Game Report
Kansas rolls to big win over Kansas State in Sunflower Showdown
08 | 24
5-3(3-2) | 7-1(4-1)
Saturday October 30th, 2027
David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium | Lawrence, Kansas
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Lawrence, Kansas - Kansas leaned heavily on its dominant running game and timely, efficient passing to secure a decisive 24-8 victory over Kansas State in the Sunshine Showdown. The win marked the Jayhawks' 67th triumph in the rivalry series, further solidifying their stronghold in the in-state battle.
The Jayhawks’ offense was led by the thunderous rushing attack of Johnny Thompson Jr. and Avery Muamba, who combined for 264 of Kansas’ 395 total yards. Thompson Jr. was the star, rushing for 154 yards on 20 carries (7.7 yards per carry) and a touchdown, while Muamba added 110 yards on an equal number of carries. Brad Matlock, the sophomore quarterback, complemented the ground attack with a controlled passing game, completing 14 of 22 passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Matlock's connections to Keaton Kubecka and Trey'Dez Green in the red zone provided timely scores, keeping Kansas firmly in control.
Kansas' defense turned in one of its best performances of the season, holding Kansas State to a mere 219 total yards and forcing two interceptions. Key defensive contributions included:
Donte Cantrell: A tackling machine, leading the defense with 11 tackles.
Hugh Busby, Logan Brantley, Marcus Calvin, and Tony Terry: Each recorded a sack, consistently pressuring Kansas State’s backfield.
Jalen Todd and David Tripp: Each came away with interceptions, further stifling the Wildcats’ offensive rhythm.
Kansas' defensive front was relentless, limiting Kansas State's ability to sustain drives and effectively shutting down any momentum they tried to build.
Kansas took an early lead in the first quarter with Matlock’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Trey'Dez Green, setting the tone for a dominant performance. In the second quarter, Matlock struck again, finding Keaton Kubecka for a 7-yard score. A 20-yard touchdown run by Johnny Thompson Jr. capped off an explosive first half for the Jayhawks, who went into halftime up 21-0.
The second half saw Kansas add a field goal from Shaq Durham to extend the lead to 24-0. Kansas State managed a lone touchdown in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.
Final Numbers
Kansas Total Yards: 395 (264 rushing, 96 passing)
Kansas State Total Yards: 219
Turnovers Forced by Kansas: 2 (interceptions by Todd and Tripp)
Kansas’ physical rushing attack and opportunistic defense proved too much for Kansas State, as the Jayhawks controlled every aspect of the game. The victory not only extended their dominance in the Sunshine Showdown but also showcased their ability to win with a balanced and disciplined team effort. With this win, Kansas continues to build momentum for what could be a special season.
Additional Media
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
KU: Trey'Dez Green 4-yard pass from Brad Matlock (Shaq Durham kick), 1:15
Second Quarter
KU: Keaton Kubecka 7-yard pass from Brad Matlock (Shaq Durham kick), 4:27
KU: Johnny Thompson Jr. 20-yard run (Shaq Durham kick), 1:54
Third Quarter
KU: Shaq Durham 21-yard field goal, 1:42
Fourth Quarter
KSU: Andre Davis 5-yard pass from Blake Barnett (Will Anciaux 2-point conversion), 1:40
Key Statistics
Passing – B. Matlock 14/22 96Yds 2TD 1Int
Rushing – J. Thompson Jr 20Car 154Yds 1TD, A. Muamba 20Car 110Yds, B. Matlock 3Car 28Yds
Receiving – K. Kubecka 5Rec 41Yds 1TD, D. Keo 5Rec 32Yds, T. Green 1Rec 4Yds 1TD
Tackles – D. Cantrell 11, R. Orr 7
Sacks – H. Busby 1.0, L. Brantley 1.0, M. Calvin 1.0, T. Terry 1.0
Takeaways – J. Tood 1Int, D. Tripp 1Int
Special Teams - S. Durham 1/2FG 3/3XP, A. Newson 2PT 100Yds, M. Cooke 1KR 13Yds
Passing – B. Barnett 18/24 143Yds 1TD 2Int
Rushing – J. Jackson 11Car 46Yds, B. Barnett 9Car 30Yds
Receiving – B. McAllister 7Rec 61Yds, A. Davis 3Rec 43Yds 1TD, T. Spivey 2Rec 23Yds
Tackles – K. Sallis 13, C. Barta 12
Sacks – N/A
Takeaways – C. Barta 1Int, J. Allen 1FF
Special Teams – S. McClannan 5Pt 207Yds, J. Spruce 3KR 75Yds, J. Tye 2KR 46Yds 1PR 9Yds
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