Missouri returns home after an impressive 38–21 victory at Kansas in the renewal of the Border War.
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12:45 p.m. ET — SEC Network+
Missouri returns home after an impressive 38–21 victory at Kansas in the renewal of the Border War. The Tigers are 2–0 and now face a dangerous Troy team that also enters the weekend unbeaten.
Missouri’s biggest challenge may be avoiding an emotional letdown. Winning at Kansas carried considerably more significance than an ordinary nonconference game, and now the Tigers must quickly turn their attention to an opponent they are expected to beat comfortably.
Missouri should possess clear advantages in size and depth. If the Tigers establish the running game early, Troy could have difficulty keeping Missouri out of favorable down-and-distance situations. Missouri also has enough skill-position talent to attack vertically when the Trojans commit additional defenders to stopping the run.
Troy’s best opportunity is to make Missouri uncomfortable early. A turnover, special-teams play or quick touchdown could change the complexion of the game and place some pressure on the favorite. The longer Troy remains within one possession, the more interesting the afternoon becomes.
Missouri needs to approach this as a businesslike assignment. Establish control at the line of scrimmage, avoid giveaways and gradually wear down the Trojans. If that happens, Missouri should pull away during the second half.
The Tigers have larger SEC challenges ahead, making this an important opportunity to continue developing depth while protecting an unbeaten record. Troy is good enough that Missouri cannot simply show up and expect an easy afternoon, but the Tigers should eventually have too much firepower.
Prediction: Missouri 38, Troy 14
