Lance Leipold preparing Jayhawks for a pivotal battle with Wildcats

LAWRENCE, Kan. — It’s no mystery that the Jayhawks have lost 17 consecutive games in the Sunflower Showdown, and that’s a streak their head coach desperately wants to end.

It appears Kansas is catching Kansas State at the right time for many reasons, so Lance Leipold is viewing the rivalry clash like a now or never scenario, and intends on changing the narrative.

After all, the Wildcats are vulnerable, and lack confidence following three-straight losses in Big 12 play, making it obvious that their first-year coach is in the middle of a rebuilding project. Both teams are still winless in conference play, and Leipold could care less about their records, because he knows the Jayhawks are going to get the Wildcats’ best.

The Jayhawks’ last win in the series came in 2008, and their last victory in Manhattan was in 2007. Leipold feels Kansas (2-3) is long overdue, so he’s eager to give the fans something to be proud of, but understands Kansas State will be ready.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge, obviously we’re well aware of the situation of the rivalry, our lack of success in a long time there, and the importance of this football game for a lot of reasons,” Leipold said. “Each of us are going to look for our first conference win, and this is going to be important.”

Kansas gave a top-15 Utah team a scare on the road in week six, and the final score wasn’t a reflection of how close the game turned out to be. Despite the loss, Leipold is putting the Jayhawks through an intense week of practice, and building on the positive aspects from the clash against the Utes.

There’s nothing like preparing for the Sunflower Showdown though, considering it’s the annual game that fans from both sides circle on their calendar. Bragging rights is what the fans want, but Leipold believes the rivalry flies under the radar because of the Jayhawks’ winning drought.

“You hear about places where it’s talked about almost 365 days a year, I don’t feel it’s there, but I know it’s important to our fanbase and it should be,” he said. “We’re going to need a great week of preparation to have a chance to go into their home, and find a way to win a game.”

Kansas’ last trip to Bill Snyder Family Stadium ended with a two-point loss. What made matters worse is the fact that the Jayhawks had the lead before the final two-minute warning. Leipold is well aware that it’s going to take a complete team effort in order for the Jayhawks to leave that field with a win, and they’ll have a slim margin for error on the road.

Kansas running back Dylan Edwards played for Kansas State last season, and can’t wait to take the field. Linebacker Trey Lathan talked about how this is the year that the streak ends this past July at Big 12 Media Days. Leipold can’t downplay what a win could do for his program, but it’s going to be an even bigger challenge with keeping his players from all of the distractions online.

“I’m sure there are posts in the social media world, and things like that about we’ve gotta get the tide turned on this, and it can’t be much of a rivalry unless we hold our end of the bargain up,” the 62-year old said. “We haven’t done that yet and we’re well aware of that, and we gotta find a way to do it on Saturday.”

The forecast for the game is clear and sunny, so it should be perfect football weather the entire afternoon. With both defenses struggling as of late, the matchup could potentially turn into an offensive shootout. Leipold is willing to throw the kitchen sink at the Wildcats if necessary, and expects the contest to get physical in the trenches.

In Leipold’s mind, the game is going to come down to which team wants it more, and his players are trying to cook while the skillet is hot.