Two schools (and states) that absolutely hate each other go head to head this weekend. This conflict, known as the Border War, dates back to the Pre-Civil War Era, when the United States was expanding West. Missouri, an established slave state, did not want their new neighboring territory to be a free state, full of abolitionists. Therefore, guerrilla warfare was used by both sides, as the Missourians (Bushwackers) battled the Kansans (Jayhawkers). The original Jayhawk, John Brown had other plans, took down William Quantrill and his crew, and Kansas joined the Union as a Free State. If you want a full lesson on the history of The Border War, shoot me a message (History Major), however let’s discuss the revamped rivalry in college football as the Missouri Tigers host the Kansas Jayhawks. We’ve got our favorite picks.
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Missouri Tigers NCAA Football Insights
Daniel Hishaw has 158 rushing yards in two games this season
The Border War is considered the oldest college rivalry west of the Mississippi River. It started back in 1891, and is finally being brought back after roughly a 15 year hiatus. These teams have not played since 2011, however the Tigers lead the all-time series with 57 wins, 54 losses and 9 ties throughout the rivalry’s history. Kansas and Missouri agreed to a four-game series beginning this year, and personally, I hope it extends in the foreseeable future.
Fans on both sides of the border are more than thrilled that the schools are bringing this matchup back, and we’ve got an exciting first contest to renew the rivalry. Now, it’s not like 2007, where Chase Daniel led the No. 4 ranked Tigers against the Todd Reesing and the No. 2 ranked Kansas Jayhawks, successfully beating them 36-28 in a shootout at Arrowhead Stadium.
Neither Kansas or Missouri are ranked in the top 25, but both are still without a loss on their record. Kansas beat down both Fresno State and Wagner in their new stadium in Lawrence, while the Tigers took down Central Arkansas by a score of 61-6. All I can hope for as a fan is that both teams give us some exciting football on Saturday.
Matchup Information – Kansas vs. Missouri – September 6
- Venue & Location: Faurot Field (Columbia, MO)
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Kick Off: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: ESPN2
Kansas vs. Missouri Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 6, 2025 at 9:12 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Kansas +5.5 (-110)
- Missouri -5.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Kansas +177
- Missouri -205
Total
- Over 49.5 (-110)
- Under 49.5 (-110)
It’s still very early in the season (obviously), but both offenses are firing on all cylinders. And I think we see some back and forth.
For starters, Kansas plays with incredible tempo. They’ve put up 33.5 points per game through two this season, an even though it was against Fresno State and Wagner, the offense is definitely capable of moving the ball.
On the other side of the ball, the Jayhawks and Tigers have allowed a combined 6.67 points per game in three this season, but this will be the first true test for both defensive units. Are they capable of stopping the other from gaining chunk yardage and putting points on the board?
Kansas vs. Missouri NCAA Football Picks and Predictions
Beau Pribula looked very comfortable in Missouri’s Week 1 victory
Kansas vs. Missouri Prediction: Missouri Wins, Kansas Covers, Over 51
Best Bet: Kansas/Missouri Over 51 (-108) BetOnline
Points, points, points! I’ll admit, when it comes to rivalry games, I typically like to lean with the under. The thinking is that these teams hate each other and that might cause them to be more conservative against a familiar opponent with whom they have history. However these teams are not familiar with the other like they were when they played in the same conference. They haven’t played in 15 years, neither coach has been involved in this rivalry before, and again, I have little faith in either defense.
Penn State transfer, Beau Pribula looked incredible with 283 passing yards on over 80% completion, with two passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns with 65 yards on the ground. Ahmad Hardy comes over from Louisiana Monroe, and he broke out for 100 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries, including a 44 yard rush. The Tigers offense is just fine with the departure of Brady Cook and Luther Burden.
Both offenses are firing, and yes, they will face a tougher defense than they have seen so far this season. However, I trust both coaches to be aggressive in moving the ball, trying to capitalize on the lack of talent on the defensive units from both teams.
Let’s hope we see plenty of back and forth in this one, give me the over.
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