Missouri vs. Alabama prediction, odds and key players to watch for Week 9 in college football

Alabama has quickly gone from being the National Championship betting favorite to being on the verge of missing out on the first expanded College Football Playoff in about a month.

The Crimson Tide have lost two of three games since defeating Georgia at home, and now welcome another ranked foe in Missouri to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama has no margin for error anymore, but is putting up nearly two touchdowns against a Missouri team that hasn’t been at its best against top competition this season.

In Missouri’s only matchup against a CFP contender, the team lost 41-10 in College Station against Texas A&M. Will the team put on a better performance on the road against Alabama?

Here’s our full betting preview.

Propagation

Moneyline

Total:

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Missouri

Brady Cook: Cook sat out the team’s thrilling win against Auburn at home due to injury, getting an MRI in the hospital, before re-engineering a game-winning drive. Cook hasn’t been able to live up to the hype of last season, but will look to turn his season around and keep the Tigers in the College Football Playoff picture with an upset of Alabama.

Alabama

Jalen Milroe: Milroe has struggled since his stellar outing against Georgia. He has six total touchdowns to five interceptions in the three games and has struggled to find success on the ground, catching nine sacks in the last three games. Missouri’s defense ranks top 10 in passer rating by Pro Football Focus, could it be another shaky effort from the Crimson Tide quarterback? Or will it rise to the occasion?

Alabama’s season is coming to a breaking point, but Missouri hasn’t inspired much confidence so far this season in its top matchups.

So what’s up in Tuscaloosa on Saturday?

While I won’t call for a total upset, I think there is reason to be concerned that Alabama could blow out Missouri.

The Tigers’ defensive line is elite, ranking 15th in defensive line yards, and is generally an outstanding unit allowing less than five yards per play. The Tigers have shut down the deep ball for opponents, top 40 in explosive pass defense and do an excellent job of getting down the field on third down, top 10 in third down conversion percentage allowed.

I worry about this Alabama offense, but it’s the defense that continues to hold this team back. Missouri’s offense hasn’t been as explosive as it was last season, but the team is playing a clean game. Cook has just one decent play for a loss this season, and the team has been elite on third down, tied for 10th in third-and-fourth completion percentage.

I think the Tigers can keep this competitive behind methodical drives as the Crimson Tide continues to look bad on both sides of the ball.

PICK: Missouri +13.5

Game odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

Follow Reed on Twitter @ReedWallach and get all his college football bets betstamp @rw33

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