After narrowly escaping Middle Tennessee State’s upset bid last weekend, Missouri (MU) is gearing up to host No. 15 Kansas State (KSU) from the Big 12. The Tigers got dismantled by the Wildcats on the road last season 40-12 and will seek revenge this Saturday in front of their home crowd. KSU represents MU’s first ranked opponent of the season.
Series History
This upcoming Saturday marks the 99th meeting between these former Big 12 rivals, with Missouri holding a 59-34-5 advantage. Prior to last season’s clash, the Tigers had secured five consecutive victories against the Wildcats. However, they did ultimately fall 24-17 in Manhattan, Kansas in their final season before joining the SEC.
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MU’s most recent triumph over Kansas State dates back to 2010, when they emerged victorious with a final score of 38-28. Former Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert recorded 208 yards and three touchdowns to lead them to a win in Faurot Field. The two programs have locked horns every year until 2011, with the first meeting being in 1909. Missouri took the victory then too, winning 3-0.
Missouri Aims to Improve From Last Week
The Tigers secured a victory last Saturday but need to up their game if they intend to defeat the Wildcats this weekend. Missouri escaped with a 23-19 win over Middle Tennessee State (MTSU) and watched its lead dwindle throughout the fourth quarter. The Blue Raiders scored a touchdown on fourth-and-goal and Tigers QB Brady Cook fumbled in the endzone. This resulted in a safety shortly after that Blue Raiders’ touchdown. Despite holding on for the win, MU still has a need for improvement.
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Cook is coming off a two-touchdown performance with 204 yards. The redshirt junior ran for a one-yard touchdown and connected with senior running back Nathaniel Peat for a TD to begin the fourth quarter. The RB duo of Peat and Cody Schrader combined for 155 yards against MTSU. Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s team must enhance their ground attack against Kansas State.
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MU will also need strong contributions from its wide receivers on Saturday. Sophomore WR Luther Burden III is the leading receiver for the Tigers so far, as he has 213 yards and a touchdown through two games. Freshman Mehki Miller has made an impressive start to his college career as well. After the first two games of the year so far, he has 59 yards and a touchdown that came at the beginning of the Tigers’ season-opening win over South Dakota. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore will aim to get Theo Wease Jr., Mookie Cooper, and freshman tight end Brett Norfleet more involved against a talented KSU defense on Saturday.
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The Tigers’ defense has been their strength so far. Blake Baker’s defense is ranked No. 16 in total defense in the nation, according to NCAA.com. Defensive backs Daylan Carnell, Joseph Charleston, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Kris Abrams-Draine have played pivotal roles in Missouri’s success. On the defensive line, Darius Robinson, Nyles Gaddy, and Marvin Burks Jr. have been highly effective and aim to continue their dominance against an explosive Kansas State offense. DBs Tre’Vez Johnson and Jaylon Carlies have also made significant contributions as well.
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Kansas State Is a Tough Opponent
There is no question that the Wildcats will be a tough task for the Tigers. Kansas State boasts a 2-0 record with decisive victories over Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) and Troy. Chris Klieman’s team is coming off a 42-13 win over the Troy Trojans, with senior QB Will Howard throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Senior RB Treshaun Ward is also in good form, having rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown through the first two games of the season.
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The WR duo of RJ Garcia II and Phillip Brooks demands close attention from MU’s defense. Garcia leads the Wildcats with 150 yards and a touchdown against SEMO, while Brooks has contributed 134 yards and a touchdown as well. Senior Jadon Jackson is another talented receiver that the Tigers’ defense must be wary of.
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Missouri’s offense faces a formidable challenge from KSU’s defense. NCAA.com ranks Joe Klanderman’s defense 21st in both total defense and fourth-down defense nationally. A standout player for the Wildcats’ defense is senior safety Kobe Savage, a preseason Paycom Jim Thorpe Award finalist. Cornerback Will Lee III and linebacker Austin Moore are also key contributors, with Lee tallying nine solo tackles and Moore accumulating eight tackles in the season so far.
Gametime
Missouri will kick off against Kansas State at 11 A.M. on Saturday at Faurot Field, with the game broadcast on SEC Network.
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