Missouri Tigers football vs. Kentucky Wildcats: Prediction, betting line, TV, stream
The details
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. Central
Where: Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky
TV: SEC Network
Radio: KMBZ (98.1 FM)
Mizzou injuries: WR Ja’Mori Maclin, DL Cannon York, out; DL Ben Key, doubtful
Line: Kentucky by 5
Prediction
For a game between two unranked teams, Missouri-Kentucky carries plenty of significance. It looms as a measuring stick contest between teams that aren’t projected to win or be at the bottom of the SEC East.
The Wildcats had won five straight in the series before Mizzou broke the streak in dominating fashion last year in Columbia. Kentucky has rebuilt with transfer quarterback Will Levis from Penn State and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson from Nebraska. They hooked up for a pair of touchdowns in last week’s easy victory over Louisiana Monroe.
Missouri opened last week with a 10-point victory over Central Michigan. Running back Tyler Badie was strong, rushing for 203 yards, and the defense came up with big plays but allowed 475 yards of total offense.
A key matchup: How about new Missouri defensive coordinator Steve Wilks against first-year Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen. They matched up against each other in the NFL in 2018 and 2019, Wilks with the Cardinals and Browns, Coen with the Rams.
Look for Missouri to bring pressure like it did last week, a tactic that slowed the Chippewas in the second half and produced nine sacks.
On offense, a heavy dose of Badie and the running game can keep Levis and the WIldcats offense on their sideline. Oh, and going 1-for-11 on third downs, as the TIgers did last week, would be a disaster against Kentucky.
It’s too early to put the winner in the division driver’s seat and the loser in the back seat. But winning games like this would continue the upward mobility in Eli Drinkwitz’s program.
Mizzou takes it to the wire but Kentucky protects its home field.
Prediction: Kentucky 31-27