The rivalry between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Iowa State Cyclones has a rich history in college football. With over 100 games played between the two teams, there have been many exciting moments that have contributed to the intensity of the rivalry. Here are the top 5 moments in KU vs Iowa State football history.
A Legacy of Rivalry
The Kansas Jayhawks and the Iowa State Cyclones first met on the gridiron in 1896, with KU winning the inaugural matchup 30-0. Since then, the two teams have faced off over 100 times, with the series currently standing at 50-42-6 in favor of the Jayhawks. Despite the Cyclones' recent dominance, the rivalry remains one of the most intense and closely contested in the Big 12 Conference.
Moment #5: The 2010 Upset
On November 6, 2010, the Jayhawks pulled off a stunning upset over the Cyclones, winning 28-16 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. KU quarterback Quin Snyder threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns, while running back James Sims added 101 yards on the ground. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Jayhawks and marked one of the biggest upsets of the season.
The Turning Point
The game turned in KU's favor in the second quarter when Snyder connected with wide receiver Johnathan Wilson for a 32-yard touchdown pass, giving the Jayhawks a 14-10 lead. Iowa State struggled to contain KU's offense, allowing 384 total yards and 21 first downs.
Moment #4: The 2007 Shootout
In 2007, the Jayhawks and Cyclones engaged in a thrilling shootout at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. KU quarterback Todd Reesing threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns, while Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud added 271 yards and three touchdowns. The Jayhawks ultimately emerged victorious, 45-42, in a game that featured over 1,000 total yards of offense.
Aerial Attack
The game was marked by a series of explosive plays through the air, including a 51-yard touchdown pass from Reesing to wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe and a 67-yard touchdown pass from Arnaud to wide receiver Marquis Hamilton. The two teams combined for 686 passing yards and six touchdowns.
Moment #3: The 1995 Comeback
In 1995, the Jayhawks staged a dramatic comeback against the Cyclones, overcoming a 17-0 deficit to win 24-20 at Jack Trice Stadium. KU quarterback Mark Williams threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while running back June Henley added 124 yards on the ground.
The Game-Winner
With just 1:04 remaining, Williams connected with wide receiver Isaac Byrd for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping a 10-play, 80-yard drive and giving the Jayhawks the lead. Iowa State's final drive stalled at the KU 25-yard line, securing the victory for the Jayhawks.
Moment #2: The 1974 Upset
On November 16, 1974, the Jayhawks pulled off a stunning upset over the Cyclones, winning 24-20 at Memorial Stadium. KU quarterback Nolan Cromwell threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Donnie Shanklin added 102 yards on the ground.
A Defensive Stand
The Jayhawks' defense played a key role in the victory, holding the Cyclones to just 23 rushing yards and intercepting two passes. The win marked KU's first over a ranked opponent in school history, as Iowa State entered the game ranked #17 in the country.
Moment #1: The 1969 Border War
The 1969 matchup between the Jayhawks and Cyclones is widely regarded as one of the greatest games in the history of the rivalry. KU quarterback John Hadl threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns, while Iowa State quarterback Dean Carlson added 201 yards and two touchdowns. The Jayhawks ultimately emerged victorious, 41-20, in a game that featured over 800 total yards of offense.
A Back-and-Forth Affair
The game was marked by a series of explosive plays, including a 55-yard touchdown pass from Hadl to wide receiver Bobby Douglas and a 47-yard touchdown pass from Carlson to wide receiver Ken Kramer. The two teams combined for 844 total yards and 10 touchdowns.
We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, reliving some of the most memorable moments in KU vs Iowa State football history. As the rivalry continues to grow in intensity, it's likely that we'll see many more thrilling matchups in the years to come.
What is the all-time record between Kansas and Iowa State?
+The Kansas Jayhawks lead the all-time series 50-42-6.
What is the highest-scoring game in the history of the rivalry?
+The highest-scoring game in the history of the rivalry is the 2007 matchup, which saw the Jayhawks and Cyclones combine for 87 points in a 45-42 KU victory.
What is the longest winning streak in the history of the rivalry?
+The longest winning streak in the history of the rivalry is 10 games, achieved by the Kansas Jayhawks from 1968 to 1977.