PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Drew Lock struggled against South Carolina, completing 17-of-36 pass attempts for 207 with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Lock has looked shaky in SEC play this season, and will face an elite pass-coverage defense in Alabama, which leads the conference in interceptions (10) and pass breakups (36).
–LB Terez Hall led Missouri’s defense against South Carolina with 11 total tackles, including a career-high three for losses, adding a sack and a pass breakup in what was arguably the most complete game of his career. Hall will need to follow that performance up with an even bigger outing if the Tigers hope to contain Alabama’s lethal and explosive offense.
–RB Damarea Crockett rushed 20 times for 154 yards — both season highs — in last Saturday’s loss to South Carolina, while adding one of Missouri’s three rushing touchdowns. Missouri’s backfield looks as complete as it has been in years, and the Tigers will likely lean on Crockett, as well as fellow running backs Larry Rountree III and Tyler Badie, to move the ball consistently against Alabama’s defense.
–K Tucker McCann kicked a career-long 57-yard field goal to give Missouri a 35-34 lead against South Carolina with 1:18 remaining in the game. McCann missed a 25-yard attempt earlier in the game during a torrential downpour of rain but bounced back to hit a 44-yard attempt before nailing his career-long. The 57-yarder was the second longest field goal in school history and the longest in 33 years. With McCann expanding his range, Missouri’s offense should feel a bit less pressure in terms of the field position battle and late-down conversions.
SERIES HISTORY: Alabama leads Missouri 3-2 all-time and has beaten the Tigers in both matchups since Missouri’s induction into the SEC in 2012.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “They’re the best team in college football. You watch, and you study, and you evaluate and you game plan … they don’t have weaknesses. They play extremely hard, they play extremely well, and they’re coached to that level, and then also they’ve got really good players … it all starts with the ability of their quarterbacks. Both of them are playing at a high level. They’re delivering the ball, they’re extending plays, they’re making plays on their feet and they’re playing as good of football as anybody in the country.” –Missouri coach Barry Odom on Alabama’s offense.