Missouri and Kansas will meet again in Lawrence, Kansas, for the second installment of this year’s Border War rivalry, a rematch that follows Missouri’s 42‑31 victory over Kansas in Columbia last season.
The Tigers kicked off the campaign with a 54‑14 triumph over Arkansas‑Pine Bluff, a performance that showcased quarterback Austin Simmons and gave the coaching staff confidence heading into the conference schedule.
However, the offensive line could be unsettled; All‑American left tackle Cayden Green may remain sidelined due to injury, promoting Jack Lange to start for the second consecutive game, a move that demands improvement in zone blocking and stretch‑run execution.
On the defensive side, weakside linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, who was error‑prone in the opener, will be tasked with containing Kansas’ mobile quarterback Isaiah Marshall, whose eight‑yard‑per‑carry average makes him a constant threat on the ground.
Meanwhile, starting defensive end Langden Kitchen must tighten his discipline to prevent Kansas from exploiting gaps, and cornerback Chris Graves Jr., the Ole Miss transfer, is slated for increased action against top receiver Nik McMillan.
Key Lineup Changes and Player Spotlight
The left‑tackle position, once anchored by Green, now rests on Lange, whose debut showed promise but highlighted the need for greater consistency in the outside zone and stretch‑run game, areas crucial for Missouri’s offensive rhythm.
Defensively, the Tigers rely on Kitchen’s discipline at the field‑side end and Graves’s emerging presence in the secondary to limit Marshall’s mobility and McMillan’s big‑play ability.
Overall, the matchup underscores the importance of solid pass protection, improved linebacker play, and a relentless pass rush if Missouri hopes to translate its early‑season momentum into a win in Lawrence.