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ESPN’s Football Power Index finalized its prediction for a pivotal clash between Mizzou and Alabama this weekend, as it gives the Crimson Tide an overwhelming 82.3% chance to take down the Tigers.
Kalen DeBoer & Co. could certainly use the win, as the Alabama program has dropped multiple games before November for the first time since 2007.
Alabama hit a meteoric high when it took down Georgia in a 41-34 thriller at the end of September, but October has been far less kind to the Tide.
Following the win over the Bulldogs, Alabama was notably beat by Vanderbilt in one of the sports’ biggest all-time upsets. Then, it took some second-half heroics from Jalen Milroe and a key interception to stave off a rally from South Carolina in Tuscaloosa the next week. And of course, the Tide then fell to Tennessee on Saturday in a game where Deboer’s offense just never seemed to hit its stride.
With Alabama fans and media already beginning to doubt DeBoer’s ability to effectively carry on the program’s legacy, this game against Missouri becomes as close to a must-win as there can be.
The Tigers will come in with nothing to lose and all to gain, as they’ve experienced an up-and-down October of their own. Following a 4-0 start and a bye week, Mizzou was throttled by Texas A&M in College Station to the tune of 41-10. The Tigers then took a trip to Amherst to take on UMass, comfortably winning 45-3.
On Saturday, a homecoming crowd in Columbia experienced one of the most legendary performances in Mizzou football history. Brady Cook was injured in the first quarter against Auburn and went to the nearby hospital to be evaluated. But, with his team trailing in the second half after the visiting Tigers reeled off two quick touchdowns to take a lead, Cook returned to the game and led a heroic rally to secure a much-needed 21-17 win.
With just one loss on the year, Missouri’s preseason hopes of making a run at an SEC title and a playoff berth are still in front of them, although a loss in T-Town would put a large damper on that occurring.
The Tigers and Tide kick off at 3:30 EST on ABC.
Current Missouri student entering my third year of covering Tiger football and basketball. Contributor to The Transfer Portal CFB and overall college athletics enthusiast.
