KSR Predictions for Kentucky vs. Missouri

The sky is falling around the BBN. Kentucky fell out of the Top 25 for the first time all season after Tennessee took the Cats to the woodshed in Knoxville. Can they bounce back from a rough October and start November with a much-need win on the road? The KSR crew shares predictions for Kentucky vs. Missouri.

Nick Roush

Everything about this game, this spot, stinks. Kentucky and Missouri are a mirror image of one another. Good defense is carrying bad offense, yet neither team can seem to win close games. An indomitable force will meet an immovable object at Faurot Field.

Missouri’s defense in particular should pose problems for Kentucky. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who just received a contract extension, has a deep defensive line, aggressive linebackers and a secondary that will play tight man-to-man. The looks Tennessee used to perplex Kentucky will return. How does Rich Scangarello respond?

This is time for Will Levis to once again be Will Levis. This offense asks a lot from QB1. He was overwhelmed in Knoxville. Even though the offense has not been great, it has much more talent than Mizzou’s. If the Cats score early, they can control the game on the ground and squeeze out a close win.

My biggest concern: special teams. Kentucky has been sloppy, while Missouri has the third-ranked special teams unit in America, led by a kicker who has made four kicks of 50+ yards this fall.

Prediction: Kentucky 17, Missouri 16

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Tyler Thompson

I’ll be honest: I’m still not over the Tennessee game. I predicted the Cats would lose, but to only score six points?! With a projected top draft pick at quarterback, an All-SEC running back, and legit weapons at wide receiver, against the No. 130 pass defense in the country?? The dark cloud of depression is rolling back in.

Making matters worse, the more I read and hear about Saturday’s game from those I trust, the more anxious I get. Kentucky desperately needs a win to salvage the season. As Nick said, Missouri’s defense is very similar to Tennessee’s, which rendered the Cats immobile in Knoxville. How can we trust that Rich Scangarello will flip the script in just a week’s time?

There are a lot of other factors at play. The early kickoff, a stadium that will probably be devoid of energy, and a Missouri team that considers Kentucky a rival. The Tigers have lost some heartbreakers to the Cats over the years. They also have momentum, bouncing back from tough losses to Auburn, Georgia, and Florida with wins over Vanderbilt and then-No. 25 South Carolina.

Mark Stoops’ teams typically play well when their backs are against the wall. They’ve already done so once this season, vs. Mississippi State; however, it’s hard to trust this football team right now. I’ll pick the Cats to win because it’s too depressing not to, but I don’t feel great about it.

Prediction: Kentucky 17, Missouri 14

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Zack Geoghegan

I didn’t make a prediction for last week’s game, and I will be forever thankful that I didn’t. But I feel slightly more optimistic heading into this weekend about the ‘Cats. If only ever so slightly.

Missouri is better than I would have imagined at this stage in the season and is coming off a very intriguing win over a previously No. 25-ranked South Carolina team. The Tigers have two straight SEC wins and play sound defense. The 11 a.m. local time kickoff combined with the travel to Columbia isn’t ideal for Kentucky, either.

All that being said, UK is in desperation mode now and Missouri has historically been a good team for the ‘Cats to snag a confidence-building win. Kentucky has five of the last six against the Tigers. There should be no excuses left for not airing the ball out more with Will Levis. Missouri’s defense is better than Tennessee’s, but a first-round NFL Draft pick is still slinging the pigskin around. I expect a solid turnaround effort from Brad White’s defense and enough offense through the passing game to sneak out the win.

Prediction: Kentucky 24, Missouri 14

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Adam Luckett

It’s the second huge swing game of the season for Kentucky football. A big second half against Mississippi State helped the Wildcats pull away in Week 7. However, this is a much tougher matchup in Week 10.

Missouri does not have any weaknesses on defense and has future draft picks making plays at each level. Add in a four-down front that plays downhill and leads the SEC in tackles for loss and that’s a dangerous combination for Kentucky to deal with. However, Missouri might have the worst offense in the SEC and Kentucky’s defense should also have a ton of success.

All signs point to a slugfest in CoMo where not many touchdowns are scored. The team that can convert third downs and finish scoring opportunities will have the advantage. That gets us to the third phase. Harrison Mevis has missed some field goals this season, but the junior has range out to about 60 yards and has hit 10 kicks in his career of 50-plus yards. The All-SEC performer plays a big role in the game on Saturday.

Mevis hits numerous field goals and we see another turnover or two from Kentucky’s offense when a scoring opportunity arrives. It’s a one-possession game throughout, but Missouri turns a two-game SEC winning streak into three. Momentum will play a role on Saturday as the Tigers find a way to make the plays in the fourth quarter to hold on.

Another woeful offensive performance keeps Kentucky from getting to the winner’s circle.

Prediction: Missouri 19, Kentucky 14

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Jack Pilgrim

I’ve lost complete faith in Rich Scangarello’s offense here at Kentucky. The predictability, lack of creativity, questionable game-planning and bizarre usage of the team’s best playmakers have resulted in a sputtering unit incapable of putting points on the board. All the while, offensive line play continues to not only be problematic, but flat-out poor.

And now, the Wildcats head on the road to play a sleepy 11 AM CT game at Mizzou — a team known for its stout defense.

The Tigers aren’t anything special offensively, leading to a likely slugfest in Columbia. Three touchdowns very well could you win this game. Can Kentucky get there? Just don’t know if I’m there, unfortunately.

Bowl eligibility sure would be nice right about now, but instead, a game seen as an almost certain win is now a toss-up. For now, I expect the Tigers to win that toss-up at home.

Prediction: Missouri 21, Kentucky 17