KU Jayhawks vs. Kansas State Wildcats: What to know about Sunflower Showdown football

Shreyas Laddha
·2 min read
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After a close loss to Texas Tech on Saturday, the Kansas Jayhawks look to get back on track vs. in-state rival Kansas State.

KU (7-3, 4-3 Big 12) lost its most recent game on a field goal by Texas Tech kicker Gino Garcia.

Meanwhile, No. 23 K-State (7-3, 5-2) blew out Baylor.

KU will play host to the Wildcats on Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s game…

KU football vs. Kansas State game details

Kickoff: 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18

Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (Lawrence)

TV: FS1

Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810) in Kansas City

Early Betting Line: K-State is a 7-point favorite

Five Things to Know

1. Kansas hasn’t beaten K-State since 2008. The Wildcats have won the last 14 editions of the Sunflower Showdown. KU lost 47-27 in last season’s matchup and the last time the game was decided by one score or less was in 2018 (Kansas lost 21-17).

2. Like KU, Kansas State has two formidable quarterbacks. Although senior Will Howard is the Wildcats’ starting QB, freshman Avery Johnson has played multiple times this season. In 35 passing attempts, Johnson’s thrown for 301 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Howard has put together a quality season — he’s thrown for 2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns but does have eight interceptions.

3. Kansas’ defense will have to contain K-State running back DJ Giddens. He’s already rushed for 859 yards on 6 yards per carry, plus seven rushing touchdowns. K-State averages 202.1 yards on the ground

4. The Wildcats’ defense has been stellar. Opponents are averaging just 18.5 points per game vs. K-State, ranking 22nd in the nation. The Wildcats’ biggest strength on defense is limiting their opponents’ run game, with foes averaging 119 yards on 3.9 yards per carry.

5. The player to watch on K-State’s defense is linebacker Austin Moore. He leads the team in total tackles (54) and tackles for loss (10.5). He also has 1.5 sacks to his name.