COLUMBIA, Mo. — Jalon Daniels was the pre-test.
Missouri facing the veteran Kansas quarterback counted toward its 2-0 start to the 2025 season, so maybe it's more than a pre-test. Regardless, the defensive showing from the Tigers' 42-31 win over the Jayhawks sets a baseline for how No. 25 Mizzou will hold up against the style of quarterback it'll see in other key games this season.
Realistically, MU was never going to defend Daniels perfectly. Good, savvy quarterbacks like Daniels have a way of making things happen even against perfect play calls and sound coverage. Plus, it was only the second game for a Missouri defense that has a handful of transfers coming in at the linebacker and safety positions in particular.