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Dark Day in Kansas

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 8:36 AM ET

What began as a day of optimism in the state of Kansas ended up being one full of disappointment. Both Kansas (1-1) and Kansas State (1-2) hoped to make statements. For the Jayhawks it was an opportunity to prove that they are a team to be reckoned with in 2025, while for the Wildcats a victory would help ease their fans’ growing concerns. Neither succeeded.

Kansas was up first, with a border battle against Missouri (2-0). The two played annually until 2011 when Missouri left the Big 12 for the SEC. Since then, there has been plenty of talk of reviving the game, so when the day finally arrived, the anticipation was high on both sides.

After a quick Missouri touchdown to start the game, Kansas rebounded nicely and ended the first quarter with a 21-6 lead. After that the Jayhawks were outscored 36-10. They were able to retake the lead midway through the fourth quarter after a 6-yard touchdown pass from Jalon Daniels to DeShawn Hanika, but then they gave up two touchdowns in the final five minutes to seal the game.

Sep 6, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Jamal Roberts (20) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Kansas Jayhawks at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Daniels played well, but the defense allowed the Missouri offense to total 595 yards and 28 first downs while racking up over 40 minutes of possession. The Jayhawks had no answer for quarterback Beau Pribula, who completed 30 of 39 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

As for Kansas State, they were looking to right the ship after a disastrous first two games. After losing to Iowa State in Ireland, the Wildcats won a nail biter against FCS North Dakota. Army (1-1) gave them the opportunity to get back on track. Instead, they lost 24-21 at home to a Black Knights team that had just lost to FCS Tarleton State.

A rushing attack that failed to click against Tarleton State, found its groove at Kansas State. They rushed for 237 yards while dominating the time of possession. It was what Army does when they’re playing well, and the Wildcats had no answer for it.

Aside from not being able to stop Army’s running game, the defense also failed when given the opportunity to get off the field. The Black Knights went for it seven times on fourth down and converted six opportunities. This continued numerous drives, while ultimately further wearing down the unit.

So, where does this put the Jayhawks and Wildcats. Kansas, while disappointed, has a very good chance to rebound. Their next three games, all against Big 12 opponents, are winnable. West Virginia, Cincinnati and UCF are there to take advantage of. As long as Daniels continues to play at a high-level, the Jayhawks should be ok as they head into mid-October.

Kansas State is a different story. The Wildcats had many causes for concern coming into the Army game and now they have even more. Suddenly there isn’t a game remaining on their schedule that the fanbase will feel confident going into. And that starts on Friday night when Kansas State travels to Arizona to take on a Wildcats team that is 2-0 and averaging 44 points per game. Things could get uglier in Manhattan, Kan. before they get better.

The state of Kansas was hoping to wake up on Sunday morning feeling rejuvenated, instead it has become a day of reflection and sadness.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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