A lot more than pride and bragging rights is riding on the 115th edition of the Border War. The annual football game between Kansas and Missouri usually means nothing more than just an over-hyped season finale. But this year, things are significantly different.

For Missouri, their bowl picture might be hanging in the wind with this game. After starting the season with six consecutive wins, the Tigers have won just one in the last five games. A loss to Kansas would give Mizzou a losing record in the Big 12, a win brings them to .500. Losses to Oklahoma – who could win the South if Texas loses – and North champion Nebraska are not what stand out. It is the losses to Texas A&M and Iowa State that says the Tigers are not ready for the big time. If Missouri is going to see a major Bowl, they undoubtedly need to snap their three-game losing streak.

Getting over last week’s loss to the Cyclones seems hard because of the nature of the defeat. Quarterback Chase Daniel appeared to score the game-winning touchdown, but it was called back because of a holding penalty. Daniel was sacked on the next play and Mizzou’s chances were gone. Monday following the game, Big 12 Head of Officials Walt Anderson admitted to Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel that a mistake was made and the holding penalty should not have been called.

Kansas heads into Faurot Field with its head held high. They have already beaten in-state rival Kansas State 39-20 last week. It was the Jayhawks third win in a row. KU leads the series against Missouri 53-52-9 including the last three meetings.