Kansas State Wildcats Extend Win Streak In Sunflower Showdown With 35-24 Comeback Vs Kansas

There have been so many times in this series where the Kansas State Wildcats jumped all over their in-state rival in the first quarter. 

On Saturday, the Wildcats learned what it felt like to be on the other end at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. They needed to rally from a 10-point, first-quarter deficit to defeat the Kansas Jayhawks in the annual Sunflower Sundown. 

The Wildcats, who improved to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12 conference, have now won 19 straight in the historic series. This was the 124th meeting between the teams. This time, K-State was led by quarterback Avery Johnson and running back Joe Jackson. 

Johnson, who is in his third year as the starter, completed 14 of 24 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 12 times for 132 yards. Jackson had 27 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown. 

The Wildcats had won most of these meetings in blowout fashion, including a 42-17 victory a year ago in Lawrence. The Jayhawks (2-4, 0-3) jumped to a 17-7 after one quarter behind a 95-yard kickoff return from receiver Bryson Hayes and a 12-yard pass from quarterback Isaiah Marshall to Nik McMillan. 

KU was unable to take advantage of the cushion, allowing the Wildcats to score the next 11 points and take an 18-17 lead into halftime. A Dylan Edwards touchdown run to start the third quarter gave the Jayhawks their final lead before they were outscored by 10 the rest of the way. 

Here's a look at the last 18 games of the historic series. 

2025: Kansas State 42, Kansas 17 in Lawrence 

2024: Kansas State 29, Kansas 27 in Manhattan 

2023: Kansas State 31, Kansas 27 in Lawrence

2022: Kansas State 47, Kansas 27 in Manhattan 

2021: Kansas State 35, Kansas 10 in Lawrence

2020: Kansas State 55, Kansas 14 in Manhattan

2019: Kansas State 38, Kansas 10 in Lawrence 

2018: Kansas State 21, Kansas 17 in Manhattan 

2017: Kansas State 30, Kansas 20 in Lawrence 

2016: Kansas State 34, Kansas 19 in Manhattan 

2015: Kansas State 45, Kansas 14 in Lawrence 

2014: Kansas State 51, Kansas 13 in Manhattan 

2013: Kansas State 31, Kansas 10 in Lawrence 

2012: Kansas State 56, Kansas 16 in Manhattan 

2011: Kansas State 59, Kansas 21 in Lawrence 

2010: Kansas State 59, Kansas 7 in Lawrence 

2009: Kansas State 17, Kansas 10 in Manhattan 

2008: Kansas 52, Kansas State 21 in Lawrence