Kansas State Dominates Sunflower Showdown in Lawrence

DeVon Rice raises his arms in celebration during the football game. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

K-State football players walk into the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

A K-State football player walks down the middle of the field. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

A KU football player jumping in the air over a K-State football player. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

K-State offensive lineman, Kyle Rakers with his hands in the air celebrating after beating KU.

A K-State player runs the ball towards the end zone. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

Avery Johnson runs into the end zone for a touchdown. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

A K-State football player grabs the collar of his pads and stares towards the crowd.

A K-State football player jumps and catches the football during warmups. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

A KU football player runs the ball while holding out his arm.

Avery Johnson celebrates with his arms raised in the air at the end of the football game.

Willie the Wildcat takes a selfie with K-State fans. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

K-State football players stand together with a sign saying "we own this state".

The 123rd Dillons Sunflower Showdown lived up to its billing as Kansas State powered past Kansas for a 42–17 victory on Saturday. Explosive plays, key turnovers, and standout performances defined the rivalry clash at David Booth Memorial Stadium.

First Quarter

Kansas wasted no time getting on the board, as Jalon Daniels led a swift opening drive capped by a touchdown run, giving KU an early 7–0 lead. Kansas State immediately responded with a hurry-up offense, as Avery Johnson answered back with a rushing score to tie it at 7. Momentum shifted on special teams when K-State recovered a botched KU punt, allowing Ralph Ortiz to scoop and score for a 14–7 advantage. The Wildcats extended their lead as Johnson connected with Jaron Tibbs for a 27-yard touchdown, closing the quarter 21–7 in K-State's favor.

Second Quarter

The Jayhawks regrouped in the second period, with Daniels orchestrating a clock-chewing drive finished by a Daniel Hishaw touchdown run. Kansas State’s run defense began to show vulnerabilities, but the Wildcats held firm, entering halftime up 21–14.

Third Quarter

Kansas State struck twice in the third, first on a short goal-line rush from DeVon Rice, then on a 78-yard catch and run from Johnson to Jayce Brown. KU managed a field goal to stay in the game, but K-State led comfortably, 35–17, at the end of the third.

Fourth Quarter

The Wildcats controlled possession in the final quarter, grinding out over 11 minutes across three drives. Johnson sealed the outcome with his fourth touchdown of the night, sending the Kansas State faithful home happy with a decisive 42–17 victory.

Looking Ahead

Kansas State prepares to welcome Texas Tech next Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tune in to Wildcat 91.9 for live coverage beginning at 2 pm, with kickoff set for 2:00 pm on November 1st.

Key Stats

KU: 4 turnovers

KU: 1–5 on fourth down

KU: 77 total plays

KSU: 53 total plays

KSU: Avery Johnson — 4 total touchdowns

KSU: Jayce Brown — 160 receiving yards, 1 touchdown