Rece Davis picks Kentucky over Missouri

Rece Davis is rolling with the ‘Cats. On Thursday, the “College Gameday” analyst picked Kentucky to defeat Missouri this weekend.

“I’m going with Kentucky,” Davis said. “[Missouri wide receiver] Luther Burden leads the nation in receiving yards and you’ve got the top two rushers in the SEC [in this game]. Everybody knows about Ray Davis but Cody Schrader is just behind him in rushing in the SEC, but I trust Kentucky more at home, physical nature. I’m gonna go with the Wildcats.”

As Davis mentioned, the game won’t be easy for the Wildcats. Out wide, the Tigers boast WR Luther Burden. The standout sophomore averages 132.2 receiving yards per game, the most in the country.

The Tigers aren’t only dangerous in the receiving game. Mizzou RB Cody Schrader averages 96.2 rushing yards per game, the third-most in the SEC. Nonetheless, Kentucky’s Ray Davis leads the conference with 108.8 rushing yards per outing.

Both teams are coming off losses into Saturday’s contest. Kentucky fell to No. 1 Georgia in 51-13 blowout fashion. Meanwhile, the Tigers suffered a 49-39 loss in a shootout against No. 23 LSU. Davis wasn’t the only one who picked Kentucky to take down the Tigers this weekend.

“I don’t think from what I’ve seen in Missouri, yet, they are capable of going on the road and going pound-for-pound with Kentucky,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel said. “Look, Kentucky just got rag-dolled, but there’s an undercurrent of physicality and toughness that I think is ahead of where Missouri is right now, especially their defense played. I don’t trust them to stop the run in this game. So I’m gonna take the Wildcats.”

Missouri prepares for battle

Missouri’s defense might not be as rock-solid as Kentucky’s but it’s nothing to scoff at. The Tigers only allow 353.2 yards per contest, ranking No. 51 nationally. Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz is prepared for a grueling battle.

“We’re putting that game behind us and we’re moving onto this week, this opportunity,” Drinkwitz said. “Got a very difficult challenge on the road versus a top 25 team, Kentucky. As we all know, the three previous games that I’ve played against them have all become a one-possession game.

“It’s always been a very physical contest. The team that seems to rush the ball better seems to be the team that’s going to win the game. Definitely a trench-style game on both sides and we’re going to have to make sure we’re ready for the physical style of play that they have.”

The two programs will clash at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.