Three Big Things ahead of KU-Kansas State

Will Kansas State have the loudest crowd of the year on Tuesday?

Three Wild KU-Kansas State facts

1. No one has beaten a team more than KU has beaten Kansas State. Its 203 wins over the Wildcats are the most in D1 History. The Jayhawks' record is 203-94 against Kansas State. I'd never do it, but someone could hypothetically argue that the Wildcats are the biggest losers in college basketball history.¹

2. Kansas has won 64 of the last 70 games against Kansas State. This dates back to 1994.

3. Since 2010, Kansas has outscored Kansas State 2241-1933. During this 30-game stretch, the Jayhawks are 26-4, with 16 of the wins being double-digit beatdowns. In other words, more than half of the KU-KState games since 2010 have been 10+ point KU wins.

Two Areas to Watch Tomorrow

Synergy sports is an expensive advanced analytics and video tracking system for pro and college sports teams. I have Scoopmeistered my way into getting access and will use it for game previews this year.

1. Kansas State grades as an "excellent" defensive team, but it struggles in one area: transition. The Wildcats rank in the 18th percentile in transition defense efficiency. Meanwhile, KU's offense grades out as an "excellent" transition offense. It's their most efficient option, per Synergy. Running is a clear opportunity for the Jayhawks.

2. Kansas State is one of the best teams in the country at creating shots at the rim. K-State hasn't done a great job of finishing those looks, but they get a lot of them. KU's defense at the rim grades out as "very good," scoring in the 67th percentile. It'll be interesting to see how Bill Self rotates the bigs if Kansas State is getting shots inside.

One Final Thought:

This game will be the angriest atmosphere in college basketball this season. This may be the most significant home game Kansas State has had since the Beasley game in 2008. Tang is trying to get out ahead of it.²³

D. Scott Fritchen @DScottFritchen

Coach Tang delivers a message

I've been to a KU-KState game at Bramlage, and it's legitimately a rabid crowd. Lots of boos, people wearing overalls, and calls for "Sandstorm." The environment is the opposite of Allen Fieldhouse, which is more of a Disney Land, "Happiest Place on Earth" vibe. I'd call Bramlage a prison riot type of feel when the Jayhawks are in town.

The game may be the loudest crowd in college hoops this season. Unless, of course, The Wildcats win. Then, I can think of one that will be louder.

1. Want to be clear that I’d NEVER say something like that. Never.

2. Excited to see where Tang ends up in his next job.

3. LOL at a reporter referring to him as “coach.” Tang is not that dude’s coach.