Head-to-head history
This is the first meeting between Bama and Missouri since 2020, but it’s been dominance from the hosts. They’ve won five straight against the Tigers. They’ve only met four times since 2012 though, despite both being in the SEC. Every one of those victories was lopsided, with Alabama winning by a minimum of 19 points. The Tide also hasn’t allowed more than 13 points in those matchups.
Can Missouri pull off the upset?
The Tigers are having a solid campaign, only losing once so far but that was a blowout defeat to Texas A&M. Auburn was their most stiff test since then and Missouri rose to the occasion, pulling out a four-point victory. A 15-point fourth quarter completed the comeback for the Tigers, who outgained their opponents 353-286.
Starting QB Brady Cook suffered an injury that forced him to exit early, with backup Drew Pyne taking over. Cook is expected to be sidelined on Saturday, which means Pyne is set to be under center again. He completed just 10 of 21 throws for 78 yards after coming into the game. The standouts in this contest were running backs Marcus Carroll and Nate Noel, who both averaged over five yards per carry. However, Noel also got injured and is considered doubtful for Week 9.
With two offensive weapons missing, Mizzou won’t be at their best against Bama. Cook ranks sixth in the SEC in passing yards while Noel is averaging over five yards per carry on the season. While it remains to be seen how Pyne will perform, Carroll is still a weapon in the backfield with six rushing touchdowns. Defensively, the Tigers will need to slow down the Tide’s dynamic offense, led by versatile QB Jalen Milroe. Missouri is a heavy underdog at online betting sites.
Alabama needs a win
The Crimson Tide were looking like a championship contender early in the 2024 season, starting off 4-0. That included a thrilling win over bitter rivals, Georgia. Since then, it’s been downhill. Alabama was upset by Vanderbilt, barely beat South Carolina, and then just lost to Tennessee. Another loss will end their hopes of making the expanded College Football Playoff.
However, Kalen DeBoer’s squad is a perfect 4-0 at home in ‘24 and will be thrilled to see Missouri’s notable offensive absences. That will make this game an easier one to control for Bama. Milroe is the engine of this offense and has himself in the Heisman conversation. He’s completed 68.4% of his throws for 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns against six interceptions. Milroe is also a menace on the ground, rushing for 11 scores and 330 yards.
Although the Tide are 2-3 ATS in their last five, there’s definitely reason to believe they can cover as a -16.5-point favorite at Sports Interaction. As previously mentioned, Missouri is missing key players, and Alabama knows every single game is absolutely crucial at this point. They have something to prove in Week 9.
