Missouri Tigers Set to Conclude Regular Season Road Schedule Against Mississippi State
In a dramatic season, the Missouri Tigers (7-3, 3-3 SEC) saw their College Football Playoff aspirations derail after a hard-fought loss to South Carolina. However, with two regular-season games and a bowl matchup still on the horizon, the Tigers are shifting focus to their next challenge against the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-8, 0-6 SEC) this Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT in Starkville, Mississippi.
Mississippi State recently ended a seven-game skid with a 45-20 victory against UMass but fell to Tennessee 33-14 last weekend, complicating their search for a conference win. Missouri enters this matchup as an 8-point favorite, marking an opportunity to capitalize against a struggling opponent.
Historically, the teams have faced off only four times since Missouri joined the SEC, with the Bulldogs claiming victory in both recent matchups. The last meeting ended with a 51-32 win for Mississippi State back in 2020.
Missouri’s offensive strategy will likely revolve around a strong rushing game, as Mississippi State’s defense has historically struggled against the run, ranking 126th in rushing defense. The Tigers’ running backs, including Nathan Noel and Marcus Carroll, will aim to exploit this vulnerability. On the passing side, quarterback Brady Cook is expected to recover and lead a potent offense.
On defense, the spotlight falls on safety Isaac Smith, who leads the Bulldogs with 101 tackles, and cornerback Brice Pollock, who has been effective in pass breakups.
As the Tigers prepare to wrap up their true-road game schedule, the outcome of this SEC clash could set the tone for the remainder of their season. Missouri’s focus will be to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns while tightening their defense to secure a much-needed victory. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and can be followed via the Tiger Radio Network.
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Photo credit missouri.rivals.com
