With ‘toxic rivalry’ of KU-MU Border War awaiting, let’s do a Kansas Jayhawks Q&A
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kansas and Missouri renew football rivalry for first time since 2011 departure.
- Freshman Isaiah Marshall outperformed QB2 Cole Ballard in limited game action.
- Linebacker Bangally Kamara’s non-contact injury leaves return timeline unclear.
The resumption of the Border War is mere days away now.
Kansas and Missouri haven’t met on the football field since 2011, with Mizzou departing the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference the following year.
They meet again Saturday in Columbia, though KU coach Lance Leipold downplays what’s at stake for the Jayhawks.
“I know it’s a game (with) a lot at stake, but after that game is over next week, no matter what the outcome may be, I know we will have our team ready to play,” Leipold said. “We have to play nine more games after that.
“There’s a lot there that has to be balanced as you approach games like this, but I know it’s something that people have been waiting (on) for a long time. It should be exciting.”
Irrespective of the rivalry, this will be the first big test for KU this season. Missouri opened as a 6.5-point favorite, according to DraftKings.
It’s hard to say what will happen, but the game should be a competitive one. I certainly am looking forward to covering my first gridiron Border War football clash.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas mailbag. Thanks, as always, for the questions!
Qb2? @Kansashoopschat
Heading into KU’s game against Wagner, Cole Ballard had won the backup quarterback job.
I had heard from multiple sources around the program that he looked great during training camp. Coach Lance Leipold praised him throughout spring football and fall camp.
I don’t think anything has changed depth chart-wise in the wake of KU’s opener vs. Wagner, but Kansas fans got a glimpse of what the future could look like.
Isaiah Marshall played better in limited snaps than Ballard did on Friday. He replaced Ballard with about nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. He went 3-for-3 passing for 28 yards. His scoring drive ended in a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Ballard went 2-of-6 passing for 38 yards, leading one drive that resulted in a field goal and two others that did not produce points.
I still believe Ballard will be the QB2 for the rest of the season, but next season’s quarterback battle will be fascinating to watch.
How many points will KU win by? Should I bet all of money or just most of it? @perch24
I appreciate the enthusiasm and optimism you have for KU football, but let’s take a step back. I believe the KU-MU game will be competitive, but this will be the first real test for Kansas this season.
And how will the Jayhawks respond to the boisterous environment in Columbia?
Why are we playing this game? It was put together by 2 AD’s that aren’t w/either school that had zero history or idea about its past. People say it’s good for the game, but what I remember most about the rivalry, whether either team was good or bad, was it was toxic. @jfos4
I understand your perspective, but the toxicity of the rivalry only makes it better.
I’m a UGA graduate and big Georgia fan, and the rivalry between Florida and Georgia is anything but friendly. I look forward to that game every single year so that I can text my friends from UF some trash-talk.
Plus, in typical Georgia fan fashion, I’m not afraid to bark at them when I see them next. I like the fact that there’s genuine dislike for Florida: That’s what makes sports so fun. Sometimes, it’s just fun to be a hater.
One of my fondest college memories is attending “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” in Jacksonville. Watching that game alongside my college friends and thousands of strangers, folks despising others because of the jersey, is something I’ll never forget.
I imagine that’s how both sides of the Border War feel. It raises the stakes for the game. And the history involved makes it even better. There’s so much at stake.
Maybe it’s a little toxic, but what major rivalry isn’t?
Bengally Kamara out for the year? Non-contact injury is never good. @staggles14
It’s too early to say. Here’s what coach Leipold said after KU’s win over Wagner:
“Bangally suffered a non-contact injury in Wednesday’s practice and his status will be unknown for a while,” he said.
That, to me, is a little worrying, but I don’t want to speculate. Hopefully there will be an update on Kamara’s status by Monday.
