Game Predictions: Kansas Jayhawks at Missouri Tigers

An old Big 12 rivalry is reigniting this weekend after over a decade of it going away. When Missouri left for the SEC the long-standing rivalry with the Kansas Jayhawks died, but the two teams are squaring off this weekend for the first time since 2011. Missouri leads the all-time series 57-54, but Kansas brings a hot football team into this matchup. This game is also another chance for the Big 12 to make a big statement, or for the SEC to show continued dominance.

Date: Saturday, September 6
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Location: Memorial Stadium (Columbia, Mo.)
TV: ESPN2
Spread: Missouri -6.5, O/U: 50.5

The Irish Breakdown crew has made our predictions for this huge matchup.

BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER

Prediction: Kansas 34, Missouri 27

Kansas has been impressive in its 2-0 start, earning a dominant win over what is supposed to be a good Fresno State team (31-7) and a dominant game two performance against an overmatched Wagner squad. Kansas has been punishing on the ground in the first two game (246.0 YPG), and quarterback Jalon Daniels has looked like his old self. Daniels is averaging 228 passing yards per game while completing 80-percent of his passes to go with seven touchdowns in just a game and a half of action. Kansas will be challenged defensively in a much, much different manner but the early season performance on that side of the ball has been outstanding.

Missouri was dominant in its opener, but this will be a much, much different test. Transfer quarterback Beau Pribula looked great in the opener, passing for 283 yards and rushing for another 65 while accounting for four touchdowns. He spread the ball around well, but Kansas has been impressive defensively so far this season. It completely shut down Fresno State in the opener, but Missouri is a much deeper and faster team. Pribula will need to once again be on top of his game as a passer and runner against the Jayhawks.

I think this will be one of the more entertaining games of the weekend, but I think Daniels outduels Pribula and the Jayhawks are able to run the ball well enough to move the ball well against the Tigers.

VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST

Prediction: Kansas 31, Missouri 28

Renewing the Border War brings raw rivalry energy back to the gridiron. On KU’s side, quarterbacl Jalon Daniels is back and healthy, leading a reconstructed offense including weapons like Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Cam Pickett. On the Missouri sideline, dual-threat quarterback Beau Pribula is ready, having posted over 280 yards passing plus two rushing touchdowns last week. Missouri’s defensive front and Pribula’s mobility could pose serious problems, but Kansas’ high-octane offensive tempo and Daniels’ veteran savvy present a potent counterpunch. With both offenses clicking and the emotional stakes high, expect a back-and-forth shootout. I am a big fan of Daniels and I think he gives the Jayhawks the edge in the final minutes.

TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: Kansas 38, Missouri 27

If you like exciting quarterback play, this might be the game to tune into. Missouri's Beau Pribula, a Penn State transfer, racked up 283 passing yards, 65 rushing yards and four total touchdowns in their season opener against Central Arkansas. In two games this season, Jayhawks quarterback Jalon Daniels has tallied 456 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 65 rushing yards and has completed 80 percent of his passes. 

This is a statement game for both programs. If Kansas is able to go on the road against an SEC team in Mizzou and remain unschathed, they'll have to be considered one of the favorites to win the Big 12 which is currently wide open. If the Tigers are able to hold serve at home over an experienced and talented Kansas team, head coach Eli Drinkwitz may be on his way to another 9 to 10 win season. His performance against Central Arkansas was great, but I'm still not sold on Pribula in the big games. I like Kansas and Daniels in this one in a high scoring affair.  

ANDREW McDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: Missouri 31, Kansas 24

The Border War started back in 1891 but was a casualty of Missouri's move to the SEC in 2012, so it will be great to see these two rivals back on the field together for the first time since 2011. Kansas has raced out to a 2-0 start on the back of not just an explosive offense, but also a defense that has allowed just a touchdown in both games to Fresno State and Wagner. On the other sideline, Penn State transfer Beau Pribula completed 82% of his passes and threw for 2 scores in a win over Central Arkansas last weekend. 

Ultimately, this one comes down to roster talent and location. Per the 247 Talent Composite, the Tigers check in with the 22nd most talented roster in the FBS, while the Jayhawks rank 48th. Lance Leipold is a fantastic coach and his team will be up for the game, but Missouri pulls away in the fourth quarter on the strength of superior depth and talent and the home crowd at Faurot Field. 

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