Missouri @ Tennessee preview
Neyland Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 2, 2013 ) Tennessee 3, Missouri 31
With all the focus on the SEC this year, it might be hard to believe that a team from the league could be somewhat forgotten. But No. 20 Missouri hasn't exactly been a focus of the national media, even though it could be playing in the league's championship game with two more wins, starting Saturday night at Tennessee. The Volunteers don't have championship game aspirations, but a bowl game is within reach for coach Butch Jones' squad.
The Tigers have won four straight, seemingly finding their offense in the nick of time after getting shut out in their last loss to Georgia. The Missouri defense has also been solid when needed, ranking 16th in the country in points allowed at 20.1 per game. The Volunteers have taken their lumps this year, but they also have won two straight and will give Missouri all it can handle with a Senior Night crowd behind it in Knoxville.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Tennessee -3.5
ABOUT MISSOURI (8-2, 5-1 SEC): For much of the season, Missouri QB Maty Mauk's receiving corps has been shorthanded, with Darius White out with a pair of groin injuries. But with White back at full strength for the first time in nearly two months, the Tigers' passing game looked much better in the win over Texas A&M, with White making six catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. “To have him back out there is a big help for our offense,” Mauk told the Columbia Tribune. “Me and Darius, we were here all offseason working together, and he's a guy that I know like the back of my hand. I know what he's going to do, and for him to be back out there - and not just out there but making plays for us - that's something that we've been waiting for.”
ABOUT TENNESSEE (5-5, 2-4): With Alexander Johnson and Michael Williams suspended pending rape allegations, Tennessee coaches have been preaching to all their players to prepare for Saturday's game as if they're starters. One who will be starting for the first time is Jakob Johnson, a freshman who will be at middle linebacker, expected to make plays and lead the communication of the defensive unit. “I like his intelligence,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said. “I like his size. I like a lot of the things that he's been able to do in a short amount of time. It's going to be fun to see him get out there and compete and see what he can do.”
EXTRA POINTS
1. Missouri has won nine straight road games, with the Tigers' last road loss being in the season finale at Texas A&M in 2012.
2. Tennessee RB Jalen Hurd's three 100-yard rushing games this season is the most by a true freshman since Jamal Lewis' seven in 1997.
3. This is the third meeting, with the Tigers winning a four-overtime thriller in 2012 and a 31-3 rout last season.
PREDICTION: Missouri 35, Tennessee 27