Kansas football: Game-by-game predictions for the Jayhawks 2023 season

Game 11 vs. Kansas State Wildcats

Next is one of the most anticipated Sunflower Showdowns since the Mangino era. Kansas State is riding high off a Big 12 championship last season. Chris Klieman has picked up right where legendary coach Bill Snyder left off. The Wildcats finished 10-4 last season with a loss in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.

Kansas football has simply been owned by the Wildcats for the last 14 years, and last season was no different when the Jayhawks visited Manhattan. Kansas State won that matchup 47-27, although Kansas was absolutely blitzed on special teams which contributed to the loss in a big way. With even average special teams in that game, it would have been a one score game.

The margin between Kansas and Kansas State has definitely gotten smaller in the two years under Leipold and the matchup this year will be another test to see how much the margin has closed. I think this is the first time since 2009 that you can legitimately see a win against Kansas State.

It’s hard for me to write in a Kansas win against Kansas State after what’s happened over the last 14 years, but I am going to predict an upset against the Wildcats this season.

My Prediction:

Kansas wins 35-31 over Kansas State

Kansas Football Record: 7-4