The Border War has returned to the gridiron long at last. It’s been 14 years since the hate-filled rivalry last took place, with Mizzou earning a 24-10 victory in the 2011 season. This rivalry has so many fond memories, but for the Tigers, nothing comes close to the 2007 season, in which both programs had their best years in school history, clashing at Arrowhead stadium with everything on the line. The winner would achieve the #1 ranking in the BCS poll, and also get a shot to potentially play in the BCS national championship.

Mizzou would go on to win that game 36-28, after Kansas mounted a comeback, but Kansas QB, Todd Reesing, would get sacked in the end zone for a safety, effectively ending the game. Now, the stakes are different. As opposed to being played during rivalry week, this is a week two matchup. Neither team is technically playing for a college football playoff spot, although a win would certainly help. Also, both teams are unranked. Yet despite those differences, the hate on both sides remains.

Kansas heads into this game 2-0, playing an extra game due to a week zero home affair with Fresno State, where they would rout the Bulldogs, 31-7. Things remained similarly, as Kansas would defeat Wagner in week 1, 46-7. These performances were highlighted by Kansas’s sixth-year QB, Jalon Daniels. Against Fresno State, Daniels would be the epitome of efficiency, going 18-20 for 176 yards, capped off with three touchdowns. He also would rush for 47 yards on 8 carries.

In week one against Wagner, he would have another impressive outing, posting 18-25, 280 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Daniels would opt to use his legs a bit less, rushing for just 18 yards on 3 carries.

The Kansas defensive front has impressed as well in the first two games, arguably being the second biggest strength of the team. Through the first two performances, the Jayhawks lead the country with 19 tackles for losses and 8 sacks to go along with it. This will undoubtedly be a talking point, given Mizzou’s struggles on the offensive line in week one.

So, now that you understand a little bit about the dreaded rival of the Tigers, what does Mizzou have to do to beat the team out west? Here are three things that MUST happen for the Tigers to get the victory.

1. The Tigers must control both lines of scrimmage. I don’t think that it’s any secret that Mizzou, on paper, is the superior team, at least in terms of talent. The Missouri front seven has been raved about all offseason, and with the Tigers playing in the SEC, the line of scrimmage is crucial. Kansas has an experienced offensive line, but they have looked shaky at times, which gives Missouri the chance to exploit that. Mizzou can either choose to be aggressive with the rush, or they may choose to play contain, to try and keep Jalon Daniels in the pocket.

On the flip side, as previously stated, the Kansas defensive line is one of the team’s strengths. I’d be lying if I said that the Tigers’ offensive line looks to be a strength. Against Central Arkansas, the offensive line did allow just one sack, but it did allow heavy pressure to Pribula. There was miscommunication quite often, and that’s something that cannot happen frequently against a solid Jayhawks defensive line. Keeping Beau Pribula hit-free is also of importance, given that Sam Horn’s injury leaves you two competent quarterbacks on the roster. If the Tigers can control the line on both sides of the ball, I think they immediately give themselves a much better shot to win this game.

2. Run, run, run… and run: This is the Ahmad Hardy game. It just has to be. This won’t be like week one against an FCS opponent; this is a power 4 opponent and your most hated rival. You use your best players often. I think the overwhelming consensus is that Ahmad Hardy is a certified dawg, and you must give him the ball. The Tigers should not want this game to be a shootout; they should want to keep that Kansas offense off the field as much as possible.

The best way to wear down a solid, yet injured Kansas defense is to utilize your size and strength and take the game right to your opponent. Running the ball will do that. If Hardy can eclipse 120 yards, give me the Tigers.

3. Don’t be deceived: While watching the Jayhawks offense, it reminds me much of the Gus Malzahn offensive scheme. Simply put, it’s a lot of eye candy. One of the best traits of the Ku offense is that Jalon Daniels is a constant threat to run the ball, and the heavy influx of pre-snap motion, options, and RPOs open up the field and easily fool a defense. This Tiger defense has been praised all of fall camp. Solid edge rushers, solid linebackers, good corners, and a really strong safety room. Talent only gets you so far, however, if you are undisciplined.

I’ll never forget when a 2013 Missouri defense, that was dang near elite, crumbled in the SEC championship and gave up just about 10,000 yards. You can’t do that tomorrow.

Score prediction:

Mizzou-31 Kansas- 20