The rivalry between Kansas and Missouri in college football is set to reignite, and emotions are already running high. Known as the Border War until 2004, this rivalry dates back to 1891. It epitomizes the intense animosity that sets college football rivalries apart from others.

Recently, a hype video released by Kansas has stirred controversy. It references Missouri’s history as a slave state during the Civil War. This aspect has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about the appropriateness of such statements in sports promotion.

Even though historical rivalries often leverage past tensions to fuel competitive spirit, some argue this approach might cross a line. Highlighting an event from 160 years ago, unrelated to the current teams and their players, seems excessive to some observers.

Most players on the Missouri team featured in the video are African American. It stands to reason they didn’t choose Missouri because of historical stances on slavery. The campaign’s narrative could misrepresent their choices and identities.

Further complicating matters, Metro Boomin, the producer of the song used in the video, hails from Missouri. This odd twist adds another layer to the already complex dynamics of the rivalry.

While the excitement around the game builds, the new Kansas video highlights the fine line between stoking competitive fire and respecting historical sensitivities. The decision to focus on historical conflict rather than present competition may spark further debate about appropriate ways to promote sports events.