Week One Preview: No. 2 Alabama vs. Mizzou
COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)
Mizzou and No. 2 Alabama will meet for Eli Drinkwitz's first outing as MU's head coach on Saturday.
The two squads have met three times since the Tigers joined the SEC in 2012. Alabama has won all three meetings by at least 29 points.
Drinkwitz has not revealed who will be starting behind center on Saturday, leaving fans wondering if they will see TCU transfer Shawn Robinson or Connor Bazelak for the first snap of 2020.
Mizzou's offense boasts two solid returners on the ground: Larry Rountree III and Tyler Badie.
Meanwhile, Nick Saban's offense pretty much has it figured out, with Mac Jones at quarterback, DeVonta Smith, and Najee Harris on the ground.
Mizzou will hope to combat that with a core of returners on defense, including All-American LB Nick Bolton, Kobie Whiteside, Tyree Gillespie, and Joshuah Bledsoe
Viewing information: Saturday, September 26 / 6:00 P.M. on ESPN
Spread: Alabama: -27.5 (-110) | Mizzou: +27.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 56 points
Winning Percentage Prediction (via ESPN): Mizzou (4.8 percent) | Alabama (95.2 percent)
Andrew's Prediction:
Alabama: 35 | Mizzou: 10
"I really want to pick Mizzou because it's 2020, and you just never know what can happen. Instead, I'm going with a realistic prediction with some craziness. I think MU will score the first points of the game on a special teams or defensive touchdown. Martez Manuel Pick-Six??? After that - Alabama will settle down and become Alabama. Meanwhile, MU will likely struggle on offense as it tries to figure itself out. MU's defense is its biggest strength, but Alabama will be too tough - especially WR Jaylen Waddle. But hey - football is back, and MU fans cannot be disappointed on Saturday. It's going to be a great day."
Nathalie's Prediction:
Alabama: 31 | Mizzou: 13
"Bolton and the Tiger defense will 100 percent be the standouts in this game. I predict that they will be able to get some stops in the first half of the game, maybe hold the Tide to a field goal or two. But, the offense is going to to hurt them in the second half. I think we'll see some tired legs from a lot of time on the field and that's when Jones and Harris will take over for Alabama.
I definitely see Mizzou's offense generating some energy in the first drive or two, but overall a pretty quiet second half. I suggest kicking back, grabbing some snacks, and just letting it play out as it will because it's 2020 and we actually have football! Happy SEC Saturday!!!"
