For the first time since 2011, Kansas and Missouri will renew their historic rivalry. The Border War makes its return in Week 2, and the early point spread has been released. Missouri opened as a 6.5-point favorite in the matchup, according to BetMGM. The over-under opened at 53.5 points. The Jayhawks and Tigers last squared […]
For the first time since 2011, Kansas and Missouri will renew their historic rivalry. The Border War makes its return in Week 2, and the early point spread has been released.
Missouri opened as a 6.5-point favorite in the matchup, according to BetMGM. The over-under opened at 53.5 points.
The Jayhawks and Tigers last squared off in 2011 before Mizzou joined the SEC. In that game, the Tigers came away with a 24-10 victory, marking their third straight win in the rivalry. Kansas last defeated Missouri in 2008 in a 40-37 thriller in Kansas City.
Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz understands the importance of the rivalry matchup. He spoke about it last month at SEC Media Days, pointing out what it means to the fans on both sides.
“I think rivalries are a great thing for college athletics and college football, particularly, especially regional rivalries,” Drinkwitz said. “This one goes back a long ways. The origins, our football name, the Tigers, was based off the militia that was formed to protect Columbia from Kansas and [people] from the Kansas area.
“So, this is something that goes back a long way. It’s very deep and it’s something that our team is very keenly aware of. We understand the implications, the importance to our state. And look forward to playing that game, especially having it at home.”
Drinkwitz also said he doesn’t plan to fire any jabs at Kansas. He looks forward to settling it on the field and reflected on just how far back the rivalry goes.
“No [jabs],” Drinkwitz said. “None. They’ll come. … Yeah, I’ve taken jabs at Kansas. I’ll say this. Their coach got up at [Big 12] Media Days, and said, ‘I wasn’t sure about the rivalry between Kansas and Missouri.’ I was from Day 1. I knew it from Day 1 that was a very important game. I mean, this thing goes back to the Civil War. People died in this rivalry. It’s intense and we don’t like each other.”
Kansas started off the year in Week 0 and takes a 2-0 record into the Week 2 matchup against Missouri. The Tigers also started off the year strong, getting a resounding 61-6 win over Central Arkansas in Week 1. However, they saw quarterback Sam Horn go down with an injury, meaning it could be Beau Pribula’s show once again after he got the start in the season opener.
Category: General Sports
