Will Missouri Maintain Momentum Against a Desperate Auburn Squad in SEC Action?

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM ET

Arena: Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium Columbia, MO

The Auburn Tigers are set to clash with the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri. With both teams eager to make a statement in the Southeastern Conference, this game is more than just another Saturday—it’s a pivotal moment for each squad.

Missouri comes in riding high after a commanding victory, while Auburn is hungry for redemption following a tough stretch. The air is thick with anticipation, and the stakes couldn’t be higher! So, grab your favorite snacks and settle in as we explore what makes this game a must-watch event, from team performances to key players and everything in between. Let’s dive into the excitement!

Current Form: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?

Missouri Tigers: Riding High

The Missouri Tigers come into this game with a solid record of 5-1. After a resounding 45-3 victory over UMass last week, confidence is soaring in Columbia. Quarterback Brady Cook has been on fire this season, completing 119 of 184 passes for 1,351 yards and seven touchdowns. His ability to connect with receivers like Luther Burden III—who has racked up 488 yards from scrimmage—has made Missouri’s offense dynamic and hard to stop.

In addition to their potent passing game, Missouri boasts a strong rushing attack led by Nate Noel, who has accumulated 471 yards this season. Although he missed last week due to injury, he is expected to return against Auburn. The combination of Cook’s arm and Noel’s legs creates a potent offensive threat that keeps defenses guessing.

Auburn Tigers: Searching for Answers

On the flip side, the Auburn Tigers are struggling with a record of 2-4. After suffering a tough loss to Georgia (31-13), they are looking to turn things around. Coach Hugh Freeze has emphasized returning to basics during their bye week, aiming to shore up their offensive execution. Quarterback Payton Thorne has thrown for 1,238 yards and ten touchdowns but has also faced challenges with six interceptions and twelve sacks.

Auburn’s ground game features Jarquez Hunter, who has rushed for 528 yards this season. However, inconsistencies in play-calling and execution have hindered their offensive flow. The team is desperate for a spark as they aim for bowl eligibility.

Match-Up Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

When these two teams collide, it’s essential to consider how their strengths play against each other’s weaknesses.

Missouri’s Offense vs. Auburn’s Defense

Missouri’s offensive line has been solid this season, allowing Cook time to throw while also opening lanes for Noel and other running backs. With Cook’s ability to stretch the field and Burden’s speed on the outside, Auburn’s secondary will have its hands full. The key for Missouri will be maintaining offensive balance; if they can effectively mix up their plays between run and pass, they could exploit any gaps in Auburn’s defense.

Auburn’s defense has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. They need to tighten up their coverage and improve their tackling if they hope to contain Missouri’s explosive offense.

Auburn’s Offense vs. Missouri’s Defense

On the other side of the ball, Auburn will look to exploit Missouri’s defensive vulnerabilities. While Thorne has had his ups and downs this season, he possesses the talent to make big plays if given time in the pocket. Hunter will be crucial in establishing a ground game that can take pressure off Thorne.

Missouri’s defense has been solid overall but can be susceptible to big plays if they lose focus or miss tackles. If Auburn can establish a run game early on, it could open up opportunities for Thorne to connect with his receivers downfield.

Key Players: Gained or Lost from the Transfer Portal

Both teams have seen some roster changes due to the transfer portal that could impact their performance:Missouri:

• Brady Cook (QB): The heart of Missouri’s offense.
• Luther Burden III (WR): A dynamic playmaker who can change games.
• Nate Noel (RB): Expected back from injury; his return is pivotal.

Auburn:

• Payton Thorne (QB): A transfer who needs to find his rhythm.
• Jarquez Hunter (RB): A key player who can break tackles and gain yards after contact.

Both teams have retained most of their core players from last season while adding some fresh talent through transfers that have enhanced their respective squads.

Why Take Missouri -4

Given all these factors, taking Missouri at -4 seems like a smart choice based on several predictive models:

1. BetQL: Predicts Missouri wins by approximately 5 points.
2. ESPN: Projects a score favoring Missouri by around 4 points.
3. SportsLine: Estimates a margin of victory for Missouri at about 6 points.
4. Dimers Platinum: Supports Missouri based on recent performance metrics.
5. Action Network: Suggests Missouri wins by an average score of 31-24.

These models collectively point toward a favorable outcome for Missouri based on their current form and recent performances.

Final Thoughts

As we gear up for this exciting SEC showdown between Auburn and Missouri, it’s clear that both teams have something significant at stake. For Missouri, it’s about maintaining momentum and positioning themselves favorably in playoff discussions; for Auburn, it’s about finding answers and reigniting hope for the rest of the season.

With Brady Cook leading an explosive offense against an inconsistent Auburn defense—and with key players returning from injury—Missouri appears poised for victory. So as you settle in for what promises to be an exhilarating matchup, remember that every play counts!

Let’s cheer on our teams as they battle it out on the field!

PICK: take Missouri -4 PUSH