We could have predicted one of the SEC Championship Game’s participants early in the season, and it would have been hard to disagree. The other participant, well that was a longshot. But after losing some key pieces to its 2013 SEC East champion team, that longshot — Missouri — is back with a vengeance and on top of its division once again, despite a rough start to the year that included a loss to Indiana.
Watch the Missouri vs. Alabama SEC Championship: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming
Can Missouri get revenge for last year in Atlanta?
The Tigers didn’t beat the second-best team in their division (they lost 30-0 to Georgia) but they beat everyone else and took advantage of a relatively easy schedule to get the opportunity to go back to Atlanta.
Meanwhile, aside from an early-season loss to Ole Miss, Alabama has looked the part of SEC West champion. The Crimson Tide were convincing in wins over Mississippi State, Auburn and Texas A&M, and the offense has certainly started to hit its stride. Can they continue their strong stretch and glide into the College Football Playoff? Let’s take a look.
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How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 4 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Online streaming: CBSSportsLive
The numbers
Rankings and records: The Tigers clawed their way to a 10-2 finish to the regular season, earning them the No. 16 ranking in the latest College Football Playoff poll. The Crimson Tide finished 11-1 and No. 1 in the CFP poll.
Vegas: Alabama opened as a three-point favorite. The line is now up to 14.5 with an over/under of 49, per Odds Shark.
Weather forecast: Sterile and domed.
Two things at stake
Well the SEC Championship, for one. Also, Alabama needs a win to make the College Football Playoff. Missouri probably can’t make the playoff, even with a win.
One big matchup
Missouri offense vs. Alabama defense: The Missouri defense is going to have its hands full against an impressive Crimson Tide offense — might want to guard Amari Cooper, Tigers — but the fate of the Mizzou offense against the Alabama defense could determine this game. Quarterback Maty Mauk has been inconsistent at times this year, and this will have to be his best game of the season if the Tigers are to pull off the upset.
Further reading
Read Rock M Nation for more on Missouri and Roll Bama Roll for more on Alabama.
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