Kansas State Wildcats at Kansas Jayhawks Predictions: For The Seniors

Our crew weighs in on if the Jayhawks will be able to get their first road conference victory of the season.

The Kansas Jayhawks dropped a tough game last week, making this week's Sunflower Showdown even more important that already was. Kansas needs a win to  keep their slim Big 12 Championship hopes alive, and multiple players have talked about how important it is to them to beat the Kansas State Wildcats. 

Can Kansas keep the emotions in check and get their first victory over the Wildcats since the 2008 season? Or will the injuries surrounding the quarterback position prove too much to overcome?

Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hope over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.

Kyle Davis

Check out our Kansas State Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Derek Noll

I guess the main thing is the main thing. If Jason Bean can’t go for the Jayhawks, I’m giving KU no chance to beat the Wildcats. But let’s assume he is. If Bean can play and be his normal self on senior day, I expect a close game. K-State has basically blown away all of the inferior opponents on their schedule, losing only to Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Texas. Kansas has a lot more in common with those teams than the ones KSU has laid waste to so far this season and if Bean is out there, the combination of passing and the dynamic running backs (something both OSU and UT have) will be key for KU. I’m also looking for big games from senior defenders Rich Miller, Kwinton Lassiter, and Kenny Logan. Screw it, I’m taking KU, Rock Chalk. 

Kansas 35, K-State 31.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

It’s just so hard to know what to expect, man. As I wrote about in this week’s Film Room Favorites, Ballard can throw and KU should be willing to let him let it rip if the Jayhawks want to win with him at quarterback. If Bean goes, though, obviously KU’s chances get so much better. I’m going to be pessimistic and take the purple team, because I just don’t know how to predict such a fluid situation on the Kansas side, and I worry what the offense will look like when the opposing defense doesn’t respect QB3 (for good or for bad). I truly, deeply hope that I’m wrong. 

K-State 28, Kansas 21.

Andy Mitts

In a turn that I didn’t see coming for a long time, I’m actually pinning the hopes for Kansas on the defense. Outside of an abysmal half of rushing defense against Texas Tech, the Jayhawks have been phenomenal in stopping the rush. And with all the uncertainty on the offense, it’s hard to count on them to be the reason that Kansas wins this game. But the defense has been absolutely electric, and strong stops in the running game will lead to a need to pass, where the defensive secondary will be able to shine. Give me 2 interceptions from a combination of Kenny Logan, Cobee Bryant, OJ Burroughs and Mello Dotson. Kansas keeps the score low and wins in a way we aren’t really used to. 

Kansas 21, Kansas State 17

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