Missouri looks to build on its big upset win over Georgia as the Tigers host Florida in a marquee SEC showdown. Television coverage begins at 12:21 p.m. ET on the SEC Network and ESPN3.
How to watch Florida vs. Missouri 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can the Tigers pull off their second straight upset of an SEC power?
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport
The Tigers started with four wins against a not-too-strong non-conference schedule -- Murray State, Toledo, Indiana and Arkansas State. SEC play started with Vanderbilt, who they blew out 51-28 on the road, and continued with a tough road test at Athens -- one that was expected to bring the Tigers back to Earth. Missouri beat them handily as well, winning the game 41-26.
Florida has yet to succumb to the new-found high-octane offense style of SEC football, preferring instead to grind it out with a lackluster offense and a superb defense. After an opening win over Toledo, the Gators fell to rival Miami. They won three straight SEC games -- Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas -- before losing to LSU last weekend, 17-6. They are surrendering just 13 points per game, good for fourth in the nation.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Missouri is ranked No. 14 in all three polls, while Florida is ranked No. 21 in the AP and Coaches’ Poll and No. 22 in the Harris Poll. The Tigers are 6-0 with a 2-0 record in SEC play, while Florida is 4-2 with a 3-1 conference record. The two teams are tied 1-1 in their all-time series.
Vegas: Florida is a three-point favorite. OddsShark has more.
Weather: High 50s and mostly sunny.
Three names to know
Maty Mauk. The freshman is a former four-star recruit and will start for Missouri under center, thanks to a shoulder injury to starting QB James Franklin. He is a dual threat who played decently against Georgia, and will be tasked to face one of the toughest secondaries in the nation.
Tyler Murphy. Both teams will have a backup quarterback on Saturday, but Murphy is the more experienced of the two. The junior has thrown for five touchdown passes this year.
Vernon Hargreaves III. Florida has an excellent secondary, and the freshman Hargreaves has three interceptions and five passes broken up this year.
Two things at stake
Following up their win against Georgia with another against Florida would establish Missouri as a legitimate SEC contender.
Florida controls their own SEC destiny. A loss to Missouri would change that.
How to witness
TV: SEC Network.
Online streaming: ESPN3.
Further reading
For the Florida perspective, head to Alligator Army. For Missouri coverage, check out Rock M Nation. For all your SEC needs, there’s Team Speed Kills.
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