By Rock Westfall
Numerous college football rivalries will draw plenty of attention and TV eyeballs in 2024. The Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas has history and branding. The same can be said for The Game between Ohio State and Michigan. Of course, the Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama will have added attention and intensity this year with the retirement of Nick Saban. But there is one rivalry that, while not as celebrated, may offer the most excitement, passion, intensity, pride, and high stakes on the 2024 college football schedule.
The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and Kansas State will be a climatic confrontation. Following years of domination by the Wildcats, the Jayhawks have everything necessary to beat their in-state rival for the first time since 2008. But K-State has the mental advantage that comes with such a dominant history.
Kansas State is the co-favorite with the Utah Utes to win the Big 12 championship. But Kansas is a highly popular third selection on the futures market. Both teams have elite coaches and two of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football.
On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, will have an overflow crowd and an electric atmosphere. The Sunflower Showdown has a good shot at determining who plays in the Big 12 championship game and the College Football Playoff.
Updated rivalries in the Big XII
– BYU vs Utah “Holy War”
– TCU vs Baylor “Revivalry”
– KU vs KSU “Sunflower Showdown”
– Arizona vs ASU “Duel in The Desert”
– OSU vs TT “Dust Bowl”
– Baylor vs TT “Butt Bowl”
– TCU vs TT “Battle For The Saddle”
– Iowa State vs KSU “Farmageddon”
-… pic.twitter.com/hVOT7piJN5— OKSTProbs (@OKSTProbs) May 22, 2024
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A Rock Chalk Walk to a Title?
The 2023 season confirmed that head coach Lance Leipold is building an impressive Kansas football program that will be able to sustain success. Leipold has used no quick fixes or gimmicks and is methodically building a program with fundamentals, depth, and substance. Last year, the Jayhawks went 9-4, winning the Guaranteed Rate Bowl and finishing with a final ranking of 23rd.
Not since 2007 has KU had such a strong chance to make a serious run at a conference title. Leipold’s Jayhawks return 30 seniors, and the majority of those players are back from a nine-win team that was just a few plays away of two or three more victories.
Of course, the big offseason news was that quarterback Jalon Daniels rejected other outside offers and returned to Kansas. Last year, Daniels was named preseason Big 12 Player of the Year. However, Daniels played in just three contests because of a back injury. Fortunately, backup QB Jason Bean was able to keep the Jayhawks winning without Daniels. But Bean has graduated, meaning that Kansas has no proven backup QBs. As long as the electrifying Daniels stays healthy, Kansas can beat anyone it plays.
The fact that Daniels spurned opportunities (and bags) elsewhere is the ultimate tribute to Leipold’s culture and the seriousness of the KU program.
The Jayhawks improved defensively in 2023. Although not in K-State’s class, the defense was no longer a liability. More improvement is expected in 2024.
Good Morning –
The Kansas Football Jayhawks just won 9 games and will return Jalon Daniels, Devin Neal, Lawrence Arnold, Quentin Skinner, Luke Grimm & 3 other offensive starters.
All gas no brakes. 📈 pic.twitter.com/rkcex8N13D
— Aint No Seats Podcast (@AintNoSeatsPod) December 27, 2023
Klieman Up the Polls and Public Esteem
Head coach Chris Klieman continues to prove that he is the perfect choice to replace the legendary program GOAT Bill Snyder. Klieman took over in 2019 and has gone to four bowl games in five years in addition to a Big 12 championship. Last year, Kansas State finished 9-4 with a win in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. This year brings plenty of changes with a new offensive coordinator and starting quarterback. But that is a testament to Klieman’s success. He was glad to let QB Will Howard transfer to Ohio State, knowing that Avery Johnson would be even better.
Given that K-State upgraded at quarterback with the rising star Johnson, the Wildcats will terrify opposing defenses. Of concern is that for the third time since he arrived in Manhattan, Klieman has a new offensive coordinator. KSU favorite son Collin Klein shockingly left for the same role and bigger bag at Texas A&M. Hence, Klieman promoted offensive line coach Conor Riley. Also joining the staff to mentor the quarterbacks is former Texas Tech and Utah State head coach Matt Wells.
Avery Johnson provides plenty of cover as the coaches adjust. Johnson arrived a year ago as arguably the best QB prospect that the Wildcats have ever signed. His first career start at quarterback came in the win over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Additionally, he generated national attention when he posted five rushing TDs as a backup against Texas Tech.
Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman has kept Kansas State among the best units in the Big 12. The pass rush should be dominant and deep with strong linebacking, too. The defense could be the best one the Wildcats have fielded in the Klieman era.
The 82nd greatest K-State football play
Down 21 to 17, Texas Tech had scored 14 unanswered. Avery Johnson takes it 30 yards untouched on 3rd and long to take the lead. pic.twitter.com/i5K9ONUDil
— The Kansas State Fan (@Thekstatefan) June 10, 2024
A Probable Game For the Ages That is Not To Be Missed
Two years ago, Klieman said the improvement of Kansas under Leipold was noticeable. Last year, Kansas led 27-16 midway through the third quarter. But Kansas State rallied for a 31-27 win in Lawrence. Kansas did not help itself with a couple of special teams mistakes and failed to apply the dagger with chances to extend its lead. KU was down to third-string at QB with Daniels and Bean out, and freshman Cole Ballard, who had some good moments, threw two costly interceptions. Still, KU outgained K-State 396-331 but had three more penalties for 29 more yards than the Cats.
Kansas State has more of a winning tradition than Kansas. But Kansas will have a serious shot at reaching a necessary milestone. If the Jayhawks win at K-State, it will exercise their hated demon and serve as the ultimate proof that they have arrived. If K-State has its streak end, it will be a gut-wrenching defeat on its home field.
Indeed, the Sunflower Showdown will offer everything a college football fan wants out of a rivalry matchup and illustrate what God’s Game is all about.
See you on October 26.
Rock Chalk and EMAW!
