Columbia News

The Missouri Tigers secured a 42-31 win over the Kansas Jayhawks in the StorageMart Border Showdown at Memorial Stadium. The Tigers overcame three separate deficits during the game, rallying from behind scores of 21-6, 24-21, and 31-28. This victory marks Missouri's tenth comeback win in the last three seasons when trailing in the second half and extends their non-conference home winning streak to 21 games. It is also their twelfth consecutive home win, which is the program's longest such streak in more than eight decades.

After a third-quarter field goal by Laith Marjan put Kansas ahead 24-21, Missouri responded with a 75-yard drive capped by Beau Pribula’s touchdown pass to Brett Norfleet. Kansas regained the lead early in the fourth quarter on a Jalon Daniels pass to DeShawn Hanika. However, Missouri went ahead for good with just over four minutes left as Pribula connected with Norfleet again for a 27-yard touchdown on fourth down.

Missouri’s defense then forced Kansas into a three-and-out series highlighted by Josiah Trotter’s tackle for loss. Jamal Roberts followed with a decisive 63-yard touchdown run, finishing his day with a career-high 143 rushing yards on 13 carries. Daylan Carnell sealed the win by intercepting Daniels near midfield with under two minutes remaining.

With this result, Missouri has now won four straight games against Kansas and six of the last seven meetings between the teams. The Tigers lead the all-time series 58-54-9.

Kansas built an early advantage after capitalizing on turnovers and big plays but was held to only four offensive snaps in the second quarter as Missouri controlled possession and outgained them significantly during that stretch. Key moments included Kevin Coleman Jr.'s touchdown catch on fourth down and Zion Young’s sack-fumble resulting in a safety.

Beau Pribula completed 30 of his 39 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Ahmad Hardy recorded his second consecutive game with over 100 rushing yards, while Kevin Coleman Jr. led receivers with ten catches for 126 yards. This marked Missouri's first game since facing Florida in 2023 where they had a quarterback throw for over 300 yards, a rusher exceed 100 yards, and a receiver reach triple digits in yardage.

Missouri finished with significant statistical advantages: they outgained Kansas by more than double (595 total yards to KU's 254), including a dominant edge of 261 to three in rushing yards; converted on more than half of their third and fourth down attempts; ran nearly twice as many plays; and held possession for more than forty minutes compared to less than twenty for Kansas.

The Tigers will play next at home against Louisiana Ragin Cajuns on Saturday, September 13 at Memorial Stadium. The game is scheduled for broadcast on SECN+/ESPN+.