Columbia News

The Missouri Tigers overcame multiple deficits to secure a 42-31 win over the Kansas Jayhawks in the StorageMart Border Showdown at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers, now 2-0 this season, rallied from behind three times, including a 21-6 first-quarter hole and later deficits of 24-21 and 31-28.

With this result, Missouri extended its home winning streak to 12 games, the program's longest in more than eight decades. The victory also marked their 21st consecutive non-conference home win and their tenth comeback win in the second half over the past three seasons.

After Kansas took a 24-21 lead with a field goal by Laith Marjan in the third quarter, Missouri responded with a 75-yard drive. On third-and-goal from the 11-yard line, Beau Pribula connected with Brett Norfleet for a touchdown, giving Missouri its first lead since early in the game at 28-24.

Kansas regained the advantage early in the fourth quarter on a six-yard touchdown pass from Jalon Daniels to DeShawn Hanika. However, Missouri answered with another Pribula-to-Norfleet touchdown on fourth-and-one from the KU 27-yard line. Norfleet caught a quick pass and ran down the sideline for a 27-yard score that put Missouri ahead for good at 35-31. Norfleet finished with career highs of seven receptions and 76 yards.

Missouri's defense forced Kansas into a three-and-out on the next possession, highlighted by Josiah Trotter’s tackle for loss. Jamal Roberts then sealed the game with a career-high rushing performance, carrying for 143 yards on 13 attempts—including a decisive 63-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. Daylan Carnell intercepted Daniels at midfield with less than two minutes remaining to end Kansas' final drive.

The Tigers have now won four straight games against Kansas and six of their last seven meetings. Missouri leads the all-time series between the teams, holding a record of 58-54-9.

Missouri’s comeback began after falling behind by two touchdowns in the first quarter following scores by Kansas’ offense and defense. The Tigers dominated possession in the second quarter—running nearly three times as many plays as Kansas—and tied the game at halftime after drives capped by Kevin Coleman Jr.'s touchdown catch and two field goals by Robert Meyer.

Quarterback Beau Pribula completed 30-of-39 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Ahmad Hardy rushed for over 100 yards for his second consecutive week, marking the first time since 2017 that Missouri had two players reach triple digits rushing in one game. Kevin Coleman Jr. led receivers with ten catches for 126 yards.

Missouri outgained Kansas by more than double overall yardage (595 to 254), including an overwhelming edge on rushing yards (261 to three). The Tigers converted more than half of their third and fourth downs while controlling possession for over forty minutes.

Next week, Missouri will host Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 13 at 3 p.m., with coverage available via SECN+/ESPN+.

"Missouri has won the last four MU-KU games, six of the last seven, and leads the series, 58-54-9."

For updates on Mizzou Athletics visit MUTigers.com or follow @MizzouFootball and @CoachDrinkwitz on X.