Missouri Tigers at Tennessee Volunteers: Kickoff time, TV, line, five things to know
While the Missouri Tigers expected to compete against the Alabama Crimson Tide, the final result was a 38-19 blowout loss.
The Mizzou offense and defense showed fight, which first-year MU coach Eliah Drinkwitz said impressed him, but they also saw up close what the class of the SEC looks like. But now it’s time to move on; linebacker Nick Bolton spoke of the “24-hour rule” — flipping the page to MU’s next game.
Mizzou faces another formidable foe next weekend: No. 21 Tennessee, another Top 25 opponent on a tough early schedule. The Vols claimed a 31-27 victory over South Carolina to open their 2020 season, extending a long winning streak that dates back to last year.
The Tigers finished strong against the Crimson Tide, outscoring their visitors 16-10 in the second half. While they won’t speak of moral victories, Drinkwitz said he found at least some significance in that.
On Saturday, Mizzou has another chance to pick up the first win of the Drinkwitz era. Here’s a look at this week’s game.
THE DETAILS
Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
TV: SEC Network
Betting line: Tennessee by 10
Radio: KMBZ (98.1 FM)
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW
- Looking to limit mistakes: While Mizzou named Robinson as its starting quarterback before the Bama game, Drinkwitz said the Tigers needed more from their quarterback Saturday. He pointed to negative plays — sacks included — that slowed down a Mizzou offense that showed flashes of explosiveness. The Tigers will look to clean up those mistakes, Robinson said, as they work their way through the season.
- Streaking Vols: After a terrible 2-5 start to the 2019 season, Tennessee hasn’t lost a game. The Vols are on an overall seven-game winning streak. The Tigers lost on Senior Day last year in former coach Barry Odom’s final game at Faurot Field. Expect a Tennessee team full of confidence.
- Another stout opponent: After playing No. 2 Alabama and No. 21 Tennessee, the Tigers visit No. 20 LSU, an upset loser to Mike Leach-coached Mississippi State Saturday. That’s one heck of an early gauntlet.
- Beware, Tigers secondary: While the Mizzou defense was solid overall, especially against the pass, last season, the Tigers were picked apart through the air by Tennessee quarterback Jarrett Guarantano a year ago. He threw for 415 yards and two touchdowns against MU in 2019. Expect the Mizzou defense to look for a bounce-back performance Saturday against an offense that had its number last time.
- The all-time series: The Vols and Tigers have met eight times in their history, with MU leading that all-time series 5-3. This will be the first time these two teams have met outside the month of November.