The SEC starts their conference-only schedule on Saturday, with a primetime matchup between No. 2 Alabama at Missouri. Even as a perennial College Football Playoff candidate, Alabama opens as a whopping 27.5-point favorite. The over/under is set at 56 with kickoff at 7:00 PM Eastern.
Alabama at Missouri Betting – Changing of the Tide
In 2019, Alabama’s offense was arguably the most prolific in school history, and led the Crimson Tide to an 11-2 record with a win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. Last year’s team scored the second-most points in program history, averaging 511 yards and 47 points per game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, tackle Jedrick Wills, and wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs were all taken among the first 15 picks in the 2020 NFL draft, however.
Despite those talented players moving on, Alabama’s offense should still rival last year’s degree of potency. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle will be top targets in a deep group. Running backs Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr. also return to the Crimson Tide backfield after combining for 18 rushing touchdowns in 2019.
The biggest question for the Alabama offense is the quarterback competition. Redshirt junior Mac Jones was named the Week 1 starter, stepping up last year after Tagovailoa’s season ending hip injury. Jones may have to fight for his starting spot on a weekly basis, as five-star recruit Bryce Young has impressed coaches and teammates in camp. With a full arsenal of weapons in both the running and passing games, whoever is under center will have a slim margin of error.
Alabama’s defense, on the other hand, had a down year by their standards. The unit ranked 20th in the nation in total defense and 13th in scoring defense. As expected, several big names went early in the draft, notably defensive lineman Raekwon Davis, and defensive backs Xavier McKinney and Trevon Diggs. However, Patrick Surtain II is back for his junior season and will be one of the premier cornerbacks in college football.
Alabama at Missouri Betting – Moving on from Misery
It’s no secret last year was not good enough for the Missouri Tigers. Head Coach Barry Odom was fired after posting a 25-25 record in four seasons. The Tigers were outscored 77-21 during three consecutive road games late in the year and gave Vanderbilt their only conference win. While there may be growing pains this year under new head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, there are several reasons to believe this new regime will turn Missouri into a tough opponent.
Drinkwitz is refusing to name a starting quarterback heading into the season opener. It could be one of the juniors (Shawn Robinson and Taylor Powell) or a freshman (redshirt Connor Bazelak, true freshman Brady Cook). Drinkwitz believes Mizzou needs to compete at every position, every week.
Missouri is also only returning five starters from last year’s offense. ,While there were a few bright spots in left tackle Yasir Durant (who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs) and running back Larry Rountree (who returns for his senior year), there is a golden opportunity for new names to step up and shine.
Incoming Missouri transfers are in a good position to jump-start the program. Senior wide receiver Damon Hazelton, a two-time transfer from Ball State and Virginia Tech, gives Tiger quarterbacks a big target. TCU transfer Shawn Robinson appears to have the inside track to become the starting quarterback.
Alabama at Missouri Betting – It Won’t Be Close
Six of Missouri’s first seven opponents are currently ranked in the Top 25. Alabama tops that list as the current No. 2 team in the nation. Don’t over think this one. Take Alabama to win and cover.
