Missouri @ Kansas preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 27, 2010 ) Kansas 7, Missouri 35

THE STORY: Missouri will be without coach Gary Pinkel, who is serving a suspension following his DUI arrest, when it takes on rival Kansas on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. The Tigers are coming off a 31-27 victory over Texas Tech in which they rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to earn bowl eligibility for a school-record seventh consecutive season. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks are looking for their first Big 12 win and have lost nine in a row after suffering a 61-7 loss against Texas A&M. Missouri holds a 56-54-9 advantage in the all-time series and has won four of the last five, including a 35-7 victory in 2010.

TV: FSN. LINE: Missouri -24.

ABOUT KANSAS (2-9, 0-8 Big 12): The Jayhawks trailed 44-0 at halftime, were outgained 469-197 and allowed the Aggies to score on their first five possessions in last week’s loss. Now, they’ll take on one of the top rushing attacks in the nation, which doesn’t bode well for the Jayhawks, who allow more than 245 yards on the ground. Offensively, Kansas is led by quarterback Jordan Webb, who has thrown for 1,824 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, his 10 interceptions is somewhat concerning, considering he has thrown four in his last two games.

ABOUT MISSOURI (6-5, 4-4): James Franklin has consistently been one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, totaling 3,347 yards - 794 rushing - and 31 touchdowns for Missouri, which averages more than 32 points. The Tigers average more than 242 yards on the ground and Kendial Lawrence has rushed for 196 yards in the last two games since taking over for Henry Josey, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Texas. Defensively, Missouri allows less than 25 points but gives up more than 404 total yards.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Missouri is 4-2 all-time at Arrowhead Stadium, including 3-1 against Kansas.

2. This will be the 120th meeting between the schools, which is the second-most played rivalry behind Wisconsin and Minnesota (121 meetings).

3. Saturday’s winner will take home the traditional Bass Drum trophy as well as earn three points in the MU-KU Border Showdown Series.

PREDICTION: Missouri 42, Kansas 17 - Missouri’s ability to run the ball and Kansas’ inability to stop it will result in an easy win for the Tigers.