No. 1 Alabama (-14.5) vs No. 16 Missouri 4 pm Saturday CBS
Daniel: Missouri has dealt with doubt all year, though a lot of that was self-inflicted because the Tigers had a horrendous loss to Indiana and got run over by Georgia at home. Again, the Tigers find themselves as the underdogs with few believing they have a chance to ruin Alabama’s playoff bid. Expect Missouri’s defensive line to give Alabama some trouble, but the mobility of Blake Sims will help the Tide out in that regard. Alabama also has the best player on the field in receiver Amari Cooper – that very well may be the difference maker. I expect Mizzou to battle for three quarters or so, but Nick Saban doesn’t lose too many games like this and I think Alabama goes on to represent the SEC in the playoffs. Winner: Alabama 31-20
Houston: I keep picking against Missouri, and they keep winning. For that very reason, I’m going to keep this pick very simple. Missouri isn’t good enough to compete with the Tide. Alabama is a lock to win this game. (crosses fingers) Winner: Bama 37-24
Reed: Missouri gained my respect after seeing them dominate the line of scrimmage in Neyland a few weeks ago. In fact, they impressed me so much that I picked them to beat favored Arkansas last week. They simple win games. But this is Alabama. No one, outside of Ole Miss, has been able to stop Amari Cooper or Blake Sims in big situations. The Tigers will fight, but Bama just has too many playmakers to drop this game. Winner: Bama 28-17
Richard: Everyone knew that Missouri’s defense could rush the passer. Last week, the Tigers proved against Arkansas that they could slow down a power running attack too. However, Arkansas didn’t have a guy like Amari Cooper to compliment their running game. Cooper is arguably the best play maker in America, and he makes plays when his team needs it most. Missouri’s defense will cause Alabama problems, but Cooper will make his share of plays.
Missouri’s offense isn’t flashy, but they don’t beat themselves. Their running backs will make some plays, but their passing attack isn’t good enough to totally exploit an Alabama secondary that struggles at times.
I am hesitant to pick against Missouri, because they just keep winning. No one seems to respect them, despite the success that they have had the last couple of years. I guess I still don’t respect them, because I think Alabama wins. Winner: Alabama 24-14
