In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a crucial game awaits the Missouri Tigers as they face off against the formidable Alabama Crimson Tide.
Both teams are battling for a crucial win as their hopes for a spot in the college football playoffs are on the line. Earlier in the season, both Mizzou and Alabama were ranked in the Top 10 by the AP. Alabama (5-2) is currently ranked 15th, while Mizzou is ranked 21st, according to the Week 9 AP rankings.
The top 12 football teams, as determined by the College Football Playoff selection committee, will make it to the playoffs in the first year of expanded playoffs. A defeat for either Mizzou or Alabama could jeopardize their chances of making it to the playoffs.
Mizzou also aims to end a long losing streak against Alabama. The Tigers have lost their last five head-to-head matchups, with their last victory over the Crimson Tide dating back to 1975, almost fifty years ago. Mizzou has only won 2 out of 7 historical matchups against Alabama.
Breaking this losing streak won’t be easy, as Mizzou suffered a defeat at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2018. Alabama has only lost three times at home in the last ten years. Despite a new coaching staff after Nick Saban’s departure, Alabama remains a fierce opponent with a strong home-field advantage.
This game against Alabama will only be Mizzou’s second away game of the season. Their previous away game was a disappointing 41-10 loss to the Texas A&M Aggies.
Mizzou’s head coach Eli Drinkwitz acknowledges the challenge ahead and emphasizes the need for his team to rise to the occasion.
“We have confidence in our players’ resilience,” Drinkwitz stated in a recent press conference. “This upcoming game will test our ability to perform in a challenging environment against a ranked opponent. We need to rise to this challenge.”
One major question going into the game is whether starting quarterback Brady Cook will be able to play. Cook sustained an ankle injury last week but managed to lead Mizzou to a 21-17 victory against the Auburn Tigers. While Cook participated in team workouts, his status for the game remains “questionable.” A decision on his availability may not be made until just before game time on Saturday.
The game between Mizzou and Alabama is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. CT, with ESPN broadcasting the game.
