The Kansas State Wildcats play host to the Missouri Tigers on Saturday afternoon from Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. In what is expected to be a crucial matchup between former Big 12 foes, the now Big 12 and SEC rivals are expected to make it an exciting game for fans of both sides of the neighboring states. It has been over a decade since the two teams even met, when Kansas State came away with the touchdown win in 2011, though both groups look quite a bit different this go-around. With both teams having grabbed the win last season as well against each other, a win would be crucial for both sides in this one.
Missouri has had years of up-and-down seasons and after losing to Army in their bowl game last December, it was nice for this group to open the season with a win. The Tigers dominated Louisiana Tech last season, winning by 28 points at home, though heading to Kansas State is likely to prove to be more difficult. Over their last four road or neutral site games, the Tigers have only won one of those, taking down Vanderbilt in October. Recruiting has been a strong suit of Missouri's coaching staff over the last few seasons and with those players aging within the program, it's crucial for a game like Saturday's to show that they are ready to take the next step.
One concern is the growing list of Missouri's injury report this week, with our players appearing as questionable. Demariyon Houston and Hyrin White (leg) were both missed last week on the offensive side, while the potential absences of DJ Wesolak ( illness) and Ky Montgomery (knee) on the defensive end could be too much to overcome.
1-0 Mentality.#MIZ ???? pic.twitter.com/LceW4Wh0SF
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) September 7, 2022
Offensively, the Tigers turned quite a few heads against Louisiana Tech, to the tune of over 550 yards of total offense. While the balance on the ground and through the air was remarkable, rushing for 323 yards could be instrumental to controlling the game on Saturday. Brady Cook has stepped in well at quarterback after losing their 2021 starter in the offseason, though the staff might need him to limit the dangerous balls into coverage. On the ground, a running back by committee setup, and by Cook, is likely to make this group dangerous.
Last week, the Tigers were able to force three turnovers and if they come close to that on Saturday, they will be likely to come away with the win. Much like the dominance on the ground on the offensive end, they have also been able to get things done stopping the run as well. They only allowed 11 rushing yards last weekend and while they are unlikely to match that, slowing down the Wildcats on the gro und will be a necessity to spring the upset. Going on the road will be tough but with a dangerous defense, they have the ability to make things interesting.