College Football Rivalry Heats Up After Controversial Viral Video
A viral video is highlighting the roots of a college football rivalry that stretch back to before the Civil War.
College football's long-standing rivalry between Missouri Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks intensifies with a controversial video released by the Jayhawks. The video, titled "Heroes and Villains," emphasizes the deep-rooted historical connection between the two states, which dates back to the mid-1800s when Missourians attempted to bring Kansas into the Union as a slave state during the Bleeding Kansas era.
Kansas' mascot, the Jayhawk, originates from anti-slavery and free-state militants in Kansas, giving the rivalry a more profound significance.
Kansas football's video, set to the track "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)" by Metro Boomin and Future, highlights the hatred passed down through generations and the historical significance of the conflict. Former Jayhawk and NFL player Gilbert "the Gravedigger" Brown narrates the video, stating that the rivalry is fueled by hatred and that the stakes go beyond school pride. The video features historical images and maps, including those of abolitionist John Brown.
Despite the emotional environment, Missouri is favored to win the game, which will be played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, with the Tigers ranked No. 23 in the country. However, the Jayhawks will face a challenging task, especially with Missouri's star player Ahmad Hardy, considered one of the best running backs in college football. The game is scheduled to kick off on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
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