Missouri Game Preview
This game preview is dedicated to to the memory of my father-in-law, who passed away this week. Please keep my wife in your prayers if you are the praying kind. She just lost her mom back in March.
Tennessee played well in the first half against Florida. The Gators led 17-14 going into the half and really, Tennessee should have had the lead or been tied at 17 at the very least. The second half was marred with stupid penalties and terrible execution. To Heupel's credit, he did scheme up some great plays that would have kept Tennessee in the game if they had been executed. However, it's hard for me to get past the fact that Tennessee didn't score a point in the final 40 minutes of the game. It's inexcusable actually. Florida's defense is good, but they aren't that good. Anyway. Moving on.
Most people had the Missouri game penciled into the loss column before the season. I had it as more of a tossup. As the season has played out, it shapes up to be a tossup. Missouri has a dink and dunk offense that has put up some points and yards. Their defense has been pretty bad, however. Especially against the run.
Josh Heupel keeps playing games when it comes to what he says about the QB position. I'm going to operate under the assumption that Hendon Hooker will start. I'm also not going to count on Cooper Mays to play much. That said, I think Tennessee will run a lot of read option and RPO type plays to chew up that Missouri rush defense. Featuring Hooker's rushing ability, with Tiyon Evans to compliment him will go a long ways. Some short throws with the occasional deep shot should provide more than enough production offensively.
Tennessee's defense has been a pleasant surprise this season. The secondary will be tested by Connor Bazelak. Missouri will get their points but I think Tennessee's pass rush shows up Saturday and they get a few stops.
Tennessee gets the first quality win of the year.
Tennessee(+2.5) 38
Missouri 31
In other games...
Georgia 28
Arkansas(+17.5) 20
Notre Dame(+1.5) 24
Cincinnati 21
Alabama(-14.5) 54
Ole Miss 37
Florida(-7.5) 42
Kentucky 21
Oklahoma State(-3.5) 39
Baylor 31
LSU(-3.5) 40
Auburn 32
Last Week 5-1(4-2 ATS) Overall Record 18-8(18-8 ATS)
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I appreciate you taking the time to read. Thank you. Enjoy another great weekend of football. Cherish it. You never know when it'll be your last game.
Stay safe everyone. Go Vols and God Bless!