NCAAF No. 23 LSU at No. 21 Missouri Preview and Free Pick

It’s a certified battle of SEC Tigers Saturday afternoon, No. 23 LSU (3-2) visiting undefeated (5-0) and 21st-ranked Missouri. Mizzou hasn’t been ranked this high since 2015.

Louisiana St., out of the SEC West, is 2-1 in conference play thus far. Missouri, in the East, is 1-0. Game time at Memorial Stadium (Faurot Field) in Columbia is High Noon (ET).

It’s been inconsistent in Baton Rouge to date, and these Tigers are in danger of slipping out of SEC contention (and the rankings) if they lose here. LSU suffered a 55-49 setback at Ole Miss last out, having surrendered the go-ahead Rebel score in the final minute.

Missouri comes in off a 38-21 win at Vanderbilt a week ago. The Tigers have played in close games this season (previous three wins by a total of 14 points), but have found ways to win.

Louisiana St. is a 6½-point favorite (total at 63½), according to college football odds.

Moneyline is LSU -245, Mizzou at +203.

It’s just the fourth-ever meeting between the schools, with the Tigers (of Missouri) winning twice in the first three (45-41 in 2020’s last game). 

If you’re a fan/believer, LSU is 8-1 (+800) to win the SEC, Missouri at 40-1 (+4000), as per college football conference odds.

LSU Quite Offensive

The LSU Tigers are averaging 37 points per game (T-15th nation), because they’ve moved the ball with minimal resistance. With a total offense of 534 yards per game (third in nation), much damage comes through the air. 

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who began his career at Arizona St., has a completion rate of 73.1 percent this season (1,710 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, two interceptions). Add in 292 rush yards (three touchdowns), and he’s certainly a star in the SEC.

Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. have a combined 73 receptions (1162 yards, 13 touchdowns). Logan Diggs leads the running game (354 rushing yards, three touchdowns).

Defensively, however, LSU’s been a porous unit. It surrenders 429 yards per game, while susceptible both against the run and the pass.

LSU is also working around some injury issues.

Mizzou Quite Defensive

Missouri is trying to win games with defense. That’s somewhat of a novel concept these days. Missouri surrendered just 83.3 rushing yards/game this season (T-10th in nation).

Mizzout can’t win a shootout, but no slouches on offense

Quarterback Brady Cook has been terrific this season (1,468 passing yards, 11 touchdowns,  zero interceptions). He had a career-best passing game versus Vandy.

Running back Cody Schrader (81 carries, 463 yards, 5.7 yards/carry) is having a monster season to date. Expect these Tigers to utilize Schrader early and often. hopefully slowing the tempo and shrinking the game.

Both Sides Win

LSU is going to try to outscore its hosts, but an explosive offense couldn’t defeat Mississippi. 

Missouri has survived a few close calls so far this season, playing down to the level of the opposition. That’s not the case this time around.

LSU leaves Columbia with a win, but not by the number. Take the home side and the points.