GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s 2018 statistics are nothing short of jaw dropping. The sophomore signal caller has yet to throw an interception and has amassed 1,495 passing yards to go with 18 touchdowns while completing 75 percent of his pass attempts. He’s also rushed 23 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns, all while splitting time with backup Jalen Hurts, who owns a 26-2 record as a starter. Needless to say, if Missouri’s front seven can’t find a way to pressure the Crimson Tide’s quarterback tandem and disrupt a rhythm that has led to a 40-point average margin of victory through six games, it could be a long night for the Tigers’ defense. Missouri has just seven sacks for 41 yards this season, which ranks second-to-last in the conference.
DRAFT SLANT
–OT Paul Adams has started 30-consectuive games at right tackle for Missouri and is a two-time team captain. Adams is among the SEC’s most veteran offensive linemen, with solid run blocking ability and excellent pass protection skills and should be one of several Tigers to hear their name called in the 2019 NFL draft. Per Ric Serritella of NFLdraftscout.com, “his limited mobility most likely pushes him into Day 3 range.”
ROSTER REPORT:
–WR Richaud Floyd suffered a broken leg during preseason training camp but has been participating in limited practice reps for several weeks. Missouri coach Barry Odom has held Floyd out of the last two games, saying he wasn’t “game-speed ready” but indicated Tuesday that he has progressed to the point of being able to play Saturday against the Crimson Tide.
–WR Emmanuel Hall has dealt with a lingering groin injury for over a month, and is not expected to play Saturday at Alabama, significantly limiting Missouri’s homerun play ability in the passing game.
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