Week five preview: Kentucky vs. Mizzou
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)
After an impromptu bye-week, Mizzou is set to host the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field on Saturday.
MU was originally scheduled to host Vanderbilt, but the conference postponed the matchup due to COVID-19 concerns with the Commodores.
Last time out, the Tigers upset No. 17 LSU in a 45-41 shootout.
Missouri played without seven players, five of them starters, due to COVID-19. However, Eli Drinkwitz said no players will miss Saturday's game.
Saturday will be Connor Bazelak's second time out as the clear starting quarterback for the Tigers. He went 29-of-34, with 406 yards and four touchdowns against LSU.
Kentucky started out wobbly this season - with losses to Auburn and Ole Miss in its first two games. But, the Wildcats rebounded with victories over Tennessee and Mississippi State.
Bazelak will need to watch out for the Kentucky defense. The Wildcats are ranked ninth in the nation in forcing turnovers.
The Mizzou football team has lost five straight games against Kentucky.
Viewing information: Saturday, October 24 / 3:00 P.M. on SEC Network
Spread: Kentucky -4.5 (-105) | Mizzou +4.5 (-115)
Over/Under: 47.5
Winning Percentage Prediction (via ESPN): Kentucky (60.4 percent) | Mizzou (39.6 percent)
Andrew's pick:
Kentucky: 24 | Mizzou: 27
"I expect this to be a really good game - just like the last time these two teams played at Faurot Field. However, I think the Tigers will win the game on the final play this time. I’m predicting a Harrison Mevis game-winning field goal! Kentucky has a strong defense, but I think MU will continue to prove it can move the ball against anyone with Connor Bazelak at QB. I think Larry Rountree will have another 100 yard rushing game as well. Kentucky is going to have success running the ball, but I think Mizzou does just enough to stop it in order to win the game. It’s hard to imagine Mizzou losing six straight games to Kentucky. But hey - it’s 2020 and you just never know!"
Nathalie's pick:
Kentucky: 27 | Mizzou: 21
"Mizzou has found their quarterback, that's for sure. Connor Bazelak had an absolutely insane start versus the defending national champions, so you have to give credit where credit is due. But, Kentucky has a stout defense this year, ranked nationally for forcing turnovers. It is going to be a tall task for Eli Drinkwitz and company. I do think that Bazelak and his deep core of receivers are going to be able to get points on the board, but the Wildcat defense is going to be a lot.
Kentucky's defense has been lights out the past few weeks, allowing only seven points in its last two outings.
Missouri's offense will have to show up and show out to have a chance at a win over the Wildcats, however, the defense has been allowing an average of 38 points per game.
I've also always felt like these games against Kentucky are a mental battle. Just last season the loss came off of a quick shot into the end zone at the end of the game. Mizzou, arguably, could have won that game. If the Tigers can move past that mental battle, then it could be a turning point."
The Standings (whoever has the lowest score at the end of the season wins):
Andrew: +45
Nathalie: +50
Week by Week Standings:
Andrew: 2 | Nathalie: 1
