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Missouri vs. Middle Tennessee prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Tigers and Blue Raiders.

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Missouri vs. Middle Tennessee Game Preview

When: Saturday, October 22 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Faurot Field, Columbia, MO
TV Broadcast: SEC Network

Missouri was thoroughly beaten by Florida in Gainesville this past Saturday, 40-14, as the Tigers were unable to get anything going through the air and relied on the ground game. Running back Damarea Crockett was the lone highlight of the game, rushing for 145 yards on just 14 carries.

Middle Tennessee lost a heartbreaker in overtime against Western Kentucky 44-43 at home. Quarterback Brent Stockstill was the star for the Blue Raiders, throwing for 434 yards and three touchdowns with only one interception.

What To Know About Missouri

Can quarterback Drew Lock regain his confidence after such a horrible showing in Gainesville? Lock finished 4-for-18 for only 39 yards and two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in the loss. Luckily, he is facing a MTSU defense that gives up 249 passing yards per game. Getting him back on track is a must for offensive coordinator Josh Heupel.

What to Know About Middle Tennessee

The Blue Raiders bring in an air attack that ranks No. 5 in the country for passing offense, averaging 366.2 yards per game. Stockstill likes to heave the ball around, throwing for 2,091 yard and 18 touchdowns so far this season, and the Tigers haven’t exactly been stopping opposing passing attacks. Running back I’Tavius Mathers is a weapon as well, rushing for 10 touchdowns and 725 yards in six games this season.

Advantages

Offense: Middle Tennessee. Stockstill will throw the ball until his arm falls off, and then he might switch to the other arm.

Defense: Middle Tennessee. It’s not that the Blue Raiders are world beaters on defense, but Missouri has been horrific this season.

Special Teams: Middle Tennessee. Kicker Canon Rooker is 10-for-12 on field goal attempts.

Coaching: Missouri. Barry Odom will get the Tigers program turned around.

Intangibles: Middle Tennessee. A chance to beat a SEC program on its home turf? Yes, please.

Matchup To Watch

Brent Stockstill vs. Missouri pass defense

Given time, Stockstill will pick this secondary apart for a lot of yards and points all day long.

Missouri vs. Middle Tennessee Betting Odds

Spread: Missouri -6.5
Over/Under: 71

Missouri vs. Middle Tennessee Prediction

Missouri has been run out of the stadium the last two weeks by LSU and Florida, and will need to put that behind them because this is a Middle Tennessee team that will put it to them if they aren’t ready. Odom will have the Tigers ready, but with the arm of Stockstill, the Blue Raiders will pull the upset in Columbia. Murfreesboro will party all night long.

Missouri vs. Middle Tennessee Score Prediction: Middle Tennessee 35, Missouri 31

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