The Missouri Tigers survived a first quarter onslaught from the Kansas Jayhawks, rallying to defeat Kansas 42-31 in the first Border War battle since 2011.

The Tigers struck first, scoring on a 32 yard touchdown carry from Ahmad Hardy. The extra point was blocked, which proved to be a sign for how the rest of the quarter was going to go for the Tigers.

Kansas scored on their next drive as Jalon Daniels found DeShawn Hanika in the endzone with a 15-yard TD pass to help give Kansas a 7-6 lead. On Mizzou’s next drive, Beau Pribula fumbled, and Austin Alexander recovered it for a scoop-and-score touchdown from 28 yards out. Kansas scored their final touchdown in the first quarter after a three-and-out from the Mizzou offense.

Missouri began to rally in the second quarter, with Pribula finding Kevin Coleman Jr. with a three-yard touchdown pass after a lengthy seven-minute drive. The Tigers would next score on a safety, then tie the game up with a pair of field goals from Robert Meyer.

Kansas regained the lead in the third quarter after a 26-yard field goal, but Pribula responded by hitting Brett Norfleet with his second touchdown pass of the game to give Missouri a 28-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Jayhawks responded with a touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter after Daniels found Hanika in the endzone for the second time in the game, but the lead would be short-lived, as Pribula and the Tigers orchestrated another scoring drive that would give the Tigers the lead for good. The drive was capped off by Pribula’s third touchdown pass, with Norfleet getting his second TD of the game. 

Mizzou finished off the Jayhawks after a 63-yard touchdown carry from Jamal Roberts in the final with less than two minutes to go.

Missouri dominated time of possession, controlling the football for more than 40 minutes of the contest. The Tigers also had more than double the first downs (28-13) and racked up 595 yards of total offense. 

Pribula shined in his second start with the Tigers, completing 30 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Roberts led the rushing attack 143 and a score, while Hardy added 112 on the ground. Coleman led all receivers with 126 yards.

Missouri improves to 2-0 on the season. The Tigers are back in action next Saturday to host the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Faurot Field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.