There was a lot of upset talk heading into last year’s contest between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Missouri Tigers. Things couldn’t have been further from the truth as Alabama sent the Tigers home with their tail between their legs after a 34-0 drumming.

Well, this year, that same talk persists. Alabama looks like one of the best teams in the country after back to back win agaisnt the Georgia Bulldogs and Vanderbilt Commodores, lead by their Heisman hopeful at QB, Ty Simpson.

But this years version of Missouri isn’t last year’s. QB Beau Pribula is playing the best ball of his career and the Tigers have an RB in Ahmad Hardy who you could argue among the best in the nation, much less the SEC.

But will that be enough for Mizzou to knock off Bama? Our staff makes their picks.

Alabama 34, Missouri 28

Unlike my prediction last week against Vanderbilt (which came true by the way), I believe this one will be a hard fought game that remains close to the very end for Alabama. The Tide’s defense really hasn’t seen anything like Hardy. Pribula and his pass catchers will take advantage if and when Alabama sells out agaisnt the run.

That being said, I don’t think Missouri has any answers for Jam Miller, the trio of WRs Alabama has and of course, Ty Simpson. I expect the poised QB to take care of the ball and make a few big throws to propel the Tide back to Tuscaloosa with a win. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Alabama 31, Missouri 26

“This SEC matchup has a bit of everything in it. An underdog at home in Missouri against a red-hot Alabama team with a potential Heisman Trophy candidate at QB. It’s the biggest test of the season for the Tigers so far, while the Crimson Tide have rattled off two straight ranked victories over Georgia and Vanderbilt.”

“I think Mizzou has been a bit overlooked at times this season, and Beau Pribula is playing better than really anyone expected him to at quarterback. Kevin Coleman was an impact addition in the passing game, and their run defense has been incredibly stout, albeit against some softer competition.”

“Give me Bama here, but it should be a closely contested matchup. I think the interior of the defensive line for the Tide may be the difference and create some chaos for the Tigers offense. Regardless, this one will probably be tight till the finish.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports College Football

Alabama, 32, Missouri 27

“The Missouri Tigers are about to face their biggest test of the season so far. They have been much better than everyone anticipated, including myself, and the quarterback, Beau Pribula, has been playing exceptionally well, doing exactly what his team has needed him to do to achieve the wins they have earned.”

“The biggest game-changer in this game, though, has to be Tigers RB Ahmad Hardy, who is easily the best RB in the country, and only a sophomore. If they can get him going and Pribula can hit some shots downfield off the play-action game, the Tigers will be hard to stop. However, Alabama has been too good on offense to count them out. And that defense is only getting better. Give me Alabama in this one.” – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports College Football

Alabama 30, Missouri 28

“I can’t imagine a much closer game on paper, with both Alabama and Missouri possessing some unique strengths that are difficult to slow. The Tide’s passing game has hit full stride now with Ty Simpson’s growth, and Germie Bernard is the player most benefitting from Ryan Grubb’s arrival. Missouri will have a hard time slowing the Tide’s passing game, and Jam Miller’s sudden breakout in Week 6 adds another layer of difficulty.”

“The key really comes down to whether Missouri can sustainably score with Alabama. The Tide’s defense might not have as many future NFL first-rounders as in year’s past, but their length and closing ability has been stifling opponents. Their pass-rush is good enough to give Beau Pribula just enough trouble to buy a couple of possessions without scores, and the Tide escape with a late-game victory.” – Ian Valentino, A to Z Sports College Football

Final Word

It’s clear that our staff is rolling with Alabama, but nearly every prediction involves a score within a ew standard deviations. It feels like this has a chance to be a good one in Missouri.

Alabama Crimson Tide News

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