Teams: Mizzou (1-3, 0-2) vs. Kentucky (4-1, 1-1)

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. CT

TV: SEC Network

Watch Online: WatchESPN

Radio: Mizzou Radio Affiliates | Kentucky Radio Affiliates

Series History: Given Mizzou’s recent addition to the SEC, this a fairly young series, and Kentucky leads it 4-3. However, the Wildcats have won the past two meetings.

Spread: Kentucky is currently favored by 9 points.

O/U: 60.5

With a good chunk of the SEC East looking fairly lifeless (save for Georgia), Kentucky is very optimistic that if they can do what needs to be done on a week-by-week basis, they can get back into the SEC East title race (and possibly be 9-1 heading into a matchup with Georgia). The first step to that is beating Mizzou, a team that most experts are picking against this week.

Mizzou comes into today’s game having only beaten Missouri State, a team that they hung 72 points on—and gave up 43 points to. Since then, the Tigers have been victims of blowouts, getting demolished by South Carolina, Auburn, and PURDUE.

For the Tigers, the key to pulling off an upset today will be capitalizing on Kentucky’s poor passing defense (the Wildcats give up 275 yards through the air per game), and Drew Lock has the arm to do that. Unfortunately for them, he’s also very fond of throwing picks, which is, you know, bad.

Kentucky must ensure that their run defense stays stout, which should not be a huge issue, given Damarea Crockett’s recent struggles since starting the season strong. The Wildcats must also make sure that their offense does not look as stagnant as it did last week against Eastern Michigan, but if they have the same difficulty scoring against this dreadful Mizzou defense, things will not bode well.

Overall, I still think Kentucky has the better players and coaches, meaning they should come away with a victory. Oh, and don’t be surprised if Benny Snell breaks through and puts up some solid yardage today. Despite his offensive line hindering him, he powered through all game to put up over 70 rushing yards. Given the circumstances, it was remarkable. I’m certain he’ll do even better today.

Prediction: Kentucky 37, Mizzou 20