Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz targets Kansas in rivalry game dispute

Tensions escalated during the Border War rivalry game between the Missouri Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks. Following a week of hostility, including a Kansas promotional video referencing Missouri’s historical ties to slavery, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz opted to run an offensive play instead of kneeling to run out the clock in the final seconds of a 38-21 victory.

Drinkwitz stated the decision was intended to send a message to Kansas coach Lance Leipold, expressing disappointment over the promotional content used by the Jayhawks. “I was embarrassed for him to be honest. And that's why I tried to embarrass him at the end,” Drinkwitz said, adding that he felt the rivalry's recent tone was uncalled for.

Pre-game tensions were also evident among players, with Missouri defensive tackle Marquis Gracial and running back Jamal Roberts reportedly directing gestures toward the Kansas student section upon entering the stadium.