Jayhawks Head to Missouri for Border Showdown on Saturday

Nov. 16, 2004

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Kansas (3-7, 1-6 Big 12) football team will play its final game of the 2004 season when the Jayhawks travel to Missouri (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) on Nov. 20. Kickoff in the Border Showdown contest against the Tigers is scheduled for 1 p.m. from MU’s Memorial Stadium.

“Our kids understand the rivalry and the history of it,” said KU head coach Mark Mangino of the long-time series with Missouri. “It is the oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi River and one of the best in the country. There is an extra bounce in everybody’s step around here. Our kids look forward to it.”

The game represents the final contest for 19 Jayhawk seniors including WR Brandon Rideau, WR Gary Heaggans, DL Travis Watkins, SS Tony Stubbs, OL Tony Coker, PK Johnny Beck, OL Joe Vaughn, DE David McMillan, DE Greg Tyree, TE Brandon Watkins, LB Clark McCracken, TE Lyonel Anderson, DB Shelton Simmons, FB Austine Nwabuisi, QB John Nielsen, P Chris Tyrrell, OL Nick McCaslin, WR Chris Steppig and WR Scott Bajza.

The Jayhawks are coming off a heartbreaking 27-24 loss on Saturday that saw No. 6 Texas score the game-winning touchdown with 11 seconds remaining in the contest. The Jayhawks led 23-13 in the fourth quarter, but the Longhorns scored a pair of touchdowns in the final four minutes to steal the win.

Missouri enters the game against the Jayhawks well-rested as the Tigers did not play this past weekend. MU lost its last contest (Nov. 6), 35-24, despite jumping out to a 21-0 lead at home against Kansas State.

The Kansas – Missouri Border Showdown series, which began in 1891, is the second-oldest series in Division I-A (behind Minnesota-Wisconsin) and the oldest series west of the Mississippi River.

SERIES NOTES

— The Kansas – Missouri Border War series, which began in 1891, is the second-oldest series in Division I-A (behind Minnesota-Wisconsin) and the oldest NCAA I series west of the Mississippi River.

— KU leads the series 52-51-9 after defeating the Tigers 35-14 last year in Lawrence.

— The game marks the 113th meeting between the two schools.

— Of the previous 112 games, 49 have been decided by a touchdown or less.

— The Student Alumni Associations from Kansas and Missouri coordinate the post-game presentation of the Marching Band Drum, which is given each year to the winning team. The two schools have been exchanging a trophy since 1912 (it was formerly known as the Indian War Drum).

— There has not been a four-game winning streak by either team in the series since Missouri captured four straight from 1963-66.

— KU has won eight of the last 13 games between the two teams.

— MU head coach Gary Pinkel’s first game as head coach at Toledo was a 30-7 loss to Kansas in 1991.

— KU —