Missouri has opened as three-point favorites over Tennessee for the Vols’ week five matchup in Columbia, according to Circa Sports.
Tennessee enters the matchup 2-2 on the season coming off a SEC opening loss at Florida. The Vols are 1-3 against the spread the season, covering against Tennessee Tech but not against Bowling Green, Pitt or Florida.
Missouri is 2-2 on the season with wins over Central Michigan and Southeast Missouri State while losing to Kentucky and Boston College.
The Tigers are 0-4 against the spread this season in what’s been an underwhelming start to Eli Drinkwitz’s second season.
Missouri enters the game coming off of an overtime loss at Boston College. The Tigers made a 56-yard field goal to force the game into overtime but a Connor Bazelak interception downed Missouri.
Tennessee was down just three points at halftime against Florida, but the Gators dominated the second half. Florida outscored the Vols 21-0 in the second half, scoring three touchdowns on four drives.
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker played solid in the loss before being knocked out of the game with an injury in the fourth quarter. His status is questionable entering the road matchup.
The Missouri matchup begins a critical two week stretch for Tennessee. As the spread shows, the Vols and Tigers are evenly matched. Then, Tennessee hosts a struggling South Carolina team for the SEC home opener.
The Vols find themselves in a similar position as they were following the early season loss to Georgia a season ago. Tennessee corner Alontae Taylor vowed postgame that the Vols “wouldn’t fall apart” like they did last season.
