After both teams cruised without incident in season openers against FCS foes, Kansas and Missouri are about to see the degree of difficulty ratchet up significantly when they meet for the Border War at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on Friday at 7 p.m.
Despite some familiar names on both sides, the rosters and starting lineups look quite a bit different as compared to last year’s initial renewal of the long-dormant rivalry, which resulted in a 42-31 victory for the Tigers at Faurot Field.
Ahead of this year’s rematch — also the last matchup between the two teams until 2031 — the Journal-World exchanged question-and-answer emails with Sammy Stava, who writes about the Tigers for Rock M Nation, part of SB Nation and Vox Media.
Read what Stava had to say below, and keep an eye out for the Journal-World’s own contribution this week on rockmnation.com.
Q: Missouri took a slight step back last season but still earned its sixth straight bowl bid under Eli Drinkwitz. What are the expectations this season?
A: The expectations this season for Missouri are kind of up in the air and wait-and-see. The Tigers’ over/under win total has been set at 6.5, but they came in as a preseason Top 25 team at No. 25. Eli Drinkwitz and the staff are bringing in a new-look team, so it’s a lot of unknown. The back end of their schedule is challenging, as they will play five preseason top-10 teams. I’d say the ceiling for this team is a 9-3 record, and the floor for Mizzou is 6-6 or worse.
Q: What were the biggest takeaways from the season-opening win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff?
A: There wasn’t a whole lot to take away against an FCS opponent. Overall, Mizzou did what it needed to do in a 40-point win. Missouri’s starting quarterback Austin Simmons was efficient, going 17 of 19 with 252 passing yards and four TDs. However, there were some concerns. The offensive line wasn’t as dominant as it needed to be as it was without All-SEC tackle Cayden Green. Mizzou’s overall depth could have been a lot better as the second half didn’t show much promise. Perhaps that was just due to the lack of effort on an unbearably hot night.
Q: Ahmad Hardy missed the season opener, but KU fans already know from the 2025 game how dangerous Jamal Roberts can be. What are your expectations for Missouri’s run game in the Border War and the weeks ahead?
A: Ahmad Hardy’s status is still up in the air for Friday night. However, Missouri’s running back position has been the strongest unit ever since Eli Drinkwitz took over as head coach. Mizzou has had a running back lead the SEC in rushing yards in three out of the last five seasons. Having said that, the running backs weren’t at their best in the season opener on Thursday night. I’d expect this position group to have a much better performance in a rivalry game — which Jamal Roberts is certainly capable of doing.
Q: The Tigers’ defensive front got the better of KU’s offensive line last season in Columbia, particularly with its pass rush, but there has been some personnel turnover. How does the defensive line look at the moment?
A: The defensive line is losing a lot of key pieces — specifically Damon Wilson II, who transferred to Miami, and Chris McClellan, who was drafted. I’ve heard the coaching staff have been high on Langden Kitchen and Daeden Hopkins during preseason practice. The defensive front is still in progress, but if this unit wants to perform at a high level, experienced guys like Sterling Webb and Darris Smith need to make a big impact.
Q: Who are some more key players to watch for Friday’s game?
A: On the offensive side, sophomore wide receiver Donovan Olugbode is emerging as Mizzou’s go-to guy. In the season opener, he contributed eight receptions, 116 yards, and two touchdowns. He has the talent to perform at a high level. On the defensive side, Michigan safety transfer Elijah Dotson is a former top-100 recruit and looked the part in the season opener. He will have the ability to make some plays and force some turnovers.
Q: What is your prediction for the game?
A: Missouri will need to be ready for this game, especially on the road. While Kansas is an improving program under Lance Leipold, Mizzou still has the better overall talent on paper. Eventually, that will win out. Jayhawks will make it interesting, but the Tigers pull away late in a 31-20 win.
