It has been 14 years since Kansas and Missouri faced off; since then, a lot has happened. Missouri has been a perennial team in the SEC, having its share of up-and-down years, yet with head coach Eli Drinkwitz, they appear to be going in the right direction. Drinkwitz is 21-5 over his last two seasons with two bowl wins to follow suit.
Meanwhile, for the Jayhawks, things never looked like they were going to change until former Buffalo coach Lance Leipold was introduced. With Leipold, Kansas has begun the long process of turning the program around. Leipold has seen two bowl seasons with Kansas and has currently led the Jayhawks to a 2-0 season, thanks to wins over Fresno State and Wagner.
But recently, there has been a sharpness surrounding this week; the anticipation for this matchup seems to be brimming.
Our staff took the time to compile their own predictions for this highly anticipated clash.
Tyler Key: Kansas 27 - 23 Missouri
The Jayhawks will need to be firing on all cylinders to beat a tough Tigers team. I predict that Jalon Daniels goes turnover-free and the defense generates a huge turnover to help KU win a close one.
Joel Wagler: Kansas 24-21 Missouri
The defense hasn't been challenged yet, but will step up big against the powerful Mizzou offense. Jalon Daniels will remind everyone of why he was the 2023 Preseason Player of the Year.
Riley Hibdon: Missouri 30-23 Kansas
I think Jalon Daniels and the offense will be productive, but the lack of depth on the defensive side of the ball could potentially be a huge problem. This Tiger offense has a really good chance to overwhelm the KU defense if the Jayhawks fail to settle into the game. An early-season matchup with an SEC school on the road is never an easy task. In a coin flip game like this, I’m going to reluctantly take the home team, but anything can happen when a bitter rivalry is re-ignited.
Connor Mardian: Kansas 34-21 Missouri
This will be closer than the scoreline may suggest. Expect one team to come out of the blocks firing, and the second and third quarters will be a slugfest. I expect Kansas to get the lead with around five minutes to go, then get a game-sealing defensive touchdown.
Logan Rosengard: Kansas 38-31 Missouri
The amount of pure excitement I have for this matchup is immeasurable. It’s war, no better way to put it. I do truly believe Lance and Co. understand how important this game is and will throw the kitchen sink at the school out east. They have a good program, but the Jayhawks are better. I think it’s going to be a high-scoring game, and I think that favors Jalon Daniels style of play. I expect Emmanuel Henderson to be getting the ball a lot, too.