Wichita’s “Sunflower State Showdown” Football Game Ends in Overtime Thriller

Wichita’s “Sunflower State Showdown” Football Game Ends in Overtime ThrillerWichita’s “Sunflower State Showdown” Football Game Ends in Overtime Thriller Wichita, Kansas – The annual “Sunflower State Showdown” football game between the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas State University Wildcats culminated in a heart-stopping overtime thriller on Saturday night at Cessna Stadium. In a game that lived up to its billing, both teams traded blows throughout regulation. The Jayhawks drew first blood with a touchdown run by running back Devin Neal, but the Wildcats responded with a touchdown pass from quarterback Adrian Martinez to tight end Ben Sinnott. The second quarter saw a flurry of points, with both teams scoring two touchdowns apiece. The Jayhawks regained the lead on a touchdown pass from quarterback Jalon Daniels to wide receiver Luke Grimm, but the Wildcats tied the game once again on a touchdown run by running back Deuce Vaughn. The third quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter. With just over three minutes remaining, the Jayhawks took the lead for good on a 28-yard field goal by Jacob Borcila. However, the Wildcats had one final chance to tie the game, driving down the field to the Jayhawks’ 20-yard line with seconds remaining. Kicker Ty Zentner’s 37-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left, sending the game into overtime. In overtime, the Jayhawks won the toss and elected to receive. Daniels found tight end Jared Casey for a 25-yard touchdown on the first play, giving Kansas a 31-24 lead. The Wildcats had a chance to tie the game, but Martinez’s pass to wide receiver Malik Knowles was intercepted by Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant, sealing the victory for Kansas. Daniels finished the game with 256 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Neal led the rushing attack with 106 yards. Martinez threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns, while Vaughn rushed for 123 yards. The victory marked the Jayhawks’ first win in the Sunflower State Showdown since 2014 and gave them a 3-0 start to the season. The Wildcats fell to 2-1.