No. 24 Missouri (-3.5) @ Toledo TV: ESPN Noon Saturday
Daniel: This is an interesting one. Toledo gave Missouri a fight at home in 2013, taking it into the fourth quarter before ultimately losing by 15. That was likely a better Missouri team and it was in Columbia. This year Toledo hosts, and Missouri looked a little shaky in its opener against South Dakota State. Alabama transfer quarterback Phillip Ely had 337 yards and four touchdowns in Toledo’s opener and he certainly won’t be intimidated by the Tigers. Look for this one to go into the fourth quarter. I’m very tempted to call the Toledo upset, but I’ll play it safe and go with Missouri pulling out the close win. Hope I don’t regret it. Winner: Missouri 24-21
Houston: Admittedly, I knew absolutely nothing about Toledo until today. After doing a little bit of research, however, I can see why the line is so small in what shapes up as a very tough early road trip for the Tigers. Former Alabama quarterback Phillip Ely will be under center for the Rockets after a 337-yard, 4 touchdown passing performance last week and looks to have the tools to test Missouri’s inexperienced defense. Missouri is in the midst of replacing a lot of talent across the board from last year’s SEC East Championship team, but surely they aren’t really in a position where a loss to Toledo is a possibility…right? Maty Mauck struggles early, but leads the Tigers to a come from behind win in the second half. Winner: Missouri 31-24
Reed: I couldn’t believe this line when I saw it but the more I’ve thought about it the more it makes sense. I’m not sold on Missouri this year. They captured lightning in a bottle last season and lost the bulk of their starters on both sides of the ball – they’re bound to come back to earth this season. Toledo played them tough in 2013 and this year’s game should be even closer. Toledo is the most talented team in the MAC but Missouri’s depth should win the game late. Winner: Missouri 38-31
Blake: The classic SEC vs MAC matchup, doesn’t get much better right? Missouri and the fighting Maty Mauks travel to play the Rockets after being South Dakota State 38-18 last week. Missouri beat Toledo last season in Columbia by a score of 38-23. Gone are a lot of Missouri’s weapons (Dorial Green-Beckham, James Franklin, and Henry Josey) but the Tigers are still too powerful for Toledo. The SEC is 78-13 all time against the MAC, and Missouri will just add to that. Winner: Missouri 34-21
