dissatisfaction with the program's lack of progress.

A Game for the Ages

The 2018 matchup between KU and KState was one for the ages. KU entered the game as a 3-point favorite, but the Wildcats had other plans. Led by quarterback Skylar Thompson, KState stormed out of the gate, scoring on their opening drive and never looking back. The final score was 55-14, with KState dominating every aspect of the game. This thrashing was the third time in five years that KState had defeated KU, leaving the Jayhawks reeling.

For KU fans, the loss was a painful reminder of the program's continued struggles. However, the team has shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, including a stunning upset of Oklahoma State in 2019. As the rivalry continues to heat up, it's clear that the stakes are higher than ever.

Key Factors in the Rivalry

Several key factors contribute to the intensity and passion of the Kansas-Kansas State rivalry:

• Geographic Proximity: The two schools are separated by just 45 miles, making the rivalry feel intensely personal.
• Cultural Differences: KU and KState cater to different parts of the state, with KU's more affluent community and KState's smaller-town roots creating a sense of cultural divide.
• Coaching Rivalry: The on-field rivalry is fueled by the contrasting coaching styles of Head Coach Les Miles (KState) and Head Coach Bill Self (KU). Miles' passionate, no-holds-barred approach often clashes with Self's more measured, strategic approach.
• Recruiting Wars: The two schools frequently engage in a heated battle for top high school recruits, with the winner often determining the trajectory of the rivalry.

Recruits and the Future of the Rivalry

As the rivalry continues to heat up, one question on everyone's mind is: who will come out on top in the war for recruits? Both KU and KState have their eyes on the prize, with the two programs often vying for the same top-rated high school players.

• Top Recruits: Some of the most promising recruits in the state have been linked to KU and KState, with the two programs offering lucrative scholarships and prestige.

Can KU Turn the Tide?

Despite the current state of the rivalry, there's no reason to believe that KU can't turn the tide in the coming years. With a strong recruiting class and a deep core of experienced players, the Jayhawks are poised to make a resurgence.

• Coach Bill Self: Despite his challenges on the field, Coach Self has a proven track record of success in college basketball. Could he bring his winning ways to the gridiron?

• New Coaching Staff: KU has hired a new coaching staff, led by Defensive Coordinator Cliff Girls. With a more aggressive defensive approach, the Jayhawks may be able to limit KState's high-powered offense.

Conclusion

The Kansas-Kansas State rivalry is more than just a football game – it's a clash of cultures, a test of wills, and a spectacle for the ages. As the two teams take to the field, the stakes are high, and the crowd is electric. Whether KU