\The Auburn Tigers head to Columbia, Missouri, to take on the No. 19-ranked Missouri Tigers in a pivotal Southeastern Conference matchup at Memorial Stadium. Auburn (2-4, 0-3 SEC) is looking to snap a three-game losing streak, while Missouri (5-1, 1-1 SEC) aims to keep pace in the SEC and make a case for the College Football Playoff.
This game also features an intriguing dynamic as two coaching friends, Hugh Freeze of Auburn and Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri, face off on opposing sidelines. With both teams navigating key injuries, Saturday’s contest is shaping up to be a critical moment for each program’s season.
Auburn Looks for Consistency
Auburn enters this game with a 2-4 record, having struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Head coach Hugh Freeze used the bye week to take the team back to basics, focusing on improving execution. Auburn’s most recent outing resulted in a 31-13 loss to Georgia, a game where the Tigers had opportunities but were undone by breakdowns in key moments.
Running back Jarquez Hunter has been a bright spot for Auburn, rushing for 528 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Freeze has emphasized the need to give Hunter more touches, especially in short-yardage situations where the team has struggled to execute effectively.
Quarterback Payton Thorne has thrown for 1,238 yards and 10 touchdowns but has been inconsistent, with six interceptions and 12 sacks. Auburn’s offense will need to be more efficient to keep pace with Missouri’s balanced attack.
Auburn is listed as a 4.5-point underdog in this matchup, with the total set at 51.5 points.
Missouri Eyes Playoff Push
Missouri, off to a strong 5-1 start, is looking to stay perfect at home, where they are 4-0 this season. The Tigers are coming off a dominant 45-3 win over UMass, where quarterback Brady Cook completed 14 of 19 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Cook has been efficient all season, throwing for 1,351 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions.
Missouri’s offense is also boosted by the return of running back Nate Noel, who sat out the UMass game with a stiff back but is expected to play Saturday. Wide receiver Luther Burden III exited the last game with a minor shoulder injury but is likely to suit up as well. Burden has been a key contributor with six total touchdowns and 488 scrimmage yards this season.
Missouri’s defense has also been solid, allowing just 24.3 points per game. Linebacker Triston Newson is expected to return from injury, providing a boost, though the team will be without defensive end Joe Moore III and linebacker Khalil Jacobs for the remainder of the season.
Prediction: Missouri Holds Off Auburn
Both teams have something to prove, but Missouri’s home-field advantage and efficient offense give them the edge. Auburn’s struggles in critical situations and inconsistency at quarterback could hurt their chances of pulling off the upset. Expect Missouri to lean on Cook’s passing and a balanced offensive approach to control the tempo.
We predict Missouri will cover the 4.5-point spread and the game will stay under the 51.5 total, as both teams look to establish control through the running game.
