KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the Kansas Jayhawk football team, the Border Showdown with the Missouri Tigers Saturday is for more than just bragging rights.
The Jayhawks (5-6 overall, 1-6 Big 12) could qualify for a bowl bid with a victory. But with just six wins, a berth wouldn’t be guaranteed. Texas thrashed Kansas 51-20 last weekend.
The Tigers (7-4, 3-4 Big 12) have already secured a bowl bid. Missouri is coming off Saturday's 34-24 win over Iowa State.
KU and MU are meeting in Arrowhead for the third straight season (both teams have won once) and 24th time in Kansas City (KU leads 13-7-3 in those games).
This is the 118th meeting in a series that dates back to 1891.
"It is an exciting week here because our players really get excited about this and our fan base really gets excited about this game," said Kansas head coach Mark Mangino.
The Jayhawks are immersed in the controversy of an internal investigation of the behavior of Mangino, whose job may be in jeopardy.
Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel says Kansas has had a tough year, but they are still dangerous.
"They've certainly had their struggles, but they've got a good football team," Pinkel said. "We all know this game, regardless of either team's record, speaks for itself."
For the first time the Tigers will be wearing the new Nike Pro Combat uniforms.
"Our (regular) uniforms are our uniforms--we would never make a change to that, but this is a one-time thing that they (Nike) designed," said Pinkel.
Regardless of what uniforms the teams wear, the Kansas-Missouri game is always a battle.
"It generates a lot of interest in the region," said Mangino. "In the last few years, it has also gained some national attention, which is good for both universities and good for the rivalry. We are looking forward to it.”
Kick-off is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
This is the third consecutive year KU and MU have met at Arrowhead.
As of noon Friday, tickets are still available for the game, including a package of four upper-reserve seats for $99. Fans can purchase
Border Showdown tickets through Ticketmaster online or by calling (800) 745-3000.
Parking lots will open Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and stadium gates will open at 12:30 p.m
Bus transportation will also be available by reservation through Arrow Stage Lines. Buses will pick up and drop off fans Ameristar (Lot H on the east side), Metro North (the northeast corner of the mall parking lot), Rosanna Square - Overland Park (the west side behind the fast-food restaurants) and Blue Springs (White Oak Plaza). The buses will leave each of these locations promptly at 12:30 PM and will drop off fans at Arrowhead by the northeast corner of Lot M (by Kauffman Stadium). The buses will leave from the same location 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.
Online reservations are required. Payment must be made at the time of the reservation. Tickets purchased in advance are $17.50 per person. A walk-up bus ticket is $20.00 (cash only) available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans without advanced reservations cannot be guaranteed a seat.
