COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Missouri’s offense has the clearest early-season edge in this matchup. The Tigers averaged 54.0 points per game, 562.0 total yards per game, and 357.0 passing yards per game in their opener, showing they can move the ball in multiple ways. That matters in a rivalry game where the opponent is likely to bring extra energy at home, because a team total angle lets you focus on one side’s scoring rather than asking for a full game margin. Kansas also scored 51 points in its opener, so this should be a competitive game, but Missouri’s scoring projection still sits above the number it needs to beat. The market has settled around a modest Missouri team total, which leaves room for value if you expect the Tigers’ offense to stay efficient. Kansas allowed just 6 points in its first game, but that single data point is not enough to outweigh Missouri’s broader offensive output. With both teams coming off wins and neither defense carrying a long sample of strong resistance, Missouri’s ability to sustain drives and finish in the red zone is the best betting angle available.
Kansas enters with a 1-0 record after scoring 51 points and averaging 613.0 total yards in its opener. The Jayhawks produced 336 passing yards and 277 rushing yards, so the offense showed balance and explosiveness. Missouri also opened 1-0, but it paired 54 points with 562.0 total yards, including 357 passing yards and 205 rushing yards, which points to a more pass-driven profile with enough run support to keep defenses honest. Defensively, Kansas held its opponent to 6 points in the opener, while Missouri allowed 14. The problem for Kansas bettors is the thin sample size: one game is not enough to know whether that defensive performance is repeatable. Missouri’s offense looks more proven right now, and that is why the Tigers are the stronger side for a scoring-based wager.
Missouri should control enough of the offensive pace to clear its team total, even if Kansas keeps the game competitive at home. The Tigers’ balanced production in their opener, combined with Kansas allowing only one game of defensive evidence, points to Missouri finding the end zone often enough to beat the market’s expectation. Final score projection: Missouri Tigers 34, Kansas Jayhawks 27.
