Seventeen straight times, K-State has dominated the Dillons Sunflower Showdown, and Saturday offers the Wildcats a chance to extend their streak to 18. Since Kansas’ last win in 2008, K-State has won every meeting, claiming 30 of the last 35 matchups. The streak is the longest active, uninterrupted winning streak against an opponent in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
K-State enters the rivalry matchup seeking a response after consecutive losses to Cincinnati, 31-26 on Sept. 26, and No. 22 Houston, 35-16 on Oct. 10. The Wildcats are 0-2 in Big 12 play, and head coach Collin Klein emphasized the need to respond to adversity.
“True competitors respond when challenged; albeit a very, very painful loss, you rise up,” Klein said.
Quarterback Avery Johnson leads K-State with 1,092 passing yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 330 rushing yards and three scores. He ranks second in school history in career completions and total offense and third in passing yards.
Defensively, K-State ranks first in the Big 12 in passing defense, allowing 133.4 yards per game. The Wildcats also average 7.6 tackles for loss per game, with sophomore edge rusher Wendell Gregory anchoring the front seven.
“The pride they take in this game and the rivalry is real, and that’s something we’ve embraced for a long time,” Klein said.
For KU, Saturday presents a real chance to end nearly two decades of frustration against its in-state rival.
The Jayhawks enter Manhattan at 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big 12 play after falling 41-24 to No. 12 Utah on Oct. 10. Quarterback Isaiah Marshall had the best game of his young career against the Utes, completing 19 of 37 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns while adding his first career rushing touchdown. He has thrown for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns this season.
Receivers Cam Pickett and Nik McMillan fueled the offense against Utah. Pickett recorded a career-high 134 receiving yards, while McMillan added 89 yards and a touchdown. McMillan leads KU with 345 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, Leroy Harris III could challenge the Wildcats’ offense. Harris recorded two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss against Utah. He leads the Big 12 with nine solo tackles for loss and is tied for the conference lead with 9.5 tackles for loss.
K-State head coach Collin Klein called Harris “a problem” who “does a really nice job,” highlighting KU’s defensive front as a key matchup on Saturday. The Jayhawks will aim to turn that defensive pressure into their first Big 12 win and end their long drought against the Wildcats.
