What the experts are saying about Kentucky/Missouri

CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson: Kentucky (to cover the spread)

Kentucky (+5.5) at Missouri: Each of the last two seasons has involved Kentucky getting to five wins before falling short of bowl eligibility. Last week’s last-second win against Mississippi State changed the math for the Wildcats, now needing just two victories — FCS Austin Peay and one SEC win as the most likely scenario — to make the postseason for the first time under Mark Stoops. We took Missouri to cover as a home favorite last week against Middle Tennessee and got burned. Hell hath no fury like an college football picker scorned. Pick: Wildcats +5.5

ESPN: 4/5 analysts pick Kentucky

Nola.com’s Ron Higgins: Kentucky

Kentucky 5+ over Missouri, 11 a.m. CT, Columbia: It sounds crazy that this might be Kentucky’s biggest game of the year. But judging what’s left on UK’s schedule and considering the 4-3 Wildcats need two wins to gain bowl eligibility, this is the most winnable game remaining on their SEC slate. Missouri’s motivation is that it is the SEC’s lone team winless in conference play, but UK is desperate to get to a bowl. Kentucky wins and covers.

FBSchedules.com: Missouri

Quick word of wisdom: Although Missouri lost to Middle Tennessee State last week while Kentucky was kicking 51-yard field goals to defeat Mississippi State, the Tigers come in as a 5.5-point favorite in this game at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Missouri can still score a ton of points, so that’s not a far-fetched spread.

Kentucky has more to lose and gain than Missouri, so it only makes sense to pick the game based on that. The Wildcats will suffocate under the gravity of the situation and Missouri will win a very frustrating game for Kentucky fans.

PREDICTION: Missouri 34, Kentucky 30

I don’t like that last prediction one bit. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen, okay, Cats?