Missouri Tigers vs. Kentucky Wildcats football: prediction, bet line, odds, kickoff, TV

Through Missouri’s swing in fortune over the past two games, there hasn’t been much discussion about bowl possibilities. But if the Tigers at least split their final four contest, starting with Saturday’s home game against Kentucky, they’ll be eligible for the postseason.

Given the disappointing first half of the year, a bowl game would allow Mizzou to at least meet expectations for a season in which they were picked to finish sixth in the SEC East in the preseason poll.

Missouri is a 1 1/2-point underdog against Kentucky in a game that opened with the Wildcats favored by three. Mizzou looms as a healthy underdog at Tennessee next weekend and a big favorite against New Mexico State on Nov. 19.

It’s too early to project the betting number for the season finale against Arkansas on Nov. 25 in Columbia, but this number is certain: Win at least two more and the Tigers’ season will continue for a few more weeks.

As for Saturday’s game, look for a low scoring contest. Kentucky fell hard at Tennessee last weekend, but the Wildcats, like Missouri, have mostly been keeping conference opponents out of the end zone.

The Tigers are so happy with their defense, a contract extension and raise was announced for coordinator Blake Baker this week.

Momentum rides with Missouri and the Tigers get a slight nod here.

Prediction: Missouri 19-17

Line: Kentucky by 1 1/2 (opened Kentucky by 3)

Last game prediction: Missouri 20, South Carolina 17

2022 record on picks (straight up): 7-1

2022 record against the spread: 6-1

The details

Kickoff: 11 am (Central)

Where: Faurot Field, Columbia

TV: SEC Network

Radio: KMBZ (98.1 FM)