Kansas falls to Kansas State, 21-17

It was every bit as ugly as everyone expected. This year's version of the Sunflower Showdown was a comedy of errors that neither team deserved to win.

In a mistake-filled first half, Kansas would score the first points of the game with 5:38 remaining. Gabe Rui actually hit a field goal several plays earlier, but KSU was called for running in to the kicker. KU ended up with a 4th and 1 at the 4 yard line, but of course KU's fearless leader on the sideline opted for the field goal. I mean, what are the odds those 4 points would end up making a difference, right?

At halftime, KU held the 3-0 lead, holding the Big 12's leading rusher Alex Barnes to just 21 yards. The Kansas defense had shut down the Wildcats' struggling offense.

Kansas recovered a K-State fumble on the kickoff to open the second half, but could do nothing with it and turned it over with a sack on 4th and 8. Kansas State finally figured out the offense and quickly drove down the field for a touchdown.

Fortunately, KU also got things going a bit on the offensive front. They answered on a touchdown pass to Jeremiah Booker to retake the lead. Alex Barnes would put K-State back on top 14-10 before the quarter ended.

Just two plays into the fourth quarter, Kansas had the longest play of the game, as Steven Sims went 61 yards in a TD pass from Bender. Kansas would take the ball at the 18 off a KSU punt with eight and half minutes left, and had an opportunity to put the game away. Khalil Herbert broke free for a big gain before getting knocked out of bounds inside the K-State 10.

Unfortunately, it was called back for a pretty weak hold. Then, on 1st and 19, they were flagged for a false start. Fortunately, the offense came roaring back with a 60 yard run by Pooka!

Wait, what's that? Another hold? Sure, why not.

Apparently the team wasn't embarrassed enough, because they then tacked on an unsportsmanlike conduct flag. As you may have already guessed, Kansas ended up punting.

In fitting fashion, KSU drove 60 yards for a go ahead touchdown. Things looked bad for the Jayhawks, but Peyton Bender started putting together a nice little two minute drill, moving the ball all the way down to the Wildcats' 32 yard line with 33 seconds remaining.

Unfortunately, Kansas dug deep and figured out the most embarrassing possible way to lose the game. Peyton Bender attempted to throw a screen pass on the next play...without the ball. It slipped right out of his hand as he reached back to throw. KSU fell on it. Game over.

Remind me again why the hell David Beaty is still on the sideline?