Missouri makes its SEC Network debut Saturday when the Tigers host UCF at Faurot Field.
How to watch UCF vs. Missouri: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds and more
Two of last season’s surprise teams square off in Columbia.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Despite losing key players on both sides of the ball, Mizzou has fared well in the early going. Sure, the lopsided wins have come against South Dakota State and Toledo. But that victory over the Rockets came on the road, and even Tigers fans were expecting the game to be close. Missouri now looks like a good bet to be 4-0 going into conference play.
UCF was one play away from beating Penn State in Ireland, but college football isn't horseshoes, so the Knights are still looking for their first win of 2014. Without Blake Bortles under center, the offense struggled against the Nittany Lions. There isn't much of a run game right now -- 29 rushes netted 24 yards against Penn State -- so starting quarterback Justin Holman needs to go to work.
How to witness
TV: Noon ET, SEC Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: The 2-0 Tigers are ranked 20th in the AP Top 25 and 22nd in the USA Today Coaches Poll. UCF is 0-1 and unranked in both polls.
Vegas: Mizzou opened as a 9-point favorite, and that line is up slightly to 10 points at most sportsbooks. The over/under is set at 53.5.
Weather forecast: 79 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms.
Two things at stake
After an easier-than-expected win at Toledo, Missouri needs to keep building momentum. After UCF, the Tigers face Indiana before a crucial divisional stretch against South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
After the Knights nearly took down Penn State, a victory over the defending SEC East champs would get the post-Bortles era going in the right direction.
One big matchup
Maty Mauk vs. the UCF secondary
The Knights lost to Penn State in heartbreaking fashion, watching a Nittany Lions field goal sail through the uprights as time expired. It shouldn’t have been that close. Penn State out-gained UCF, 511-246, and the Knights managed only 11 first downs.
The reason UCF was able to stay in the game: three Penn State turnovers, including two interceptions thrown by Christian Hackenberg. The Penn State QB also passed for 454 yards, so it’s pretty clear the Knights’ defensive backs have some issues. If they don’t come up with a turnovers, they’re likely to get carved up, and Missouri should cruise.
Further reading
For all things Missouri, check out Rock M Nation. For more coverage of Group of 5 teams like UCF, visit Underdog Dynasty.
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