Those who know me know how closely I follow the Missouri Tigers program. Residing right here in Columbia makes it easy. They also know I call it exactly the way I see it when it comes to the Tigers results. I was down on this team early on and it was impossible not to be. They got off to a dreadful start. It appeared the season was doomed to disaster. Barry Odom was not just on the hot seat, more like a sizzling skillet. Then the strangest thing happened. Odom reached his team. A lot of heads turned when he fired DC Demontie Cross so early in the season. But Odom somehow got his kids to believe the season could be salvaged. He sold his kids when nobody, and I mean nobody around here shared that sentiment. Yours truly included. They came back from a game in Athens against Georgia, a game they competed finally decently in and Odom told his team they were at a fork in the road. They had a pair of non conference games coming up and it was now or never. They could either tank or everyone grab a hold of the rope and start pulling together. First up was Idaho. End result was the Tigers blowing out the Vandals 68-21. Next up was a road trip east to meet U-Conn. End results was the Tigers waxing the Huskies to the tune of 52-12. Not exactly stellar competition but they did not just defeat these teams, they destroyed them. Next up was a return to league play and playing host to the Florida Gators. Admittedly a team in turmoil but a talented SEC team nonetheless. End result was Mizzou dominating the Gators 45-16. Another dominating blow out. What the hell was going on? Then into town came the Tennessee Volunteers. Yes, another team is disarray. But a talented team that would have been a tough match up for the Tigers earlier this season. End result was the Tigers crushing Tennessee to the tune of 50-17. So after a terrible start the Tigers have now blown out four straight opponents and are on the verge of a bowl bid. With games against Vanderbilt and Arkansas in their path it looks very possible and likely probable. On the flip side here we have Vandy whose season has been the polar opposite. Nice start and then hitting the wall. Last saturday they were handled at home by Kentucky. I just do not see this Vandy team having the success on offense to keep pace with this Mizzou team at the present. It's not just Drew Lock either. Ish Witter and Larry Rountree are providing a legit running attack to offer up balance to Lock and the air assault. Right now this is a balanced, explosive offense. The defense for their part has picked up their game in spades. They have cut the missed tackles in half. Bottom line is I will lay the points here with Missouri and do it with confidence. Triple Star SEC game of the week on Missouri to stay hot at the expense of the Commodores.
As always, it is one game. Please play it as such. Locks are for morons. Lock could get injured on the first drive. Things can and do happen. And as always I am not trying to preach at anyone. Quite the contrary, only trying to help. Many sincere thanks as always and best of luck to all of us. Enjoy the game.
Added Note: As I suspected Mizzou has been bumped up. I now see 8.5 and 9 out there. Still good to go guys.