The Border War is making a return to Lawrence in Week 2! Both Missouri and Kansas come into their Friday night game with 1-0 records after easy victories over FCS teams in their opening week. While these early games don't always provide a complete picture, they do offer some insights into how each team might perform against stronger competition. Missouri downed Arkansas-Pine Bluff 54-14, while Kansas dominated Long Island University 51-6.

Missouri won last year's encounter 42-31 as a home favorite, and they’re favored again but on the road this time. Both Missouri QB Isaiah Simmons and Kansas quarterback Isaiah Marshall showed promise in their debuts. Which one will come out on top in this one? I’ll share my #23 Missouri vs. Kansas picks for the game on Friday night below!

#23 Missouri vs. Kansas Predictions for CFB Week 2, Friday, 9/11

The Tigers come into this rivalry game as the favorite, a matchup that has been largely absent for the past decade. They have a strong track record, winning four consecutive games against Kansas and holding a slight edge in the all-time series at 57-55-9. However, the atmosphere this year is quite different from last season's encounter in Columbia, which is a big deal when making #23 Missouri vs. Kansas predictions.

A key point of discussion is how much insight we can gain from the opening week of the season. Both teams played against FCS opponents, which means that Missouri's 40-point victory and Kansas' 45-point win shouldn’t be seen as definitive indicators of all that much, and the current #23 Missouri vs. Kansas odds reflect that.

#23 Missouri vs. Kansas Expert Pick: Jayhawks +5.5 (-110 at Caesars Sportsbook)

The Jayhawks did show some promising signs in week 1, albeit against a weak opponent, particularly with their offense racking up 613 yards. Notably, Marshall appeared to be at ease directing the offense during his first start in college.

He turned in a strong performance, completing 14 out of 19 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns. His mobility adds an extra challenge for Missouri's defense, especially if Kansas can maintain a solid pocket.

Our #23 Missouri vs. Kansas picks are leaning towards Kansas and would consider taking the points down to +3.5. One key factor is the venue. Missouri is expected to win by almost a touchdown on the road against a Kansas team that looked different – in a good way – their first time on the field this season. 

To add, Kansas' rushing attack was also promising, with nine players contributing to the ground game. While Missouri's offense relied more heavily on Simmons and the passing game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kansas is likely to offer more resistance from their secondary. 

Kansas must focus on preventing Missouri from having short fields. If the Jayhawks can force Simmons to cover the entire field consistently, I believe they can stay within the spread, and maybe even pull out a victory.

The rivalry adds another layer to this matchup. This game marks the first Missouri-Kansas contest in Lawrence since 2005, with previous meetings held in either Kansas City or Columbia. The betting line also offers some leeway. At +5.5, Kansas can afford to lose by a field goal or four points and still cover. I’d even consider taking the Jayhawks down to +3.5 before it loses most of its value.

Along those same lines, a small wager on Kansas money line could be worth a sprinkle, especially if you're already taking the points anyways. Our #23 Missouri vs. Kansas predictions see a close game playing out, and while Missouri has the talent to win, expecting them to win by six or more in Lawrence feels like a tough ask.

 

 

 

How To Watch #23 Missouri vs. Kansas - CFB Week 2

  • Date: Friday, September 11
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
  • TV: FOX

#23 Missouri vs. Kansas Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

We’ve discussed our #23 Missouri vs. Kansas predictions for the matchup on Friday. Now, let's take a look at the latest #23 Missouri vs. Kansas odds for this matchup from Caesars Sportsbook:

  • Money Line (ML): Tigers -213 | Jayhawks +177
  • Spread: Tigers +5.5 (-110) | Jayhawks -5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 50.5 (O: -113 | U: -105)

 

 

 

#23 Missouri vs. Kansas Injury Report & Latest News

Missouri Injury Report

  • G. Hoffman, TE - Questionable (Undisclosed)
  • A. Hardy, RB - Questionable (Leg)
  • J. Brady, WR - Questionable (Undisclosed)
  • C. Green, OG - Questionable (Undisclosed)

Kansas Injury Report

  • C. Moses, TE - Questionable (Undisclosed)
  • C. Pickett, WR - Questionable (Leg)
  • K. Amachree, RB - Out (Undisclosed)
  • J. Thurman, RB - Out (Undisclosed)

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