Favorable
The game’s not being played in Tuscaloosa. The Tigers will likely be impacted less by the projected less-than-ideal weather conditions. Redshirt freshman quarterback Corbin Berkstresser has had all week to prepare as the starter and senior middle linebacker Will Ebner is set to return from injury.
Unfavorable
Coach Gary Pinkel said the Crimson Tide has “no weaknesses.” That sounds about right. The team’s defense leads the nation in scoring defense and total defense. It’s amazing to think this unit had six players selected in last year’s NFL Draft. Alabama’s offense isn’t explosive, but it’s methodical and efficient. The offensive line is outstanding. Quarterback AJ McCarron has completed 65.8 percent of his passes and has yet to throw an interception. Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon are solid tailbacks.
Players to watch:
Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle
The junior defensive tackle is Missouri’s best player. He has been one of the SEC’s top defensive linemen this season and has an NFL future. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares against the Tide’s NFL-caliber offensive linemen.
Amari Cooper, wide receiver
Cooper leads Alabama wideouts with 17 catches for 222 yards and three touchdowns. The true freshman made eight of those grabs for 84 yards and two touchdowns in the Crimson Tide’s last game and could be an emerging threat.
Looking for reasons for optimism? I suggest a telescope. Alabama is bigger, faster, stronger and better-coached. This will likely get ugly pretty quickly.
MU 7, UA 38