Connecticut @ Missouri preview
Faurot Field
After surviving a scare on the road, No. 20 Missouri returns home Saturday to face UConn in a non-conference matchup of undefeated teams. The Huskies already have matched last season’s win total – starting 2-0 for the first time since 2008 – but the competition level rises this week with Missouri seeking its third consecutive 3-0 start.
The contest could be described as a potential trap game for Missouri, which opens Southeastern Conference play next week at Kentucky. The Tigers trailed at halftime before the defense dominated the second half of a 27-20 win at Arkansas State last week – Missouri’s 11th straight road win. The Huskies also are coming off a comeback victory, rallying for a 22-17 win against Army on Saturday – their second consecutive five-point victory to begin the season. UConn has not won on the road since a victory at Temple on Nov. 23, 2013.
TV: Noon ET, ESPN. LINE: Missouri -20.5.
ABOUT UCONN (2-0): The Huskies have eked out two victories thanks to a defense that has allowed 248 yards per game. Andrew Adams has played a pivotal role in preserving both victories with an interception in the third quarter against Villanova and a crucial pick in the fourth quarter against Army. The offense has been fairly balanced with quarterback Bryant Shirreffs (236 passing yards per game) and running back Ron Johnson (54 yards per game, 2 TDs) leading the charge.
ABOUT MISSOURI (2-0): The Tigers have leaned on a defense that leads the SEC in total defense (209 yards per game) and scoring defense (11.5 points per game). Reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week Kentrell Brothers has anchored Missouri’s defense thus far, racking up 32 tackles, a blocked punt and two fourth-quarter interceptions that helped the Tigers limit Arkansas State to 37 total yards in the second half. Missouri has had difficulty getting the running game going with Russell Hansbrough (ankle) sidelined and will need another strong performance from Maty Mauk, who threw three touchdown passes and rushed for a team-high 75 yards last week.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Missouri leads the nation with 25 tackles for loss with sophomore DE Charles Harris ranking second nationally with six.
2. The Tigers have allowed only two plays of more than 20 yards.
3. UConn’s last win over a ranked opponent came against Louisville on Nov. 24, 2012.
PREDICTION: Missouri 31, UConn 13