No. 14 Kansas State returns to Missouri on Saturday for a showdown with its old conference rival. The Wildcats blew out the Tigers in Manhattan last season, and the return trip is the first for Kansas State to Columbia since 2010. The Wildcats have scored at least 42 points each of their first two games while the Tigers are coming off a less-than-impressive 23-19 win over Middle Tennessee State last weekend. The winner improves to 3-0 on the season.
No. 14 Kansas State at Missouri, Saturday, noon ET (SEC Network)
Line: Kansas State by 4 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Missouri leads 60-33-5.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
The former Big 12 rivals are each trying to start 3-0. Kansas State routed the Tigers last year in Manhattan, and coach Chris Klieman's bunch has been off to a good start in their Big 12 title defense. The Wildcats scored 45 points in a season-opening win over Southeast Missouri State and 42 in last week's win over Troy. The Tigers have struggled offensively under new coordinator Riley Moore, scoring 35 points in an opening win over South Dakota and squeaking out a 23-19 win over Middle Tennessee State last weekend.
KEY MATCHUP
Missouri QB Brady Cook against the Kansas State defense, which made life miserable for him last season. Cook was just 15 of 27 for 128 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in the 40-12 loss. Cook's biggest impact on the game came no the ground, where he ran for 53 yards.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas State: WR Phillip Brooks has become the do-everything offensive threat the Wildcats lost when RB Deuce Vaughn was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He had seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown while also scoring on the ground in last week's win over Troy.
Missouri: Cody Schrader and Daniel Peat combined to run 19 times for 29 yards against Kansas State last season. The Wildcats currently lead the nation by allowing just 38 yards per game on the ground.
FACTS & FIGURES