Kansas football: 3 keys to victory for the Jayhawks in Sunflower Showdown

MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 26: Offensive lineman Mike Novitsky #50 of the Kansas Jayhawks gets set on the line during the first half against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

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STILLWATER, OK – OCTOBER 14: Linebacker JB Brown #28 and defensive lineman Austin Booker #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks stop running back Jaden Nixon #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys with a short gain in the fourth quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State won 39-32. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

Kansas Football Key No. 2: Red Zone Defense

The Kansas football defense has made great strides this year and has improved in many different areas. That said, red zone defense has not been one of the places Brian Borland’s group has succeeded in. Kansas has given up a 97% touchdown conversion rate in the red zone on the season, which ranks second worst in FBS.

With a dominant offensive line like K-State’s, it will be a tough challenge to get a consistent push up front. KU needs to have good linebacker play, which has not always been the case this year.

If Kansas wants to win this game and break the 14-year losing streak, they have to force the Wildcats into a field goal or two when they have the ball inside the 20-yard line.

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