I'm taking the Tigers in the SEC Championship.. What does Auburn have left at this point? They just beat their most hated rival in emotional fashion. I think this Auburn team has been very lucky at points and Nick Saban handed them that game with some questionable coaching decisions and 4 missed field goals. Missouri has to feel like they are getting no respect for the lack of media attention and that just fuels them and fits in with their season long mantra. Nobody thought this Missouri team belonged last year, but very quietly Gary Pinkel has his team in contention to get to Pasadena. Pinkel has to remember a similar situation 6 years ago ranked #1 losing in the Big 12 Championship to Oklahoma. Now he has a second chance at something truly special. There will not be a lack of preparation in this spot.
Who is Missouri? I said it last week after week this team is completely balanced and really does not have a weakness. Their offense is balanced and as explosive as any offense is with Henry Josey at RB averaging well over 6 ypc, James Franklin an accurate mistake free QB, and the big receivers in a spread offense that's going to be a nightmare for Auburn's over rated defense. Auburn struggled vs. Georgia and A&M both who have balanced offenses. Now they found a way to win those games, but lets be honest they were extremely lucky that Manziel missed 2 possessions due to an injury and they won on a miracle play vs. Georgia. Missouri beat both of those teams, has just as good of an offense and a far better defense.
Why Is Missouri better? Let's look at conference averages. In conference play Auburn has allowed 4.7 ypc while Missouri has allowed 3.53. In conference play Missouri has allowed a 121 QB rating while Auburn has allowed 137. This is simply a miserable match up for Auburn because Missouri has the athleticism and speed to turn Nick Marshall into a pocket passer and force him to make mistakes which I think will happen as Missouri has the longest active streak of forcing at least 1 turnover in a game. Auburn is -1 turnover margin in conference play while Missouri is +11. Auburn's offense is more one dimensional than people will admit. Nick Marshall has had a nice season and has made plays with arms when he's had to but now he faces the best corner in the SEC in E.J. Gaines who just got done shutting down All American Mike Evans to 4 receptions for 8 yards. Sammy Coates is like the only receiving weapon for Auburn another reason why I feel this is just a bad match up for Auburn. Auburn will get their yards, but Missouri will force the turnovers and be more explosive on offense and they'll come up with what I think will be a 7+ point win.
