Mizzou Football Three by Three: Week 9 Missouri, in the SEC, and Around the Nation CFB Preview

Welcome to the Week Nine edition of the Three by Three. Let me be your college football guide, providing insight into the sport each week. I’ll cover more than just the obvious topics, but sometimes the Cocktail Party is the most intriguing event, you know?

Each week, I’ll highlight three interesting storylines: one from the Missouri contest, one from the SEC, and one from around the nation. With Mizzou on bye, I want to briefly discuss what I’m looking forward to in the final month.

Let’s dive in.

Missouri

Good Health

The Tigers have been fortunate in terms of injuries this season. Brady Cook and Cody Schrader have played through nagging leg injuries, and hopefully the time off will benefit them. The rest of the offense has remained intact, and hopefully, it stays that way. On defense, CB Ennis Rakestraw, LB Chad Bailey, and DL Darius Robinson all missed some time but should be getting back in form for this crucial stretch. Robinson, in particular, has been playing exceptionally well in the past two weeks, and his dynamic presence will be key to the defense’s success moving forward.

Improved Offensive Line Performance

While Missouri’s offensive line is better than last year’s, it still needs to step up and become a strong unit. This month, it needs to perform at a high level. The line struggled against Kentucky, committing snap infractions and penalties that need to be addressed. PFF grading hasn’t been favorable towards Missouri’s blocking in recent weeks. Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida all have formidable fronts, and the Tigers can’t afford to be overwhelmed during this final month.

Go and Seize the Opportunity

The 2007 and 2013 teams are remembered for their ability to close out games and make their own luck. This year’s team has a chance to join those ranks by taking control of their destiny. They have shown a similar swagger to those historic Tiger squads, playing with the confidence of capable underdogs. The win against Kentucky reminded me of the win against Ole Miss in 2013, where a special teams fake played a crucial role. The win over South Carolina resembled the ’13 win over Florida, as Missouri comfortably defeated a division rival. Let’s hope they continue this trend and secure a victory at Georgia.

In the SEC

Florida vs Georgia (in Jacksonville, FL) — 2:30 PM on CBS

This week, the SEC has a limited number of exciting games due to bye weeks. However, the standout matchup is this historically one-sided rivalry, with the defending champions being favored by two touchdowns. There is some intrigue as Georgia will be without star tight end Brock Bowers for the first time. How will they perform without his unstoppable production and influence on the field?

Tennessee at Kentucky — 6 PM on ESPN

This is the second-best matchup of the week. Tennessee remains a bit of a mystery, as their passing offense has struggled while their defense has improved. This game provides another opportunity to gauge their performance against a common opponent, as both Mizzou and Tennessee convincingly defeated South Carolina at home. Expect a defensive battle with both teams having inconsistent quarterbacks.

Georgia State at Georgia Southern — Thursday at 6:30 PM on ESPN2

Since the SEC slate this week is lacking, let’s shift our attention to Thursday night Sun Belt action. The winner of this game will have a chance at claiming the Sun Belt East title due to James Madison’s postseason ban. Both teams have strong offenses led by experienced quarterbacks. State’s Darren Grainger brings a dynamic, multi-faceted ground attack, while Southern’s Davis Brin leads a quick-strike RPO game. This matchup between a small-school blue blood and an upstart new program is known as “Modern Day Hate.” Don’t miss it.

Around the Nation

Miami (OH) vs Ohio – 2:30 PM on CBSSN

As one of the last Saturday MAC games of the year, this matchup presents an intriguing battle for the top spot in the East standings. Both teams have identical 6-2 records, with a 3-1 conference record. Miami recently lost their star quarterback Brett Gabbert to a season-ending injury, which makes this game even more challenging. Ohio, led by Kurtis Rourk, potentially the best remaining passer in the league, will look to exploit Miami’s weakened defense. MACtion on Saturdays is always worth watching.

Oregon at Utah — 2:30 PM on FOX

Will one of these one-loss teams take a step towards redemption and a playoff spot? Or will it be another chapter in the Pac-12’s cannibalization? These teams have a history of intense matchups, and expect the trend to continue. Utah’s offense has thrived behind Sione Vaki, their converted safety turned primary ballcarrier. Additionally, their defense is one of the best under Kyle Whittingham. Oregon still has aspirations for a national title but can’t afford another setback after a close loss to Washington. The Ducks face a tough challenge on the road at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Oklahoma at Kansas — 11 AM on FOX

Let’s not forget about our once-and-future foes, Oklahoma, as they take on the hated Jayhawks. Both teams possess top-10 offenses in success rate and are capable of creating big plays against vulnerable defenses. After a thrilling win against Texas, the Sooners had a scare against UCF last week. They need to be more focused as they face Lance Leipold’s Kansas program, which is known for surprising opponents. The Jayhawks won’t go down without a fight.

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