In the stadium, the climb is as steep as ever. In the stadium, KU has no better a chance at in-state rival Kansas State than it had last year or the year before. But outside the stadium, it might be a fairer fight. Maybe the only story that can rival K-State's football renaissance is that of the atmosphere that surrounds it. The scene at KSU Stadium on game day is the best in the Big 12.
Fans come early and set up camp.
Some actually camp. If the marketing people at Weber were on the ball, the grill-maker would tape Smokey Joe commercials on Saturdays in Manhattan. This has plenty to do with the product. The Cats have been to eight straight bowl games. The Jayhawks haven't had a winning season in six years.