The Sunflower Showdown. The Governor’s Cup. It’s an in-state rivalry that has been going on for almost a century. When K-State and KU compete on the football field each fall, it brings everyone out to the game.
No matter your allegiance, you will most likely pick a side this Saturday. KU fans who reside in Manhattan love the time when they can wear their blue all over town, pushing it in their friends’ faces and making a mockery of the home team.
For the past two years, in my experience at K-State, the Wildcats have had their chances to beat KU. In 2007, the Wildcats lost a close game at home after coming off a huge win at Texas. In 2008, the story was not that pretty.
It has been discussed recently that the students at KU don’t agree the rivalry is nearly as big of a deal as do fans at K-State. They prefer to focus on their state-line rivalry with Missouri. Why does the Sunflower Showdown pack such a punch in Manhattan? What is it that really just gets the blood flowing in those purple bleeding hearts?
Pride. For the longest time, as any grandparent alumni could tell you, K-State stunk at football. They were miserable.
In recent history, K-State, at least on campus, has been a bit less proud. Having a few years of shortfalls in football and going through a rough patch with basketball, students are a little less “proud,” for lack of a better word.
KU, on the other hand, has been fairly prideful for a while. Not to be on the offensive, but there has been an air of arrogance resonating from the northeastern corner of the state for some time now, and justifiably so. Dominating the rivalry in football lately and winning a national championship in basketball, can you fault their students?
Many families in the state have experienced this case issue: A parent or child loves K-State and another loves KU. You’ve all seen “A House Divided” license plates or T-shirts. Fence-sitting passion is something common in the recent era for a number of fans. But let’s get down to brass tacks.
If you want to cheer for KU, do it. However, if you are a K-State student and want to cheer for KU, best of luck.
No matter the case, Big 12 football is in full swing, and I bet you some sure money that come Saturday, K-State will be ready to play football in front of a capacity home crowd that will be as riled up as ever.
Aaron Weiser is a senior in economics. Please send comments to sports@spub.ksu.edu.
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