Missouri @ Kentucky preview
Kroger Field
Last Meeting ( Oct 27, 2012 ) Kentucky 10, Missouri 33
Missouri looks to move one step closer to the SEC Championship Game when the No. 9 Tigers travel to Kentucky on Saturday. The Tigers can clinch the SEC East crown by winning their final three games, and while their final two contests present major challenges - at Mississippi and at home against Texas A&M - this one shouldn't. The Wildcats snapped a five-game skid with a 48-14 win over Alabama State last week but haven't won a conference game since beating Tennessee in the 2011 season finale.
Both teams have questions at quarterback - Missouri senior James Franklin is still listed as questionable after missing the past three games with a shoulder injury, while Jalen Whitlow has resumed the starting role for Kentucky and occasionally splits time with fellow sophomore Maxwell Smith. "They are each a little bit different as players. I think in terms of preparation, it's significant," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel told reporters. "We've seen so many teams with quarterback problems this season, and we've had the same issues." It's Missouri's first trip to Kentucky since 1968.
TV: Noon ET, ESPNU. LINE: Missouri -14.
ABOUT MISSOURI (8-1, 4-1 SEC): Redshirt freshman Maty Mauk has kept the Tigers' high-powered offense on track with Franklin sidelined, and he had his best game yet in a 31-3 win over Tennessee last week. Missouri rolled up 339 rushing yards against the Volunteers and ranks second in the SEC with 237.2 yards per game on the ground. The defense has been overshadowed somewhat but Missouri ranks fourth in the SEC in scoring defense (20.6) thanks to the league's best turnover margin (plus-15).
ABOUT KENTUCKY (2-6, 0-4 SEC): The Wildcats have struggled in coach Mark Stoops' first season, but they've been close to pulling off a quality win with narrow defeats at South Carolina and Mississippi State. The offense was impressive last week, albeit against Alabama State, as Whitlow rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns and threw for two more scores. Kentucky has faced trouble stopping the run, allowing 197.6 yards per game, and could have trouble against Missouri's strong ground game.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Tigers have forced a turnover in 39 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the FBS.
2. Kentucky is 2-0 when it has more passing yards than its opponent and 0-6 when it doesn't.
3. Missouri is tied for second in the nation with 17 interceptions, one behind Northwestern.
PREDICTION: Missouri 37, Kentucky 20