The last three times Missouri played Kansas State on Homecoming were Tiger wins, although MU hasn't had much other recent success against the Wildcats. Mizzou has lost the last 13 games in the series, including last season's 36-28 defeat in Manhattan.

"We understand the history, a lot of guys have played three, maybe four, games against them, but this is a new year. This is a new team, a new attitude, and we're going to come out and play our best game because we know they're going to give us their best game," said wide receiver Brad Ekwerekwu.

"We've gotten over the past this year. I think the past is definitely something we've forgotten as far as approaching this season," added linebacker Dedrick Harrington.

"I haven't beaten them since I've been here. I'm 0-3 against them. There's a lot of people on this team that haven't won a game. I've been here, this is my fourth year. I know about my record, I don't know about anyone else's record, but hopefully I can make a change this weekend," said defensive end Xzavie Jackson.