Welcome to the Morning Commute. Today we’re talking about kansas hate wee… which, as you know, is every week. But especially this one.
The Tigers head to Lawrence this week to square up for their second game of the 2026 season against the jayhawks, who are coming off a buy week win of their own against Long Island University.
The oddsmakers have Mizzou is an early favorite, but we know the trip to Lawrence isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Mizzou fans with some vintage will remember a trip or two
to the bad place that ended in disaster. Thankfully, that won’t happen this Friday…
I’m pretty sure…
Probably not…
I hope…
Yesterday at Rock M and Rock M+
- In which oddsmakers like Mizzou’s odds on Friday:
Still, though, this Friday’s game is one of those where it kind of represents a double-whammy scenario for Mizzou. Yes, winning is an important step in the road to a successful 2026 season and it’s always nice to remind the chicken hawks of their place in the pecking order. But a loss in Lawrence not only derails Mizzou in a fairly significant way… it means a year of having to realize, “ah hell, we lost to kansas.”
I can’t believe I have to dwell with the possibility that that may happen.
- In which Aaron details a special night for Mizzou Volleyball that ended too soon:
For Sullivan, the night ultimately became less about the result and more about the experience. She praised Missouri’s administration and the support surrounding the program while marveling at the growth of women’s sports.
Can’t think how cool that must have been for the players. Imagine playing volleyball in the world’s most historic trash can (I kid, I kid, Wrigley is super cool.)
- In which Mizzou’s passing attack looked a little different against Arkansas-Pine Bluff:
UAPB played a relatively conservative defense. The team knew what Mizzou was capable of and operated as such; they did not want to get beat deep, further explaining why Simmons went 7-for-7 for 132 yards in the 10-19 yard range.
Mizzou’s ability to pick up yards downfield (though the air) will define their ceiling or floor in 2026. I feel pretty comfortable in that analysis after one week.
- In which Karen picks her favorite photos of the week:
I love the simplicity of this photo from Thursday’s home opener, and find that all the action is in the middle of the photo to be so visually appealing. It also was so interesting to me that both teams have the same colors and when I first arrived at Memorial Stadium, I actually wasn’t sure which team was which!
Want to see the actual photo. You know where to find it!
- In which Audrey previews the women’s golf opener:
This is the first time the Tigers have been invited to the ANNIKA Intercollegiate, which is an annual tournament hosted by the ANNIKA Foundation (founded by legendary professional golfer Annika Sörenstam).
The tournament is an elite field which will feature 54 holes of stroke play over three days and include 12 leading Division I women’s golf teams. Seven of those teams appeared at last season’s NCAA National Championship, including Mizzou.
A prestigious way to open the season!
- Over at Rock M+, we’re highlighting the best Tigers performers from Pro Football Focus’ point-of-view and Matt Harris analyzed how Mark Mitchell’s passing will be key for the Tigers.
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