Missouri at Kentucky

Rebuilding Kentucky still has a long way to go. Kentucky had a 26-22 triumph at struggling South Carolina two weeks ago, but couldn't sustain the momentum in last week's 14-9 home setback to Florida. The Wildcats are losers in 23 of 26 conference games since 2012. Kentucky QB Patrick Towles has more interceptions (4) than TDs (3). They won't find the going any easier against unbeaten Missouri. The Tigers have an experienced QB, an excellent coach in Gary Pinkel and a great defense. They have also reached the last two SEC Championship games despite being picked no higher than fourth in the East each season. Missouri is on a 10-1 straight-up run, as well as 10-3 ATS on the road. The Tigers ground game gets a boost from top running back Russell Hansbrough's return this weekend. The senior, a 1,084-yard rusher last season, missed last week and has carried the ball just seven times after spraining his ankle in the opener. Missouri's defense is dynamite, yielding 217.0 yards per game and 2.6 yards per rush. Kentucky got just 258 yards in a 20-10 loss at Missouri last season. Since joining the SEC in 2012, Missouri has won all three meetings by a combined 101-37 margin, for an average score of 33-12. Wrong team favored here so take Missouri.