Week Two Preview: Mizzou vs. No. 21 Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (KMIZ)
Eli Drinkwitz will be looking for different results in his second outing as Mizzou's coach on Saturday.
The Tigers flew to Knoxville on Friday ahead of their meeting with the No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers.
The Vols come in with the SEC's longest active win streak, after winning six-consecutive games at the end of last season.
Mizzou will look capitalize on week one's defensive performance, while also looking to generate more offense.
Drinkwitz said the team will move forward with playing two quarterbacks, Shawn Robinson and Connor Bazelak and added that there were some bright spots. MU put up 16 points in the final 16 minutes of its matchup with Alabama.
Robinson also completed 76% of his passes, going 19 of 25. He had the best start by an MU debuting starting quarterback since Blaine Gabbert in 2006.
Viewing information: Saturday, October 2 / 11:00 A.M. on SEC Network
Spread: Mizzou: +11.5 (-110) | Tennessee -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 48.5 points
Winning Percentage Prediction (via ESPN): Mizzou (34.6) percent) | Alabama (65.4 percent)
Andrew's Pick:
Mizzou: 21 | Tennessee: 24
"We still do not really know much about the Mizzou offense after Week 1 against Alabama… because Alabama is in its own class. But - the Tigers second half effort last week proved they can move the ball against the best of the best. I think MU will start off slow on offense against the Vols, but the defense will keep the Tigers in the game. MU’s offense will come alive in the second half, but it will be too little, too late against a tough Tennessee squad. I’m predicting 100 yards rushing and a touchdown from Larry Rountree. I think Shawn Robinson will throw two touchdowns as well. Sorry MU fans - I think Coach Drinkwitz will have to wait at least another week before he gets his first win at Mizzou."
Nathalie's Pick:
Mizzou: 20 | Tennessee: 28
"I still think that Mizzou's offense is snapping into things this season. In short: they just need time. It'll probably take some patience on Saturday, but I do think that Shawn Robinson and Connor Bazelak will generate some offense in this game. But, to Mizzou fans dismay, it will probably come later in the game. If there's any shot that the Tigers are able to get a solid rhythm going early on in this one, then the run game has to break through.
Despite the final score, the defense had a strong showing versus Alabama, but I think it all comes down to too much time on the field. Every time the offense goes three and out or fails to string some plays together, the defense is tiring out their legs on the field. MU has the makings of a top-defense, but the offense needs to come through first."
The Standings (whoever has the lowest score at the end of the season wins):
Andrew: +12
Nathalie: +13
Week by Week Standings:
Andrew: 1 | Nathalie: 0
