Missouri looks to recover from their heart-shattering loss to South Carolina when they host Tennessee Saturday afternoon. Television coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How to watch Tennessee vs. Missouri 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can Missouri recover from their heartbreaking loss?
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers started the season 7-0, and had two straight wins over ranked conference opponents heading into last Saturday's showdown with another ranked team, South Carolina. With the Tigers leading 17-0 in the fourth, the game looked wrapped up. But a historic Connor Shaw comeback forced overtime, and a missed chip shot field goal handed Missouri their first loss.
South Carolina is actually the only conference opponent Tennessee has defeated this season. Butch Jones has done a phenomenal job in his first year with the program, recruiting extremely well and setting the Vols up in good position to get a bowl berth. A win against Missouri would have him hailed as a hero in Knoxville.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Missouri is ranked No. 9, while Tennessee is unranked. The Tigers are in first place in the SEC East, while the Volunteers are in fifth. The two schools played for the first time last season -- a 51-48 Missouri victory.
Vegas: Missouri is an 10-point favorite, with the over/under set at 55. OddsShark has more.
Weather: 50s and sunny.
Three names to know
Maty Mauk. Mauk has done well in place of James Franklin, but has to get better -- he has as many touchdowns as he does interceptions, having thrown two of each in his two starts.
Kentrell Brothers. Missouri's sophomore linebacker is tied for the team high with three interceptions, and also has four tackles for a loss.
Rajion Neal. Tennessee has had an up and down year, but Neal has been terrific, averaging 5.3 yards per carry with nine touchdowns.
Two things at stake
A win for Tennessee somehow brings them into the conversation in the crowded SEC East.
A loss for Missouri would dash any outside title hopes they still have.
How to witness
TV: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Online streaming: WatchESPN. XFINITY subscribers can watch the game here.
Further reading
For more from Tennessee, head to Rocky Top Talk. For the Missouri perspective, check out Rock M Nation. For everything SEC, go to Team Speed Kills.
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