Greg McElroy Names In-State Rivalry Game That Will Impact College Football Playoff Race

With the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, multiple games each week could have radical implications for the postseason.

On a recent episode of Always College Football , ESPN's Greg McElroy identified an overlooked in-state rivalry game that could potentially shape next season's College Football Playoff. He noted that Missouri vs. Alabama could dominate the headlines, but the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and Kansas State will be an important Big 12 matchup.

“Missouri at Alabama is the headliner, but Kansas at Kansas State, rivalry game, ladies and gentlemen,” McElroy said. “Kansas has the third-best odds to win the Big 12 this year. Kansas State is the favorite to win the Big 12, alongside Utah. Can Kansas go on the road and knock off Kansas State in a rivalry game to maybe upset the pecking order there in the Big 12? That’s a close one that we’ll be following.”

The Jayhawks will be led by one of the best-returning quarterbacks in the nation. Jalon Daniels was named the Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year before being limited to only three games due to injury. Despite his injury, Kansas finished the season 9-4 and ended the season with a massive win over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Kansas State has won eight or more games in three consecutive seasons under head coach Chris Klieman. The Wildcats will be led by Avery Johnson, who has received plenty of offseason hype after showing his potential in limited action last season. DJ Giddens returns after rushing for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.

The Wildcats have dominated this rivalry over the past 40 years, including 15 consecutive wins over the Jayhawks. Kansas will be searching for its first win since 2008, which adds another layer of intrigue for this in-state rivalry game.

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