Home / Sports / Beyond Basketball: Football Holds Border War Key
Beyond Basketball: Football Holds Border War Key
10 Sep
Summary
- Football rivalry dates back to 1891, predating basketball series.
- Football series is competitive; basketball series heavily favors Kansas.
- Homecoming tradition originated from a 1911 Mizzou-Kansas football game.
The storied Border War rivalry between Mizzou and Kansas faces potential dimming as scheduling uncertainties loom, particularly for the basketball series which may cease after December 2026. This contrasts sharply with the football rivalry, which has remained competitive over more than a century. The football series, initiated in 1891, predates the basketball matchups by 16 years and is intrinsically linked to significant traditions, including the birth of Homecoming in 1911.
While Mizzou trails significantly in all-time basketball wins, football presents a more balanced contest. The article highlights the strategic advantage of prioritizing the football rivalry, noting its deeper historical roots and greater competitive parity. With football scheduling offering more flexibility, it is suggested that the Border War could become an annual tradition, akin to other prominent college football rivalries.
The expanding College Football Playoff and SEC's nine-game conference schedule are also cited as factors making annual nonconference matchups more feasible. Given Mizzou's position as an SEC program, the competitive risk of playing Kansas annually in football is deemed minimal, offering benefits for recruiting and fan engagement. The emphasis is on ensuring the football rivalry, with its extensive history, is not relegated to a mere footnote.
